Equest announces Lindsay Ballotta and Jenny Merkle as co-chairs of its Blue Ribbon Ball, on Saturday, June 3, 2023 in the Al Hill, Jr. Arena at Equest at the Texas Horse Park in Dallas.
“We are so thrilled to have the support of these two incredible co-chairs for our annual fundraiser, which celebrates the power of our mission and the human-horse connection,” said Lili Kellogg, CEO of Equest. “They both bring their expertise, enthusiasm, and passion for Equest’s mission.”
Co-chair Lindsay Ballotta's interest in Equest began with her daughter's experiences with riding.
“My daughter Caroline began riding horses when she was six years old. She is now 15 years old and riding continues to instill life-lessons that go far beyond technical horsemanship skills. Through her riding, I can truly appreciate the unique relationship between horse and rider, and the therapeutic effects of riding on the mind, body and soul, remarked Ballotta. “Jenny and I hope the community will join us on June 3 in celebrating Equest and the many blue ribbon moments experienced by its clients.”
The gala name, Blue Ribbon Ball, is inspired by the success and accomplishments of Equest clients in and out of the arena. The festivities will once again take place in Equest’s open-air arena and will include a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, photo ops with Equest’s horses, recognition of the 2023 Citation award recipient and a special keynote speaker to be announced at a later date.
Proceeds from Blue Ribbon Balldirectly support Equest’s mission of enhancing the quality of life of children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies. Equest’s programs are what drew co-chair Jenny Merkle to the organization.
“Their outstanding programs range from therapeutic horsemanship to support for veterans, as well as a literacy program for underprivileged children whose interest in horses inspires learning and application of literacy skills, said Merkle. “As a former PTA president, the ‘Reading Quest with Equest’ program is one that I passionately support in addition to all the wonderful services Equest provides.”
The Blue Ribbon Ball will be held on June 3, 2023. Sponsorships and tables will be available in early 2023. For additional information, visit www.equest.org/gala or contact Jacquie Maddox at jmaddox@equest.orgor 972-412-1099 x205 .
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, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge. 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.