Lights, camera, action! An evening of glitz and glam awaits at Equest’s 2020 Gala, An Evening in Old Hollywood, hosted by Honorary Co-Chairs Lynn and Allan McBee and Chair Elizabeth Fischer. The classic Hollywood-themed affair, to be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency’s Landmark Ballroom, will celebrate 39 years of enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by bringing hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies.
Reminiscent of Hollywood’s Golden Age, a red-carpet entrance, paparazzi, and vintage flair will set the scene for the glamourous evening. The black-tie soirée will include a champagne reception, decadent seated dinner, much-desired live and silent auction items, and entertainment featuring the exhilarating and energetic 11-piece Walton Stout Band of the Jordan Kahn Group.
The McBees are community leaders and philanthropists, volunteering countless hours of energy, leadership, and time serving the Dallas community. Lynn, a seventh-generation Texan, is CEO of Young Women’s Preparatory Network and serves on over a dozen local, state, and national boards including The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences Board, and Executive Boards of Dedman College at Southern Methodist University and the Dallas County Community College District Foundation, among others, and is a member of numerous organizations. Allan is vice president at McBee Operating Co., an oil and energy company, and is often seen by Lynn’s side at numerous charitable events.
Fischer’s experience as a young equestrian athlete and an advocate for mental health awareness brought her to Equest. The SMU graduate is the founder and CEO of ZerModus, an e-commerce startup offering locally made daily planners that transform morning routines by starting each day with a sense of purpose and direction. In addition to serving as Chair of the Equest Gala, Fischer recently joined the Equest Board of Directors as an ex-officio member.
“As an equestrian and mental health advocate, I am beyond thrilled to take the reins this year and give Dallas the fundraising event of the season on April 25th,” says Elizabeth. “With last year’s sold out gala, we have unsurprisingly outgrown our previous venue. I can’t wait to see the records we break with the incredible group of diverse people and businesses all coming together to help change lives and open their checkbooks, just as they did in Old Hollywood.”
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.
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
###
In Photo #1: 2020 Equest Honorary Co-Chairs Lynn and Allan McBee
In Photo #2: 2020 Equest Gala Chair Elizabeth Fischer