Leave it to active philanthropist Jocelyn White to show us how it’s done. For her grand entrance at the Equest Triple Crown Gala at Park Lane Ranch and Equestrian Center, the gala chair, in glamorous riding attire, strutted alongside her decked-out horse Fabio to kick off the evening affair themed “Santa Fe Soirée.”
Emcee Jody Dean (from 98.7 KLUV) and Equest program director Amy Causey began the festivities by introducing Equest riders and horses to demonstrate various therapy programs. Following in the footsteps of White and her husband, Kim Seale, who had previously adopted the fabulous Fabio, eight more deep-pocketed supporters adopted equines that night.
When attendees moved inside for an elegant dinner, Mary Kay Foundation director Kris Johnson accepted the Susan Schwartz Founder's Award on behalf of Nancy Chritton Rogers (who could not attend) for her dedication to the organization. Then a video played in which Rogers challenged equine enthusiasts to match her $50,000 donation through the live auction. The crowd met that challenge and raised more than $65,000.
Once the fundraising was finished, guests — including Alfonso Montiel, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Doris Bricker, Doris and Jack Jacobs, Paulette Martsolf, Tiffany and Paul Divis, and Katherine and Key Coker —joined honorary chairs Fay Sheehan and Ann Barbier-Mueller for a musical performance by country crooner Collin Raye.
Equest provides therapeutic sports riding classes and hippotherapy to adults and children with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. It’s one of the largest nonprofit therapeutic riding centers in Texas.
Susan Schwartz, Alfonso Montiel, Alexandra Montiel
