While a herd of cattle was rambling in place at Pioneer Plaza, downtown Dallas had horses on all sides to fundraise on Friday, April 25. As Booker T. Washington’s sold-out Flying Horse Gala was just ramping up at the Montgomery Arts Theater, the beautiful people were over at Gilley’s Dallas for the Equest Blue Ribbon Gala.
With more than 500 boot-scooting and blonde beauts on hand for the fundraiser, Equest mini-ambassadors Dare and Ranger had all types of guests including Citation Awardees Tim and Donna Weber lining up for a meet and smile photo opp.
As Event Producer Steve Kemble, decked out in layers of denim, made a final check of the tables awash in blue, glowing in candlelight and highlighted by a rotating rhinestone saddle overhead, the evening’s emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton, who had co-chaired the 2024 fundraiser, said that she was subbing for regular old hand Jody Dean, who was attending his son’s wedding.
In the meantime, Event Co-Chairs Kristin and James Hallam were joined by Honorary Co-Chairs Natalie and David Taylor and Live Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand. Here’s a report from the field:
The 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala was a night where cowboy boots and big-hearted bidding came together in a spirited celebration that still has Dallas buzzing. On Friday, April 25, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest, thanks to the visionary leadership of Gala Chairs Kristin and James Hallam and Honorary Chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor. The event drew a sold-out crowd of 570, all ready to “party for a purpose,” a rallying cry that echoed through the night with every heartfelt speech and enthusiastic paddle raise.
From the first “yee haw” delivered by emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton, guests knew this was no ordinary gala. The program unfolded as a masterclass in inspiration, with each speaker reminding the room that every dollar raised would help Equest deliver hope and healing through its transformative equine-assisted programs.
Equest Founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her a legend in the Equest family. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client, in recognition of their tireless volunteerism and generous philanthropy.
New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to share Equest’s bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment. His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.
The silent and live auctions were runaway successes. Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and Dallas delivered. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles effortlessly, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. He energized the room with live auction packages featuring fabulous trips around the world, including destinations such as France, Antigua, Montana, and more. But the most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Louis auction off his own sparkling jacket. Ever the showman, he obliged, and the jacket fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber who clearly knows a statement piece when he sees one.
Of course, no gala would be complete without a little razzle-dazzle from event designer Steve Kemble, who outdid himself with a blue ombré color scheme, elegant white rose tablescapes, and a “disco saddle” centerpiece that had everyone talking. As the evening drew to a close, guests tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra. The sensational fundraising evening proved once again that when Dallas comes together for Equest, it’s always a blue-ribbon affair.
Additional notable attendees included Equest Board of Directors Chair Amy Green, former Equest CEO Lili Kellogg and an ensemble of distinguished charity leaders including Carol and Paul Goelzer, Nancy Greenbach, Sara and Robert Hallam, Lynn McBee, Tanya and Danny Rice, Therese Rourk, Kristy and Patrick Sands, Anne Seanor and Donna Weitzman, among many others.
Special thanks go to the sponsors whose generosity made the night possible, including: Ben E. Keith Co., Benchmark Bank, Beasom Stable, Goldman Sachs Gives, Bank of Texas, Pender’s, Cavender’s Boot City, Kiewit, Steve Kemble Event Design, Hopkins, Etro, Dallas Capital Bank, Holland And Knight, Pave the Way Jewelry by Joan Hornig, Quest Events, Susan Friedman Public Relations, Spirit Tours, “Modern Luxury Dallas,” NexPoint, Marsh McLennan Agency, Lela Rose, MySweetCharity, Brilliant Fulfillment and Commerce Street Capital.
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron
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