On April 9, a charming Patron Party for the 45th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala was held in the beautiful home of Connie and Marc Sigel, setting the scene for a lively and stylish start to gala season. The event brought together 75 Equest supporters for a meaningful evening filled with connection, excitement, and purpose.
Equest’s beloved Mini Ambassadors, Ranger and Dare — two miniature horses standing under 38 inches tall — greeted guests and quickly became a favorite photo opportunity. Inside, attendees enjoyed passed appetizers by Wendy Krispin Catering in an inviting atmosphere where conversation and camaraderie flowed easily, underscoring the shared commitment to Equest’s mission.
A special artistic touch came from Veva Sterling, daughter of Mimi Crum Sterling, who created watercolor portraits for guests, offering a personal keepsake that captured the spirit of the evening.
Equest CEO Eric Lindh and Gala Co-Chairs Melinda and Mark Knowles took a moment to recognize the committee chairs for their unwavering dedication before thanking guests for their continued support and for being part of the Equest family. They emphasized how meaningful this community is in advancing the organization’s mission, noting that the upcoming Blue Ribbon Gala is not only a celebration, but a vital moment that brings the community together in support of Equest’s life-changing work.
A particularly heartfelt moment came from Equest parent Allison Smith, who shared her daughter Lilly’s journey with autism. She described Equest as “essential” to their family, crediting the nonprofit with giving Lilly “confidence, connection, and a chance to dream,” a powerful reminder of the impact made possible through the support in the room.
Among those in attendance were Honorary Chair Lynn McBee, Founders Award Honorees Leslie and Hawkins Golden, and event designer Steve Kemble. Equest Board officers, including Chairman Brooke Bailey, Vice Chairman Megan Martin, and Treasurer Daniel Valentine, alongside numerous board members, were seen mingling with guests. Rounding out the room were a number of longtime patrons, including Lisa Laughlin, Natalie Taylor and Lauryn Gayle White.
All of it now leads to the Equest 45th Annual Blue Ribbon Gala, the organization’s signature fundraising event, set for April 25 at Gilley’s Dallas, an evening sure to continue the momentum and celebrate the community that makes Equest’s mission possible.
About Equest’s 45th Annual Blue Ribbon Gala
The Equest Annual Blue Ribbon Gala will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Gilley’s Dallas (1135 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215). A limited number of individual tickets are available for $400 each. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.equest.org/gala or contact Angela Escamilla at gala@equest.org or (972) 412-1099 ext. 209.
About Equest
Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine facilitated activities, 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 learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. In 2025, with 30 therapy horses and a dedicated team of professionals, Equest impacted 727 individuals through direct services and reached an additional 1,511 through outreach and education. 431 veterans were served through the Hooves for Heroes program. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. www.equest.org