On April 10, Teresa and Tom Fishman hosted an intimate Patron Party for the 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala at their exquisite University Park home, setting the stage for an evening of philanthropy and celebration. The event honored Equest’s four-decade legacy of enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs through the human-horse connection.
Equest Mini Ambassadors Ranger and Dare, two miniature therapy horses under 38 inches tall, welcomed guests, embodying the organization’s mission through their gentle presence. Demonstrating her culinary talent and southern hospitality, Teresa served a magnificent homemade gourmet spread featuring stuffed peppers, spinach pastries, apple and blue cheese mini toasts, and more. Another talent on display, 13-year-old rising artist Veva Sterling, a student at Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet School and daughter of Mimi Sterling, impressed guests with live watercolor portraits.
2025 marks Eric Lindh’s first Gala season at Equest since becoming CEO last summer, but it’s not his first rodeo. Previously, he spent nearly two decades with Project Transformation—serving nine years as National CEO and 10 years as Executive Director for North Texas. Lindh captivated the room with his gratitude to Equest’s generous supporters and stellar Gala leadership team: Gala Chairs Kristin and James Hallam, Honorary Chairs Natalie and David Taylor through the generosity of The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation, and Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand.
While several presentations were shared, it was the Stout family who truly captured the hearts of everyone in attendance. Parents Jessica and Chaney, along with their three children, moved the audience with their heartfelt story about Equest’s profound impact on their eight-year-old son, Rowe, who benefited from Equest’s programs for the past four years.
Additional attendees included Leslie and Hawkins Golden, and Steve Kemble, the renowned event designer responsible for planning the special Gala evening. Several members of the Equest Board of Directors were also present, including Vice Chairperson Brooke Bailey, Ryan Casey, Harley Cozewith, Elizabeth Dacus, Tim Gavin, Chairperson Amy Green, Clint Haggerty, Finley Konrade, and Lisa Laughlin.
The celebratory evening concluded with cheerful toasts and a shared sense of excitement as everyone looked forward to the upcoming Equest Blue Ribbon Gala on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Gilley’s Dallas. The Texas-chic affair will feature gourmet cocktails and seated dinner, live and silent auctions, casino games, and live music by Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra to dance the night away. Tickets and information are available at www.equest.org/gala.
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 and learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With 34 therapy horses, a dedicated team of professionals, and 869 volunteers contributing 20,611 hours annually, Equest transforms lives annually for more than 2,770 individuals. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. www.equest.org