2017 Equest Gala: Field of Dreams

DALLAS, Texas –– Journey into the Field of Dreams at the 2017 Equest Gala, an evening of enchantment, where hope is limitless and dreams can come true. On April 29, Equest will transform the Texas Horse Park into an elegant soiree where supporters, clients, and therapy horses unite to celebrate the achievements of Equest’s 35-year history and to raise money so that Equest can continue its mission to improve lives through the human-horse connection for years to come.

The sumptuous southern chic fundraiser, led by Honorary Co-Chairs Lynn and Allan McBee and Co-Chairs Kathy and Jeromy Fielder, will include gourmet southern cuisine, craft cocktails, live music, and much-desired live and silent auction items.

The night will begin when luxury shuttles stocked with beer and wine bring guests from two locations in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow to Texas Horse Park, 304 acres of whispering windswept prairie grass and the grandeur of century-old “trophy trees” under a vast starlit sky. It is no wonder the 2017 Equest Gala is themed Field of Dreams.

Upon arrival at Equest at Texas Horse Park, guests will be greeted by the beloved Equest Mini Ambassadors on the red carpet for a paparazzi moment before enjoying a delightful reception of gourmet bites and craft cocktails. Special exhibitions will showcase the exemplary Equest programs and activities, and guests can tour the immaculate stalls and visit the horses to create their own human-horse connection.

A covered barn will be embellished with ferns and moss, magnolias and green apples, and softly lit candles, creating a dreamlike atmosphere to set the stage for an evening of fantasy including a sit-down gourmet dinner, a powerful presentation by Equest, suspenseful live and silent auction, high-energy entertainment, and much dancing.

Equest CEO Lili Kellogg said, “The 2017 Gala is being led by a dream team of two inspirational couples that have great vision, business savvy, and widespread connections. Equest’s 2017 fundraising goal is $300,000 (net), and I’m confident that this powerhouse team will meet if not exceed our expectations. The couples’ magnetism is infectious.”

Recognized as community leaders and philanthropists, the McBees volunteer countless hours of energy, leadership, and time to ensure that Dallas is a world-class city and that the underserved are provided the resources and tools to excel and continue their altruistic mantra. Lynn, a seventh-generation Texan, is CEO of Young Women’s Preparatory Network and serves on over 20 non-profit boards including Bridge Homeless Shelter, Visiting Nurse Association, The Arts Community Alliance (TACA), The Family Place Foundation, AT&T Performing Arts Center, among others, and is a member of numerous organizations. Allan is vice president at McBee Operating Co. and is often seen by Lynn’s side at numerous charitable events.

Kathy is a rising star as a lifestyle expert, an accomplished designer, an entrepreneur of luxurious bedding ensembles sold globally, a television personality on the popular show Designing Texas with Jocelyn White, and a ribbon-winning equestrian with an unbridled passion for horses. In addition to serving as Director of Development on the Board of Equest, Kathy also supports several charities including St. Jude, SPCA, Art for the Heart, and Ahadi Collective. Jeromy is senior vice president of a construction consulting firm who lends deep knowledge and experience. They are proud parents of two children, Isabella and Harrison.

The Equest Gala is made possible by its sponsors including Frontier Communications, Republic Beverage, PaperCity Magazine, and My Sweet Charity.

The 2017 Equest Gala, themed “Field of Dreams,” will be held on Saturday, April 29, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Equest at Texas Horse Park (811 Pemberton Hill Road, Dallas, TX 75217). Sponsorships are available starting at $5,000. Tables (of 10) are available to purchase for $3,000 and individual tickets for $300 at www.equest.org/gala. For more information, visit www.equest.org or call 972.412.1099.

About Equest

Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine facilitated activities, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities and veterans with adjustment challenges. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With the help of 45 therapy horses, 10 instructors, four therapists, two counselors, and 400 volunteers, lives are changed on a daily basis for more than 1,200 clients 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 40,000 hours of direct program service opportunities each year. Equest was named “2015 Non-Profit of the Year” by CNM Connect.