On April 10, Teresa and Tom Fishman hosted an intimate Patron Party for the 44^th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala at their exquisite University Park home, setting the stage for an evening of philanthropy and celebration. The event honored Equest’s four-decade legacy of enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs through the human-horse connection.

Equest Mini Ambassadors Ranger and Dare, two miniature therapy horses under 38 inches tall, welcomed guests, embodying the organization’s mission through their gentle presence. Demonstrating her culinary  talent and southern hospitality, Teresa served a magnificent homemade gourmet spread featuring stuffed peppers, spinach pastries, apple and blue cheese mini toasts, and more. Another talent on display, 13-year-old rising artist Veva Sterling, a student at Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet School and daughter of Mimi Sterling, impressed guests with live watercolor portraits.

2025 marks Eric Lindh’s first Gala season at Equest since becoming CEO last summer, but it’s not his first rodeo. Previously, he spent nearly two decades with Project Transformation—serving nine years as National CEO and 10 years as Executive Director for North Texas.  Lindh captivated the room with his gratitude to Equest’s generous supporters and stellar Gala leadership team: Gala Chairs Kristin and James Hallam, Honorary Chairs Natalie and David Taylor through the generosity of The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation, and Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand.

While several presentations were shared, it was the Stout family who truly captured the hearts of everyone in attendance. Parents Jessica and Chaney, along with their three children, moved the audience with their heartfelt story about Equest’s profound impact on their eight-year-old son, Rowe, who benefited from Equest’s programs for the past four years.

Additional attendees included Leslie and Hawkins Golden, and Steve Kemble, the renowned event designer responsible for planning the special Gala evening. Several members of the Equest Board of Directors were also present, including Vice Chairperson Brooke Bailey, Ryan Casey, Harley Cozewith, Elizabeth Dacus, Tim Gavin, Chairperson Amy Green, Clint Haggerty, Finley Konrade, and Lisa Laughlin.

The celebratory evening concluded with cheerful toasts and a shared sense of excitement as everyone looked forward to the upcoming Equest Blue Ribbon Gala on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Gilley’s Dallas. The Texas-chic affair will feature gourmet cocktails and seated dinner, live and silent auctions, casino games, and live music by Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra to dance the night away. Tickets and information are available at www.equest.org/gala.    

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. With 34 therapy horses, a dedicated team of professionals, and 869 volunteers contributing 20,611 hours annually, Equest transforms lives annually for more than 2,770 individuals. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. www.equest.org

On April 8, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) held a reception at Catherine and Sam Susser’s Preston Hollow home to introduce 100 Dallas community and business leaders to the university. TWU faculty, representatives and supporters also attended.

TWU Dallas President Monica Christopher thanked everyone for coming and recognized the 35 generous donors of the Dallas President’s Leadership Council (DPLC) and the nine founding members—all of whom are women. “If you remember two things tonight, TWU’s unique mission and commitment to student access and its excellence in our current health science programs. Our Occupational Therapy program is ranked #1 in Texas,* and our Physical Therapy program is ranked #2 in the state.” The TWU Dallas campus is located in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District and contributes to the workforce of North Texas. (*U.S. News & World Report)

TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten discussed how her predecessor, Dr. Ann Stuart, first promoted the idea of TWU being its own university system and the need for Dallas to stand on its own. TWU is now the seventh public university system. Feyten told how she met and hired Christopher as the inaugural president. “President Christopher is helping TWU open doors in Dallas to businesses, community organizations and supporters.”  

Catherine Susser, host, TWU Campaign Cabinet and DPLC Founding Member, said, “Two passions of mine drew me to TWU’s mission: education and healthcare.” I’ve been impressed to learn about the important health research that is taking place at TWU, especially at its Mike A. Myers Stroke Center.”

TWU Nursing undergraduate student Michael Preciado told about being a research intern at UT Southwestern and giving a presentation on his research at the American Heart Association’s Stroke Conference in February 2025—all because of his learning experiences at TWU. “I want to be a part of the TWU history.”

TWU Physical therapy doctoral student Avery Ellis-Byerly said that she selected TWU’s program because of its reputation, 100% pass rate and 100% employment rate. “I’m so grateful I said yes to TWU.” She will receive her doctorate in May 2025.

For more information about TWU and giving, visit https://twu.edu/advancement/.

ABOUT TWU
Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a $125 million comprehensive fundraising effort to support innovative programs, capital projects, student scholarships, and faculty endowments. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visitdreambig.twu.edu ortwu.edu, or connect with TWU onFacebook@TexasWomansUniversity,Instagram@txwomans,Twitter@txwomans, andLinkedIn@texaswomansuniversity.

Fencing, fighting, true love, revenge, miracles… and a full symphony orchestra! On April 25-27, Dallas Symphony Orchestra is proud to present The Princess Bride© in Concert, bringing Rob Reiner’s beloved classic to life in an unforgettable way. For the first time, composer Mark Knopfler’s iconic score is performed live-to-picture by a full symphony orchestra.

Relive the epic tale of Buttercup and Westley, dastardly villains, swashbuckling heroes, and miracle men played by an all-star cast – now with the added magic of a cinematic concert experience. With an all-star cast and narration by Peter Falk, this is a fairytale adventure the whole family will cherish.

“Missing it would be inconceivable!”

Tickets start at $52 and are available at dallassymphony.org.

Meyerson Symphony Center is located in Downtown Dallas at 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201.

Sheraton Dallas presents a whimsical Easter Day Brunch at Open Palette on Sunday, April 20, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy stations of fresh seafood, made-to-order omelets, classic breakfast staples, and more in a bright, contemporary setting with live music. To make the day even more special, Open Palette is delighted to offer $1 mimosas for the adults and a fun Egg Hunt for the kids!

