WHO:                   Chairs: Calvert Collins-Bratton and Melissa Oates

Honorary Chairs: Kristy and Patrick Sands

Founder’s Award Honoree: Mrs. Pamela Dealey Petty

Citation Award Honoree: Ms. Carolyn Anderson

Entertainment: The Manhattan Orchestra of The Jordan Khan Music Company

WHAT:                 The Blue Ribbon Gala, now in its 43rd year, is a Texas-chic, upbeat and elegant evening affair that typically draws more than 600 social, civic, and business leaders from across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, with proceeds supporting the mission of Equest to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted services. Equest is a PATH, Intl. Premier Accredited Agency.

WHY:                    Across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 61 million individuals living with a disability.  More specifically, in the North Texas area alone, more than 800,000 individuals are living with a disability, and obesity rates for children with disabilities are 38% higher than for children without a disability. Further, 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Clients with autism are the largest population served at Equest—approximately 30%.

For more than 42 years, Equest has been at the forefront serving the North Texas community by enhancing the quality of life for those with physical, cognitive, and socio- emotional needs through the human-horse connection. As the first therapeutic horsemanship center in Texas, Equest quickly rose to become an industry leader in the equine therapy space.

In providing compassionate care to our wider community, Equest partners with horses who are especially effective therapeutic partners, given their physical and behavioral attributes. A horse’s multi-dimensional movement mimics the human gait, and when mounted, ultimately strengthens the core and balance of riders.  When riding, the human’s spine is massaged, joints are mobilized, and the vestibular system is stimulated. Most importantly, lives are changed for more than 2,000 clients annually.

SPONSORSHIPS: Grand Champion - $50,000             

                            Champion - $25,000               

                            Reserve Champion- $15,000

Jumper Champion - $10,000        

Best In Show - $5,000      

High Point - $3,000

UNDERWRITING Entertainment - $50,000

                            VIP Reception - $25,000               

                            Patron Party - $10,000

Valet - $10,000                 

Garland of Roses - $10,000           

Silent Auction - $10,000

Print - $7,500                   

Photography - $5,000                     

Gift Bags - $3,000

TICKETS:             Patron Ticket - $600                    Individual Ticket - $300

 WEBSITE:           https://equest.org/event/annual-blue-ribbon-gala/  

CONTACT:            Malcolm Hodge, 972.412.1099 or mhodge@equest.org