Rob Giardinelli
More Than 600 North Texas Philanthropists, Advocates, And Animal Lovers Gathered At Gilley’s For Equest’s Milestone Blue Ribbon Gala, Where Equine-Inspired Elegance, Heartfelt Tributes, And Spirited Celebration Helped Spotlight The Transformative Power Of Humans, Horses, And Hope
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tamytha Cameron
THE SCENE: The fabled Gilley’s in Dallas was the setting for an incredible evening of fun and impact that celebrated a milestone for one of North Texas’s most beloved fundraising events. A sold-out crowd featuring over 600 of the area’s most notable community leaders, mental health advocates, animal lovers, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 45th Annual Blue Ribbon gala. Benefiting Equest, the “Human. Horses. Hope”-themed night featured touching tributes and beautiful décor, resulting in a highly successful night for the organization.
THE VIBE: The Country Cocktail crowd wore an array of vibrant, sophisticated looks. In the crowd, one could spot patrons in more traditional cocktail fare, while others embraced the ranch and horse roots of Equest by sporting denim, fringe, sequins, and cowboy hats. The result was a happy, festive environment where everyone felt like family.
From the second guests walked into Gilley’s, everyone knew a special evening lay ahead for them. After taking a moment to pose for images alongside Equest ponies on the step and repeat, they joined other revelers for a lively cocktail hour. Here, guests sipped on their favorite spirits, brimming with anticipation of the fun that lay ahead.
Guests then took to their seats for the dinner and main program. More than a few jaws dropped at the dazzling creativity courtesy of celebrity event producer Steve Kemble, who designed an elegant, elaborate palette inspired by “Run for the Roses.” Long continental tables with azure blue table cloths, stretched down the middle of the space, as a nod to the Blue Ribbon event namesake, featured lush red roses and candelabras along the middle of the table. On either side were round tables adorned with red tablecloths, votives, and red roses that gave the room an additional layer of sophistication and continuity.
Calvert Collins-Bratton served as emcee, entertaining the crowd and keeping the festivities moving at a fun, brisk pace. While guests enjoyed delicious, multi-course meals, they were treated to remarks from event and organization leaders thanking them for their continued support over the decades.
After a moving dance tribute performed by Equest Co-Founder Susan Schwartz that brought the crowd to their feet, individuals were honored for their longtime support of the organization. Equest CEO Eric Lindh presented Carol Huckin with the 2026 Citation Award, and Susan Schwartz presented Leslie and Hawkins Golden with the Founders Award.
The night concluded with an after-party where the crowd packed the dance floor, enjoying tunes courtesy of Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra, capping off an award-winning night of fun and fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 45th Annual Blue Ribbon gala, chaired by Melinda and Mark Knowles with Lynn McBee serving as honorary chair, raised funds for Equest. Proceeds from the event will support equine therapies, counseling, and activities for children, adults, and veterans with learning disabilities and adjustment challenges. Each year, Equest assists over 725 individuals in North Texas through these services.
The 7 Reasons Equest’s Blue Ribbon Gala Was One Of Dallas’ Most Heartfelt Nights Of The Year
- Gilley’s Was Transformed Into A Texas-Chic Dream
Guests entered a beautifully reimagined space inspired by “Run for the Roses,” complete with lush red roses, glowing candelabras, and elegant blue-and-red tablescapes courtesy of celebrity event producer Steve Kemble. - The Fashion Perfectly Captured The Spirit Of Equest
The Country Cocktail crowd blended classic gala glamour with Texas flair, featuring everything from sequins and fringe to denim and cowboy hats. - Guests Mingled Alongside Equest Ponies
One of the evening’s most charming touches came early, as attendees posed for photos with Equest ponies before heading into cocktail hour festivities. - The Program Delivered Plenty Of Heartfelt Moments
Calvert Collins-Bratton kept the evening moving at a lively pace while event leaders shared moving remarks about Equest’s life-changing mission and decades of impact. - Susan Schwartz’s Dance Tribute Brought The Crowd To Its Feet
A powerful performance by Equest Co-Founder Susan Schwartz created one of the evening’s most emotional and memorable moments. - Community Champions Were Honored
Carol Huckin received the 2026 Citation Award, while Leslie and Hawkins Golden were presented with the Founders Award in recognition of their longtime support of Equest. - The After-Party Ended The Night In Style
Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra packed the dance floor as guests celebrated another successful year supporting equine therapies and mental health services across North Texas.
