The Kentucky Derby is really starting to impact the Dallas non-profit landscape. On Saturday, May 3, Dallasites converged at various spots to wear hats, sip adult beverages and watch a race that lasts less than two minutes at Churchill Downs. There was the Center for BrainHealth’s TAG crowd who partied it up at the Dallas Arboretum and the Junior Conservancy’s Day at the Races at Lee Park tri-chaired by Lisa Bhattacharya, Annika Cail and Marvin Bradshaw.
But all the Derby Day watching wasn’t restricted to the Dallas city limits. Heck, no! The Equest crowd ponied up their fundraising up north.
For months, Equest Triple Crown Gala Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Shay Geyer had planned to have a sneak preview of Texas Horse Park for their Equest fundraiser. Since they knew it wouldn’t be totally finished, they recommended guests wear boots.
Another change was the date. Instead of avoiding the Saturday of the Kentucky Derby, they embraced it and set the time to coincide with the “Run for the Roses.” Just to top that, they created the theme “Hats And Horses”.
But as the May 3rd date got closer than a photo-finish, the gals plus their advisors Jocelyn White and Dawn Spalding and production coordinator Michelle Meadows realized that it might be too early for even a preliminary debut. With the clock ticking, the decision was made to move north to Souhfork. Michelle, who had been part of previous Cattle Baron’s at Southfork, knew every inch of the property and was ready for whatever came rain or shine.
As it turned out the wet stuff was nowhere in the county. But that shine was mighty shiny as 400 arrived. Even before facing the rays of the Texas sun, guests had to figure out how to enter the Southfork property. Seems one side of Hogge Road running alongside Southfork was plowed up for construction with a sizable ridge of dirt lying between the ranch’s multiple gates and the road. As guests slowed their vehicles deciding which of the gates was the right one, a little horse sense was applied — Gate 1! After entering the property, guests discovered a welcome committee of horses, riders and check-in table in front of a mammoth white tent.
It soon became apparent that the tent was a Texas-sized parasol shielding all from the brighter-than-bright sunlight. Within its confines guests checked out long lines of silent auction items like a fabulous photo by award-winning photographer Jeremy Lock. . . Karen Lukin was taking questions about her loss of 40 pounds. She startled some by saying she still wanted to lose 15 more. How did she do it? The old-fashion way — exercising and watching her diet. . Despite the pasture under foot, Co-Chair Maggie somehow managed to navigate the area in her stiletto cowboy boots.
And speaking of footwear, Kersten Rettig was proudly showing off her brand new boots from Fort Worth’s M.L. Leddy’s. On the other hand, so to speak, she wasn’t all pleased with a bandaged-up-finger that had been the victim of a “dinjury”. What’s a dinjury? According to Kersten, it’s “an injury that occurs during the course of making dinner.” Evidently this has become a oft-happening occurrence. The night of the slicing of her finger, “Another lady was coming in the Highland Park ER with a ‘dinjury’ as I was leaving. She was in pain but complimented me on my effort to make a zucchini artichoke tart.” But on this day, Kersten was part of the team of judges (Jeff Byron, Louise Griffeth, Lezlie Noble and Blake Stephenson) for the hat contest.
Outside the tent, Jessica Shaw and Nicole Mangum were lining up for mini-smooching with one of the Equest ponies. . . Award-winning videographer John Gudjohnsen was preparing to record Bert Headden’s receiving the Susan Schwartz Founder’s Award. . . Brits Emily Hargrove in a fascinator and Jo Gudjohnsen in a brimmed pink chapeau compared notes about their home island on the other side of the pond.
Across the way, a large stage with screens and the Phil Pritchett band playing was fronted by rows of tables for dining and watching the Kentucky Derby.
At 4 p.m., DJ Jody Dean and Jocelyn took their places on a portable stage in the nearby pasture and coaxed guests from the tent to view the day’s program. Jocelyn laughed, “Watch what you ask for” referring to the sunshine. Those with wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses like Katherine Coker, D’Andra Simmons, Honorary Co-Chair Val Imm Bashour and Christie Carter looked relieved that they had decided to forgo the fascinators or bareheaded look. Others who opted to go hatless like Kevin Hurst and Key Coker ended up a bit red faced, literally. Evelyn Byron was the envy of many. In addition to having a ready-made chair thanks to her wheelchair complete with son Jeff doing the chauffeur duties, the 86-year-old had an umbrella. She was also being mistaken by some for being a former first lady.
Luckily for the horses, riders and other human critters, the demonstrations and presentation didn’t last long enough to work up too much of a sweat.
Then guests either headed back to the tent or their tables to watch California Chrome run for the roses. Don’t tell but, some snuck out early. Seems they had to “refresh” before heading to The Art Ball at the Dallas Museum of Art.
Maggie Kipp says
Jeanne, Thank you for supporting Equest!! Yet again you captured the fun, fabulous feel of the afternoon – loved every minute of Equest Triple Crown Gala!! Huge appreciation to awesome “Hats & Horses” team and amazing Equest patrons.