Despite the upcoming weeks of winter, Lindsay Ballotta and Jenny Merkle are focused on Saturday, June 3. That’s when they will be co-chairing the 2023 Blue Ribbon Ball in Equest’s Al Hill Jr. Arena at Texas Horse Park.
For Lindsay, there is a personal connection for saddling up for the Equest fundraiser. “My daughter Caroline began riding horses when she was six years old. She is now 15 and riding continues to instill life-lessons that go far beyond technical horsemanship skills. Through her riding, I can truly appreciate the unique relationship between horse and rider, and the therapeutic effects of riding on the mind, body and soul.”
Like Lindsay, Jenny’s involvement in the project is based on personal experience. Pointing out Equest’s literacy program for underprivileged children whose interests are in horses, she explained, “As a former PTA president, the ‘Reading Quest with Equest’ program is one that I passionately support in addition to all the wonderful services Equest provides.”
Joining Lindsay and Jenny are Blue Ribbon committee members Bonner Allen, Kristin Baker, Kelly Carter, Harley Cozewith, Shannon Graham, Finley Konrade, Karly Matthews, Debbie Oates, Sunie Solomon and Beth Thoele.
According to Equest CEO Lili Kellogg, “We are so thrilled to have the support of these two incredible co-chairs for our annual fundraiser, which celebrates the power of our mission and the human-horse connection.”
As a tip of the hat to the success and accomplishments of Equest clients in and out of the arena for the past 42 years, the fundraiser will be officially branded the “Blue Ribbon Ball” following the name’s launch this past June.
Plans call for the evening cocktail reception, seated dinner, live entertainment, loads of photos opps with Equest horses, the presentation of the Citation Award and auctions, both silent and live.
While sponsorships and tickets won’t be available until early 2023, insiders know they can always “chat” with Jacquie Maddox for the goods.
* Graphic/photo provided by Equest