Four Week Countdown to the Hottest Event in Town!
Equest Presents Arabian Nights Gala
DALLAS – February 25, 2019 – With limited seats available, the final countdown begins for Equest’s largest fundraiser, Equest Presents Arabian Nights Gala, hosted by Co-Chairs Annie and Teal Griffeth and Honorary Co-Chairs Cindy Thomas and Bert Headden. The Arabian-themed affair, to be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Sixty Five Hundred event space, will be celebrating the achievements of Equest’s remarkable 38-year history of enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs through the human-horse connection.
Open Sesame to a magical evening of enchantment and mysticism, vibrant colors, plush fabrics, time-honored rituals, and the lingering exotic scent of incense and spices. Guided by Emcee Sonia Azad, the health and wellness reporter at WFAA Channel 8, the night begins with a reception featuring the signature Wish Granter cocktail, presented by Reyka Vodka, and additional adult libations followed by an exquisite seated dinner prepared by Food Glorious Food Catering. Non-stop entertainment includes much-desired live and silent auction items, a not-to-be-missed raffle, tarot card and palm readers, photo-ops with Equest’s Mini Ambassadors, energetic performances by DJ Lucy Wrubel and Taylor Pace Orchestra, and dancing all night long.
Wish Granter
1 ½ parts Reyka Vodka
¾ part Lemon Juice
½ part Simple Syrup
Top Soda
2-4 Basil Leaves
Combine all ingredients into cocktail shaker except soda. Shake and double strain into Collins glass. Top with soda and garnish with basil leave.
This will also be the first year the Equest Gala will host Citation Awards. The award is named after the thoroughbred horse, Citation, (April 11, 1945 – August 8, 1970) who won 16 consecutive races in major stakes race competitions. Citation was the first horse in history to win one million dollars. This year, Equest is proud to announce the Citation Award will go to Connie and Denny Carreker who demonstrate the same spirit of excellence in support of Equest.
Equest would like to thank its major sponsors:
Cindy Thomas and Bert Headden, Louise and Guy Griffeth, Susan Schwartz, Connie and Denny Carreker, Hal and Diane Brierley, Peggy and Carl Sewell and Sewell Automotive Group, Shirley and William McIntyre, Hopkins Commercial, Anna Lou Glass, Lydia and Bill Addy, Lane Cates and Brad McLain, Robyn and Don Conlon, Patty Decker and Mark Arneson, Teresa and Tom Fishman, Annie and Teal Griffeth, Elizabeth Murray, Susie Siller and Nick Olenec, Faith and Garrett Smith, Beth and Jay Staples, Highland Capital Management, My Sweet Charity, Modern Luxury Dallas, Taylor Pace Orchestra, William Noble Rare Jewels, William Grant & Sons – Fistful of Bourbon, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, Reyka Vodka, Tullamore D.E.W.
The Equest Presents Arabian Nights Gala will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 starting at 6:30 p.m. at Sixty Five Hundred (6500 Cedar Springs Road, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75235). Underwriting opportunities are available at various levels starting at $2,500 as a category sponsor and $5,000 for a table of ten. Patron tickets may be purchased for $500 each and include priority seating and two raffle tickets. General tickets are available for $250 each. Dress is cocktail, Arabian-inspired outfits welcomed. For more information, visit www.equest.org/gala or call 972.412.1099.
About Honorary Chairs Cindy Thomas and Bert Headden
Cindy Thomas and Bert Headden’s involvement at Equest goes back to 1991, when Cindy started as a therapist and began implementing the Hippotherapy (PT/OT) program, which uses the movement of the horse as a therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment and is the core of what Equest does today. Several years later, Cindy met her future husband, Bert, and introduced him to Equest as a client. Since then, Bert has served on the Equest Board of Directors and Finance Committee and continues to provide sound advice and expertise to sustain Equest’s mission. Today, Cindy and Bert continue to support Equest as faithful donors, advocates, and advisers.
About Co-Chairs Annie and Teal Griffeth
The Griffeth’s love for their community and dedication to serve led them to Equest. Teal, a commercial broker at Lincoln Harris Properties, is a Dallas native and veteran, having served in the United States Army Special Forces as a Green Beret for seven years before retiring with honor in 2016. Annie is a professional artist whose paintings are displayed in private collections throughout the United States, Japan, and England. She volunteers her time and talent to the pilot art program at Jubilee Park, teaching grades K-8, as well as St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and Lakewood Elementary.
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, two counselors, and 400 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
In Photo: Teal and Annie Griffeth
Photo Credit: Bob Manzano