Humans. Horses. Hope.
Saturday, April 24, 2027 | Equest at the Texas Horse Park
DALLAS, TX (Sept. 8, 2026) – Hope begins with a connection. At Equest, that connection is found in the quiet, powerful bond between humans and horses, and every day it transforms lives.
Equest is proud to announce its 46th Annual Blue Ribbon Gala, “Humans. Horses. Hope.,” taking place Saturday, April 24, 2027, from 6 to 11 p.m. The organization’s signature fundraising event will return home to Equest at the Texas Horse Park for an evening dedicated to the heart of the organization: its therapy horses, its people and its mission.
The 2027 Gala is led by Co-Chairs Nicole and Guntram Merl and Lisa Bhattacharya, with Lisa and Charles Berger serving as Honorary Chairs. Their leadership, generosity and commitment to Equest continue to strengthen its mission throughout North Texas.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Great Trinity Forest, surrounded by the place where so many Equest stories begin, guests will enjoy a seated dinner, signature cocktails, live auction and raffle items, inspiring mission moments, an awards presentation and an unforgettable performance by The Manhattan Orchestra of The Jordan Kahn Music Company. Former radio personality Jody Dean will serve as emcee for the evening, bringing his signature energy and warmth to the celebration.
Together with a dedicated committee of volunteers and supporters, the Gala promises to be one of Dallas’ premier philanthropic events while raising critical funds to support Equest’s equine-assisted programs.
Honoring Those Who Make a Difference
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of two prestigious awards honoring individuals whose dedication has made a lasting impact on Equest.
The Susan Schwartz Founder’s Award, established in honor of Equest co-founder Susan Neustadt Schwartz, recognizes individuals whose lifelong commitment has advanced Equest’s mission of improving lives through equine-assisted services. The 2027 Founder’s Award will be presented to Leslie Kennedy in recognition of her extraordinary leadership, generosity and unwavering dedication to Equest.
The Citation Award, named for the legendary American Thoroughbred, honors individuals whose service and leadership exemplify excellence within the Equest community. The 2027 Citation Award will be presented to the Ballew Foundation, founded by Donna and Joe Ballew, for their exceptional commitment to Equest and its mission.
Humans. Horses. Hope.
The 2027 Gala theme, “Humans. Horses. Hope.”, reflects the heart of Equest’s mission. For more than four decades, Equest’s specially trained horses have become trusted partners in helping children and adults with diverse needs gain confidence, improve physical and emotional well-being, build independence, and discover new possibilities. Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners, Equest continues to create transformative experiences that inspire hope and change lives.
“This year, we are returning to what has always made the Blue Ribbon Gala so meaningful: Equest’s mission itself,” said Eric Lindh, CEO of Equest. “At the Texas Horse Park, our guests will be immersed in the place where our horses inspire courage, healing, and growth in ways that are truly remarkable. Humans. Horses. Hope. is more than the evening’s message – it is the essence of our mission and the promise we strive to fulfill for every person and family we serve.”
Veronica Beard in Highland Park Village and The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas are among the distinguished sponsors supporting this year’s Blue Ribbon Gala. For sponsorships, underwriting opportunities and table reservations, visit www.equest.org/gala or contact Angela Escamilla at gala@equest.org or 972.412.1099, ext. 209. Individual tickets will be released closer to the event.
About the Gala Co-Chairs
Nicole and Guntram Merl are accomplished leaders who share a passion for community engagement, philanthropy and excellence. Together, they bring international experience, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to giving back. Nicole is a strategic communications and community engagement professional with expertise in fundraising, brand partnerships and nonprofit leadership. A former jockey and passionate advocate for equine wellness, she is an EQUISSAGE Texas-certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and dedicated Equest volunteer who has served on the Blue Ribbon Gala Auction Committee. Guntram is General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas and a luxury hospitality executive with more than 25 years of international leadership experience. Creator of the “Out of the Kitchen” fundraising initiative, he has helped generate nearly $5 million for charitable organizations and was named Marriott Luxury Group’s General Manager of the Year in 2023.
Lisa Bhattacharya is an accomplished technology executive and dedicated community leader with more than 30 years of experience building strategic partnerships, driving business growth and leading complex initiatives for global technology organizations. Through her current position at Commvault and previous roles at Dell and Avaya, among others, she has earned a reputation for cultivating strong relationships and delivering results. A Baylor University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations, Lisa brings her professional expertise and communication skills to a longstanding commitment to community service. For more than two decades, she has held volunteer leadership roles throughout Dallas, including serving as Development Vice President of the Junior League of Dallas and supporting numerous signature fundraising events. Her community involvement also includes leadership with Cattle Baron’s Ball, The Family Place, Turtle Creek Conservancy and Turtle Creek Recovery Center.
About the Honorary Co-Chairs
Lisa and Charles Berger are honored to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the 2027 Equest Blue Ribbon Gala, a role that reflects their longtime commitment to organizations serving both people and animals. A lifelong equestrian, Lisa first became involved with Equest as a high school volunteer. Now a lifelong equestrian, she and Charles continue to champion the organization’s therapeutic riding and veterans programs. Their passion for animals is central to family life: the Bergers share their home with their two sons, three dogs, three cats, two donkeys and two retired Equest therapy horses, Peterbilt and Amigo.
About Equest
Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine-assisted activities and therapies 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 horsemanship, equine-assisted learning and competition. In 2025, Equest cared for more than 30 therapy horses while a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers contributed more than 20,000 hours of service. Together, they served more than 800 children, adults, and veterans through equine-assisted services. Equest also reached more than 1,500 individuals through community outreach programs and equine-assisted learning experiences and helped more than 400 students strengthen their literacy skills through the Reading Quest with Equest program. As the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas, Equest remains one of the largest therapeutic horsemanship centers in the nation. www.equest.org
Submitted press release and photos.