Texas’ Cowboy-Friendly Gala Raises Over Half a Million for Therapeutic Horsmanship
Inside the 41st Annual Equest Fundraiser
BY PaperCity Staff Report // 07.06.22Jae Kim, Hope Furst with Equest mini ambassadors Ranger and Dare (Photo by Nate Rehlander)
WHAT: The 41st Equest Gala (aka Blue Ribbon Ball), which raises funds annually for the nonprofit organization‘s equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling for children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping, and learning disabilities.
WHERE: Texas Horse Park on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
THE SCENE: More than 550 guests traded their heels for cowboy boots in honor of the Blue Ribbon Ball, an equestrian’s dream complete with champagne among the stables and mini horse ambassadors (this year, Ranger and Dare welcomed patrons).
After a photo opp by the blue ribbon wall, guests made their way into the Al Hill, Jr. Arena, where emcee Jody Dean helped to orchestrate a gorgeous evening of farm-fresh cuisine, a lively auction, heartwarming speeches, and dancing beneath the stars. In all, the 41st annual Equest Gala raised more than $600,000.
Awards that evening were presented to Lane Cates and her husband Brad McLain (the 2022 Citation Award), and Olivia McLean (Equest Rider of the Year, Youth), Jaime Moore (Equest Rider of the Year, Adult), and Jimmy Dean (Equest Rider of the Year, Veteran).
PC Seen: Those toasting a glass by the stables included Blue Ribbon Ball co-chairs Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade, and Elsa Norwood; honorary chairs Leslie and Hawkins Golden; and Equest’s CEO Lili Kellogg. Presenters included Equest board chairman Julie Sherman and former NFL Dallas Cowboys player Timmy Newsome.
Elizabeth Anthony
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