Overlooking Turtle Creek, Equest’s mini-ambassadors Dare and Ranger resisted chomping down on Turtle Creek Park’s lush green grass. After all, along with Blue Ribbon Gala Co-Chairs Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade and Elsa Norwood, they were there to join the 100 guests for the gala’s patron party on Thursday, May 28. The only thing missing was the evening’s underwriters, Diane and Hal Brierley, who were on the other side of the pond in South Africa.
Upon arrival, partygoers enjoyed light bites by Food Glorious Food while sipping wines generously provided by 4R Ranch Vineyard and Winery in Muenster. 4R Ranch co-owners Nicole and Walt Roper were on hand to personally serve their award-winning wines. Raffle tickets were on sale for a chance to win one of five fabulous packages, to be announced at the upcoming gala on Saturday, June 4, at Texas Horse Park.
Midway through the evening, Equest CEO Lili Kellogg took a few moments to thank all in attendance, including gala committee members Di Johnston, Leslie Kennedy and Pamela Dealey Petty, along with host committee members Carolyn Anderson, Barbara and Don Averitt, Lucy Bannon, Linda Faulkner, April and Cash Harbaugh, Cindy Thomas and Bert Headden, Katherine and Austin Wyker, Betsy and Houston Hunt, Sharla Bush, Terry and Butch Irby and Clay Irby.
Finley followed, thanking the many Blue Ribbon Gala sponsors, including those with representatives in attendance: CrossFirst Bank, Caliber Home Loans, Benchmark Bank and Pendery’s.
As the evening came to an end, mini-ambassador Ranger initially balked at climbing on board his trailer to head back to Texas Horse Park. Afterall, it’s not every day a fellow gets to hangs out along Turtle Creek. Still it was past his bedtime, so the little fellow accommodated his handlers, as the two-legged guests retrieved their wheels and were gifted with a custom cookie featuring … what else? … a “blue ribbon.”