Dallas, TX – Equest, the nonprofit that provides equine‑assisted therapy to children, adults and veterans, announced its 46th Annual Blue Ribbon Gala for Saturday, April 24, 2027. The event, titled “Humans. Horses. Hope.”, will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Texas Horse Park, set against the backdrop of the Great Trinity Forest.
Purpose and Program
The gala is the organization’s signature fundraising night. Proceeds will support Equest’s therapy horses, its staff of professionals and volunteers, and the expanding suite of equine‑assisted services that help participants build confidence, improve physical and emotional health, and develop independence.
Attendees can expect a seated dinner, signature cocktails, a live auction, raffle items, and an awards presentation. The Manhattan Orchestra of The Jordan Kahn Music Company will provide the evening’s musical entertainment, and former radio personality Jody Dean will serve as emcee.
Leadership and Honors
Co‑chairs Nicole and Guntram Merl, along with Lisa Bhattacharya, will lead the gala planning. Lisa and Charles Berger will serve as Honorary Co‑chairs. The Merls bring international hospitality experience and a record of generating nearly $5 million for charitable causes. Bhattacharya adds three decades of technology‑sector leadership and long‑standing community service in Dallas.
Two awards will be presented. The Susan Schwartz Founder’s Award will honor Leslie Kennedy for her lifelong dedication to Equest’s mission. The Citation Award will recognize the Ballew Foundation, founded by Donna and Joe Ballew, for its exceptional support of the organization.
Community Impact
Since its founding in 1981, Equest has grown into one of the nation’s largest therapeutic horsemanship centers. In 2025 the organization cared for more than 30 therapy horses, logged over 20,000 service hours, and served more than 800 individuals directly through equine‑assisted programs. Outreach efforts reached over 1,500 people, and the Reading Quest with Equest program helped more than 400 students improve literacy skills.
“Returning to the Texas Horse Park lets our guests experience the very place where our horses inspire courage and healing,” said Eric Lindh, CEO of Equest. “The theme ‘Humans. Horses. Hope.’ captures the heart of what we do for every person and family we serve.”
Sponsorship and Tickets
Local businesses such as Veronica Beard in Highland Park Village and The Ritz‑Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, are among the gala’s distinguished sponsors. For sponsorship opportunities, table reservations or ticket information, readers can visit www.equest.org/gala or contact Angela Escamilla at [email protected] (972‑412‑1099 ext. 209). Individual tickets will be released closer to the event date.
About Equest
Equest provides equine‑assisted activities and therapies—including physical and occupational therapy, counseling, therapeutic horsemanship and learning—to individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities, as well as veterans facing adjustment challenges. The organization is the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains a leader in therapeutic horsemanship nationwide.
Original reporting: Blue Ribbon News (Rockwall) — read the source article.
