While Samuel Lynne Galleries is right at home hosting non-profit events, the kick-off party on Thursday, April 28, for Equest‘s Blue Ribbon Gala had a couple of guests that weren’t regulars on the art scene — Equest’s mini-ambassadors Dare and Ranger. And they proved to be little works of art for photos with the guests. Here’s a report from the field:
Co-Chairs Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade and Elsa Norwood, with Honorary Co-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 winner and Equest client Stacey Johnson followed and shared her more than 30-year experience with the organization. She said that the best thing about Equest for her are the horses, instructors and volunteers, as well as people like those in the room who make Equest possible for clients like her.
Kellogg then took a moment to recognize the honorary chairs and co-chairs, thanking them for their hard work on the upcoming gala. Development Director Jacquie Maddox followed with heartfelt thanks to Blue Ribbon Ball sponsors, which 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 PaperCity.
Kellogg closed with special thanks to Equest board members, staff and volunteers.
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 [email protected] or 972.412.1099 x205 .
* Photo credit: Nate Rehlander