Co-chairs Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade, and Elsa Norwood, with honorary chairs Leslie and Hawkins Golden, were joined by nearly 60 host committee members and guests at the Blue Ribbon Ball kick-off hosted by Samuel Lynne Galleries on Thursday, April 28 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, partygoers enjoyed a photo opp with two of Equest’s prized miniature horses, Ranger and Dare, before mingling throughout the galleries. At the appointed time, Equest CEO Lilli Kellogg gathered the crowd for brief remarks. In addition to thanking the evening’s host, she also extended her gratitude to kickoff party underwriters, Cindy Thomas and her husband, Bert Headden, who helped make the evening possible.
With the gala theme of Blue Ribbon Ball, Kellogg also shared the importance of blue ribbon moment to Equest clients, whether they have a physical disability, a behavioral issue, an intellectual challenge or maybe they are veteran trying to adjust to civilian life – they are all blue ribbon winners because of their connection with Equest’s horses. She said, “The human horse connection is so powerful and so effective, and helps our clients reach their milestones – so the blue ribbon ball could not be more perfect.”
Blue Ribbon Ball sponsors to date include: Pendery’s Spices, Benchmark Bank, Kubota, Cavender’s, LKCM, CrossFirst Bank, Lennox, International, Republic Title, BKD CPA’s and Advisors, Holland Knight, Kite Realty, Goldman Sachs, IdeaMan Studios, Vestals Catering, Lawson Events, Crazy Beautiful Wines, TX Whiskey, Total Wine, Titos, Sunbelt Rentals, MySweetCharity and Paper City.
The Blue Ribbon Ball will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 in the Al Hill, Jr. Arena at Equest at the Texas Horse Park in Dallas. With the festivities taking place in Equest’s open-air arena, partygoers can leave their stilettos and tuxes at home, and opt for cocktail chic with stylish sandals or boots. Event highlights will include a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, photo ops with Equest’s horses, Citation Award presentation and inspirational speaker Timmy Newsome.
Sponsorships, tables and tickets are available now. For additional information, visit www.equest.org/gala or contact Jacquie Maddox at jmaddox@equest.orgor 972-412-1099 x205.
About Equest
Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine assisted learning, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and equine assisted learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With the help of 30 therapy horses, eight instructors, four therapists, three counselors, and 700 volunteers, lives are changed for more than 2,000 served annually. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. Equest offers an engaging volunteer program that provides 30,000 hours of direct program service opportunities each year. www.equest.org