Rob Giardinelli
Equest Breaks Fundraising Record At 41st Annual Blue Ribbon Event
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Celeste Cass and Rob Wythe
THE SCENE: The Hilton Anatole Dallas was the setting where several hundred of the city’s most notable community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 41st Annual Blue Ribbon Gala. Hosted by Equest, this year’s theme, Hope Unbridled, featured an evening with unique activations, touching tributes, and a record fundraising haul for the storied Dallas organization.
The fun began before guests even entered the Anatole where patrons had the opportunity to pose for photos with Equest horses Artie and Amigo, to commemorate the evening. Guests then gathered outside the Chantilly ballroom for a cocktail hour where revelers sipped on their favorite spirits and caught up with old friends.
During the program, emcee Jody Dean kept the festivities flowing at an entertaining, yet brisk pace. While patrons dined on a delectable, multi-course meal, they were treated to a series of touching testimonials, tributes, and honoring Carolyn Anderson with the Citation Award for her longtime support for the organization.
The night was capped off with an after-party where the revelry continued well into the night as guests danced the night away to the tunes of Manhattan Band.
Partygoers then strolled the blue carpet into the Chantilly Ballroom for the main program. Guests were greeted with dim lights and upbeat music that perfectly complimented the elegant pallet of dark blue satin, silver swirls, and vibrant centerpiece flowers from many colors placed in silver urns.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 41st Annual Blue Ribbon Gala, co-chaired by Calvert Collins-Bratton and Melissa Oates, raised a net of $300,000, a fundraising record.
Proceeds raised from the event benefit Equest, an organization that provides equine-assisted therapies to both children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping, and learning disabilities.
