Lance Avery Morgan
Where Horses Heal And Hearts Give, Go Inside The Hallams’ Fun-Filled Lives
In a city where boots and ball gowns often share the same dance floor, Kristin Hallam and her husband, James Hallam, have mastered the fine art of philanthropic finesse with Texas-sized charm. As the dynamic duo behind this year’s highly anticipated Equest Blue Ribbon Gala on April 25th, the Hallams have galloped straight into the heart of Dallas society…with a steady, intentional stride that speaks volumes about their passion for giving back.
Married, magnetic, and marvelously mission-driven, Kristin and James are redefining what it means to be a modern-day power couple. She’s a vision of gracious glamour, the kind of woman who can wrangle a guest list and champion a cause before lunch—and still have time to add a little extra sparkle to the centerpiece arrangements. He’s her equally poised partner in philanthropy: thoughtful, strategic, and unflappably calm amid the gala whirlwind, the very definition of behind-the-scenes brilliance. Together, they’re more than co-chairs—they’re co-conspirators in creating one of the most meaningful and memorable nights of the Dallas social season. Guests can also count on Dallas’ superstar event producer Steve Kemble to unleash an unbridled amount of creativity with the gala’s decor.
But for the Hallams, it’s not just about the glittering lights, champagne flutes, or society-page moments. Their commitment to Equest—the storied nonprofit that uses equine therapy to empower individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and learning challenges—is deeply personal. The Hallams understand that magic happens in the quiet connections between horse and human, where healing begins not with a prescription, but with a gentle nuzzle and a rider’s first step toward confidence.
In a world that often prizes flash over substance, Kristin and James Hallam are the rare exceptions: elegantly turned out, unfailingly generous, and completely in step with each other and their cause. As the gala approaches, the city’s most stylish philanthropists are taking notes. After all, when the Hallams take the reins, you can be sure it’s going to be an unforgettable ride, according to our own Lance Avery Morgan.
What initially attracted you to support this year’s upcoming Equest Blue Ribbon gala, and why is it meaningful to you?
James: We enjoy helping people with special needs and find equine therapy a fascinating therapeutic solution. In North Texas, more than 800,000 individuals are living with a disability. Further, 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder – the largest population served at Equest. For more than 44 years, Equest has been at the forefront of serving the North Texas community by enhancing the quality of life for those with diverse needs. Equest has served thousands of children and adults with physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional needs through the human-horse connection.
What inspired the creation of this year’s event theme?
Kristin: This year’s theme is “Coastal Cowgirl,” inspired by the blue ocean tones in the “Ya’ll” boot, created specifically for the Equest Blue Ribbon gala by Miron Crosby. We are also happy to have Lela Rose Ranch as a supporting retail partner.
Can you share a memorable moment from a past Equest event in which you’ve been involved?
Kristin: Last year’s Patron Party at the Sands’ was lovely. It was an intimate party where I made new friends.
Q: As co-chairs, what unique strengths or skills do each of you bring to the organization of this gala?
James: We have built a strong team and have worked together for years. Kristin’s superpower is her relationships with people and vendors, which she uses to rally support for the cause. I bring product knowledge and numbers to the table. Together, we are an unstoppable duo.
How has your background or career influenced your approach to organizing charitable events like this Equest?
James: As the chief external affairs officer for Ben E. Keith Company, helping great causes has been a large part of my career for the past three decades. This is an area I am very comfortable with.
Kristin: There is an art to hosting parties—and we host many of them. I think we are bringing our years of expertise in this area to this year’s gala, and attendees will be able to feel the attention to detail.
What do you hope attendees will take away from participating in this year’s gala?
Kristin: I hope they walk away from the Blue Ribbon Gala feeling happy that their contribution will really impact children in need of Equest’s services. When you give that gift to someone in need, it’s the best feeling in the world.
James: I hope that folks will walk away understanding more about Equest’s mission 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 activities and therapies.
Beyond fundraising, how do you see an event like this impacting the organization?
Kristin: The gala is a fun way to introduce new faces to Equest and allows current supporters to celebrate the work this organization does all year long. We hope that your readers will consider attending and inviting friends to raise awareness of Equest.
James: Our first priority is bringing awareness to the work Equest is doing in North Texas. Having a large-scale gala will help the organization achieve its marketing goals, raise awareness of its cause, and educate the public about its programming.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in a charitable event like the Equest for the first time?
Kristin: Volunteer to help. It is the best way to learn about Equest.
James: Whether you’re looking to volunteer with horses, with kids, or just like to welcome people into a new level of specialized care, Equest offers many ways to make a difference. As a 501 (c) (3) public charity, they rely on hundreds of volunteers yearly to help with their events, classes, or simple grounds upkeep. Folks can visit Equest.org/volunteer to learn more.
How I made my first dollar…
Kristin: I was in 6th grade when I started a cheer and dance company called Windancers and held summer camps.