Easter Day Brunch is $72/adult, $30/child under 12, and free for kids under 4 years old. Reservations are available now on OpenTable.

Open Palette is located in Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 North Olive Street.

EASTER DAY BRUNCH BUFFET MENU

Local Cheese Table. Paired with Local Jam and Artisan Crackers.

Charcuterie Table. Paired with Whole Grain Mustard and Artisan Bread.

Seafood Station

• Seafood Ceviche, with Tortilla Chips.

• Crab Claws & Gulf Shrimp, with Lime Teqila Mignonette.

• Shrimp & Lobster Salad, with Bread Rolls.

Salad Station

• Baby Green, Chopped Romaine, Tomato, Cucumber, Olives, Pickled Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Crouton, Strawberry, Candied Pecan, Chopped Bacon, Carrot, Ranch Dressing, Caesar Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Pasta Station

• Pasta options include Macaroni, Penne, and Orecchiette.

• Housemade sauce options: Alfredo-Carbonara, Smoked Vodka Sauce, Lobster Cream.

• Toppings: Parmigiano Reggiano, Local Spring Mushrooms, Sweet Drops Peppers, Italian Sausage, Kalamata Olives, Smoked Pancetta, Spinach.

Breakfast Station

• Applewood Smoked Bacon, Chorizo Potatoes, Pork Sausage, Chilaquiles, Sausage Gravy, Cheddar Biscuit.

Omelet Station

• Cage-Free Fresh Egg, Egg White, Ham, Turkey, Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Spinach, Mushroom, Tomato, Cheese, Jalapeno, Salsa.

Carving Station

• Roasted Garlic Prime Rib, with Au Jus.

• Taco Station, with Pork Al Pastor and Barbacoa. Roasted Cauliflower, Pico de Gallo, Avocado Salsa, Jalapeño Aioli, Lime Cabbage.

Kids Station

• Homemade Fried Chicken, Fish Sticks, Scramble Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes.

Sweet Treats

• Assorted Mini Pastries, Cakes, Fruit Tarts, Fruits.

Turtle Creek Chorale presents its 45th season, 45 LIVE: The Best Moments Live Here, including new mainstage concerts and ensemble concerts, special guest appearances from widely recognized performers, and the fifth annual Rhapsody Gala. 

For 45 years, Turtle Creek Chorale has brought music to life, transforming moments into memories through the power of live performance. From its humble beginnings in 1980 to becoming a world renowned chorus, the Chorale has faced triumphs, endured challenges, and reached profound milestones, all guided by music. 

“Live performance is not only something you hear, but something you feel,” Turtle Creek Chorale Artistic Director Sean Baugh said. “The Chorale’s 45th season is a tribute to the transformative power of live music and shared experiences. By showing up, you are not just supporting the arts community, you are championing the values that bring us all together and welcoming all identities and backgrounds, especially our LGBTQ+ family.” 

Season 45 performances include: 

• Disney PRIDE in Concert: This summer, Turtle Creek Chorale will perform iconic Disney songs alongside a 30 piece orchestra, celebrating themes of love, LGBTQ+ pride, and family ties. Disney PRIDE in Concert will honor Disney’s globally acclaimed musical legacy and provide Chorale members the opportunity to share their personal journeys and reflect on how this music has shaped their lives. Prepare to be enchanted by songs from The Lion King, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and more in two spectacular performances on June 26 and 27 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

• Guys & Dolls: A tribute to the classic show in partnership with Lyric Stage, Guys & Dolls will be performed at Moody Performance Hall on August 15, 16, and 17. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys & Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).

• Groundless Ground: Alongside the Women’s Chorus of Dallas and a 30 piece orchestra, the Turtle Creek Chorale will perform a powerful concert that explores how to find strength, hope, and resilience when the world feels uncertain. Groundless Ground will honor women, the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and immigrants, amplifying voices that deserve to be celebrated. To honor the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking work Sing for the Cure, the Chorale will showcase selections from this beloved piece alongside the powerful Unbreakable song cycle. Groundless Ground will be performed on Wednesday, September 17 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

• Rhapsody: The fifth annual gala benefiting the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite and inspire will be held on Saturday, September 20, at The Statler Dallas and will feature a special guest performer to be announced this spring.

• All is Calm: It was Christmas Eve in 1914 when British and German troops laid down their arms and gathered in song, drink, and warmth to celebrate the holiday. This event, now known as the “Christmas Truce,” continues to be a heartwarming and powerful story of shared humanity. This December, the Turtle Creek Chorale will not only  tell this story through the power of music but will also present songs that remind us that the holiday season is, above all, a time for peace, understanding, love, family, and friendship. All is Calm will be performed in a series of concerts on the Chorale’s second “Holiday Tour,” spreading peace and joy across the DFW Metroplex this holiday season. 

“It’s hard to believe that the 45th season of the Turtle Creek Chorale is here,” Turtle Creek Chorale Executive Director Dr. Dawson B. Taylor said. “I remember originally joining the Chorale as a singer just after celebrating its 25th anniversary. This season will be accustomed to all the laughter, tears, and chill bumps you have felt all these years at TCC shows, but we will be focused on the part that makes that possible — being together to enjoy the music, artistry and beauty of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Stay tuned for dates for our small ensemble feature show as well as the resurrected cabaret show.” 

Tickets for each concert will be available for purchase on TurtleCreekChorale.com during the months leading up to the performance. For the latest news on ticket sales, additional guest performer announcements, Rhapsody updates, and information about Turtle Creek Chorale’s community involvement, follow along on Instagram and Facebook @TurtleCreekChorale.