According to 2023 Equest Women’s Auxiliary Chair Katherine Wyker,
“When Equest Women’s Auxiliary visionary Louise Griffeth founded the organization more than thirty years ago, Equest was known as Freedom Ride and many people were unfamiliar with the cause and how to become supporters.
“Her vision was to create a long-term support team to help Equest raise funds and create awareness for the unique organization. Louise’s concept has prospered and I am honored to have served as this year’s Auxiliary Chair and to plan next year’s luncheon. She is truly a mentor to me and everyone involved in the Women’s Auxiliary. I look forward to passing the baton to Chair-Elect Lisa Loy Laughlin, an longtime Equest advocate.
“Equest has received well-deserved national recognition for its work. Women’s Auxiliary is a very effective organization comprised of hundreds of dedicated women who volunteer selflessly to raise funds for the therapeutic horsemanship programs. Equest has improved the lives of children and adults using horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted therapies for 40 years. The program has grown dramatically over the years. Equest and the awareness continues to spread with the help generous donors at all levels.
“The success of the 2023 luncheon, presented by Highland Park Village, would not have been possible without the generous support of long-time Equest Auxiliary donors Louise Griffeth and luncheon honorees Katie Oster, Beth Layton, Cara French and Prissy Gravely! Also, a big thank you to Luncheon Chair Kimber Hartmann and Underwriting Chair Shannon Graham. All of these ‘dynamic duos’ made the event a genuine success!
“Thanks to their support and donations from hundreds of others, Equest has become the leader in equine assisted therapy and serves hundreds of riders annually including riders with cerebral palsy and autism as well as orthopedic ailments. Additionally, Equest serves veterans through the Horses for Heroes program.
“Top donors to the 2023 event, in addition to Presenting Sponsor Highland Park Village, included Robyn and Don Conlon, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Louise Griffeth, Lyda Hill, Helen K. and Robert McGraw and Lisa Troutt. Their generosity and commitment to Equest is immeasurable!
“My wish is that you visit the Auxiliary website to learn about this amazing program and that your mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 1, at Brook Hollow for the 2024 Luncheon. But, remember that you don’t have to wait for the Fashion Show to join forces with this life-changing organization. Memberships in the Auxiliary start at $50.”