James: I had a paper route when I was 11 years old.
First music I bought was…
Kristin: An Elvis album on cassette tape.
James: Dire Straits “Sultans of Swing.”
Book that left a lasting impression on me…
Kristin: Funny confession… I read all the books my husband brings home. When he’s in the shower, I will pick up one and speed read through it. He has the most interesting books, and I love being able to discuss them together afterward!! Right now, I can’t stop thinking about “The Texas Triangle: An Emerging Power in the Global Economy,” by Henry Cisneros, David Hendricks, J. H. Cullum Clark, and William Fulton. It reminded me of how large and successful Texas is compared to the global economy. It made me really proud to be a Texan and excited about our economy.
James: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
On that note, my favorite fictional character is…
Kristin: Lady Whistledown from Bridgerton is imprisoned in the England Regency era. She is intelligent and defies the parameters set for women in that time period by publishing her own gossip column. She has her own career and marries a wonderful man. Their fabulous balls and beautiful gowns also enthrall me. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Presentation Ball is the closest thing we have to Bridgeton’s debutante season.
James: James Bond. He always gets the girl and drives an Aston Martin.
My real-life hero has got to be…
Kristin: Mother Teresa. In my opinion, she is the ultimate fundraiser that has ever lived.
James: My father. Dad has always been the high bar.
If I lived in a foreign city, it would be…
Kristin: Vienna, Austria. It’s very comfortable and clean. The food and shopping feel like Highland Park, but with amazing historic buildings.
James: With my wifey.
What everyone should try in their lifetime is…
Kristin: Jesus. And be open to trying different things. Don’t do the same thing expecting different results. You can’t heal in the same environment you got sick in.
James: Rigorous honesty.
Last thing I binge/marathon watched…
Kristin: I’m obsessed with “Emily in Paris” and can’t wait for the next season.
James: “Game of Thrones.” I watched all the previous seasons in the middle of season seven. I was caught up when season eight began. It’s epic television.If I could compete in an Olympic sport, or create one, it would be…
Kristin: Cheerleading. What I love about cheerleading is that it takes strength, endurance, and extreme skill to tumble and build partner skills with other students.
James: Sharpshooting. As an avid shooter, I enjoy long-range distances at the range or the ranch. It is a very peaceful and rewarding activity for me.
If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a…
Kristin: A fashion designer. I love fashion. I think it would be so rewarding to be able to forecast trends and colors and drape exquisite fabrics. And let’s not forget the extravagant fashion shows!
James: In the military. I have a deep appreciation for serving in the Armed Forces and protecting our country. I’m proud to be an American. I would love to be of further service to the cause.
A celebrity I would make a prank phone call to and what I would ask them is…
Kristin: I would call Princess Kate and ask her what she is wearing to Wimbledon. James and I are going in July, so we must coordinate outfits and be besties.
James: Walton Goggins. I would ask him to tell me how he prepared for his role on “White Lotus.”
My hidden talent that most people might not guess is…
Kristin: I still tumble and dance when no one is looking.
James: I like to draw.
If I had a superpower, I’d want it to be…
Kristi: Care Bear powers. Healing and comfort vibes.
James: Flying.
A simple way to get people to laugh is easy. Just…
James: Bring up politics.
A phrase I might overuse would be…
Kristin: “Amazing” and “Positivity is essential to being happy.”
My motto? Easy. It is…
Kristin: You only fail if you give up.
James: Do the next right thing.
Favorite scent these days is…
Kristin: Dior’s Rouge Trafalgar Esprit de Parfum – it has intense, fruity, and floral perfume notes.
James: Chanel Bleu.
My personal style signifier is…
Kristin: My blonde hair and the Cartier rings gifted to me by James.
James: Less is more.
In my fridge, you will always find…
Kristin: Icelandic Glacial bottled spring water, taken from the Ölfus Spring in Iceland. It is my biggest beauty secret. Hydration is key. Nothing is added or taken away during bottling. It even comes in a glass bottle. And I always have a pink section with raspberry, watermelon, and strawberry everything. Nothing goes to waste at our house because we have four teenage boys living with us, plus our family bunny, Thumper, to devour the leftovers.
James: Adult Lunchables.
The last meal that truly impressed me was…
Kristin Hallam: Nuri. The atmosphere is a 10. The culinary experience is a 10.
James: Sisters, because each dish is unique. It’s Italian, with a spin. Wild “Boaranaise” with Rye Mafadine, Fiore Sardo, and Rosemary is one of my favorite dishes served. It’s difficult to select just one because we order several when we go.
My perfect day would end…
Kristin: With a family dinner on the beach. I love our family vacation dinners so much. I wish every day could end that way. All of us are sitting on a beautiful beach, talking about our day while watching the sunset.
James: Spending time with my family.
On my tombstone, it might say…
Kristin: This life isn’t over, it’s just beginning.
James: Be brief, Be bright, Be gone.
