A Glamorous Evening at Equest’s Gala Premiere
Equest’s superstar Mini Ambassadors Ranger and Dare, two miniature horses under 36 inches tall, welcomed guests as they walked the red carpet to the kick-off reception for Equest’s 2020 Gala, An Evening in Old Hollywood, on February 12th at Stanley Korshak. The elegant affair, hosted by Honorary Co-Chairs Lynn and Allan McBee and Chair Elizabeth Fischer, created buzz and excitement for Equest’s largest fundraiser.
An oversized Oscar award, provided by Don Ross Nabb Production Companies, overlooked the room as over 100 attendees savored delicious bites from Sixty Vines, tastings from The Macallan Scotch Whisky bar, the evening’s signature Old Hollywood martini, champagne, and other adult beverages. DJ Blake Ward kept the tempo upbeat as guests mingled and shopped the luxury apparel and accessories in which Stanley Korshak graciously donated 15 percent of the evening’s proceeds for Equest to continue their mission to provide hope and healing to those with special needs through equine assisted therapies and activities.
Equest CEO Lili Kellogg announced exciting details about the 2020 Equest Gala. New this year, five Leading Ladies, dramatically dressed and styled in Old Hollywood glamour by Stanley Korshak, will help serve as hosts and ambassadors to the Gala. The Leading Ladies include Annie Griffeth who served as the Equest Gala Chair in 2019, former equestrian Katherine Wyker who is a new member of the Equest Board of Directors and also serves as Gala Auction Chair, equestrian and frequent Equest volunteer Lucy Bannon, as well as 2020 Gala Chair Elizabeth Fischer and Honorary Co-Chair Lynn McBee.
Caitlin Laughlin and her daughter, Elizabeth, a young Equest client diagnosed with cerebral palsy, captured everyone’s hearts. Caitlin talked about the impact Equest has had on her five-year-old daughter’s life, getting tearful as she proudly announced that earlier that day Elizabeth stood and walked to her physical therapist for the first time without her walker.
The energy for the gala was contagious amongst its notable attendees including Equest Chairman of the Board Lane Cates, Melinda and Mark Knowles, Nancy and Ron Natinsky, Katie Cox and Tricia Sims. Teal Griffeth, who served as 2019 Equest Gala Co-Chair alongside his wife and this year’s Leading Lady, Annie, stood by her side commending her endless energy and philanthropic nature. Teal is the son of Louise Griffeth, founder of Equest’s Women’s Auxiliary and last year’s recipient of Equest’s Founder’s Award.
About Equest
Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine assisted learning, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities and veterans with adjustment challenges. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and equine assisted learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With the help of 30 therapy horses, eight instructors, four therapists, three counselors, and 700 volunteers, lives are changed for more than 2,000 served annually. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. Equest offers an engaging volunteer program that provides 30,000 hours of direct program service opportunities each year. www.equest.org
Equest’s 2020 Gala, An Evening in Old Hollywood, will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency’s Landmark Ballroom (300 Reunion Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207). Underwriting opportunities are available at various levels. Tables (of 10) are available to purchase starting at $5,000 at www.equest.org/gala. For more information, visit www.equest.org or call 972.412.1099.