Lives were forever changed as Inspiration Ranch exceeded fundraising and attendance goals at its annual Denim & Diamonds Gala

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The evening of September 17 brought with it the much-anticipated Denim & Diamonds Gala at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. A major fundraising event benefiting Inspiration Ranch, the 14th annual gala hosted more than 550 guests and raised more than $700,000. These funds will help support therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy programs that benefit children and adults struggling to overcome physical, emotional, and social disabilities. 

Guests were treated to live music, served a delicious meal, and inspired by several individuals that touched the hearts of the crowd with stories of how Inspiration Ranch provided life-changing therapy for themselves and their children. The dress style was western chic and the decorations, general environment, and theme transported guests to a casual, western feel that was fun and exciting to experience. Participants could stroll through a country store, bid on silent auction items, and taste various drinks. Inspiration Ranch also hosted a live auction with some of the most intriguing gifts that included trips to Hawaii, exclusive Colorado fishing excursions, hill country hunting trips, legendary golf experiences, and one of the most beautiful tourmaline and diamond rings you’ve ever seen. It was an enjoyable night for the community.   



When asked about the event, MG Tindall, CEO and President of Inspiration Ranch said, “We are very excited about our 14th annual Denim and Diamonds Gala this year. This is our largest crowd that we've ever had attend, and we are hopeful to raise enough money tonight to help us reach our very aggressive goals for 2023.”

Inspiration Ranch Growth

Therapeutic Riding:

* Between September 2021 and September 2022, client numbers grew by 51%

* The therapeutic riding team is projecting another 45% growth in client numbers this year

* Our five-year growth plan for the property (from 2020, which was our first full year at the new location, to 2025) is 65% overall growth for this program. But all growth is based on maintaining quality and ensuring our horses stay physically and emotionally healthy. So we are in a constant state of evaluation to ensure that. Currently, our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) numbers show that program outputs have remained exceptionally high through growth.

* This program currently serves 48 separate special needs diagnoses
 
Mental Health and Learning:

* This program tracks treatment hours rather than clients because the program is client-driven, and clients remain in the program as long as they determine they need to

* This program will double its treatment/service hours in 2022 over 2021 numbers

* This program will expand session hours by  an additional 20% by mid-2023

* To do this, an additional therapist will be added to expand session availability

?“The data shows that our community needs these programs to expand,” said Tindall. “Both of our programs have a waitlist. Because we offer services on scholarship, significant growth means significant new fundraising efforts.” 

This year’s gala honored Martha & Jim Hunt as well as the Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. 

About The Hunts

Martha & Jim Hunt have sustained the Ranch with prayer and financial support for twelve years and have been instrumental in changing the lives of hundreds of special needs children and trauma survivors. Jim Hunt is the founder and former owner of North American Mortgage Company, and the Hunts are natives of Houston, Texas. Jim has served on numerous boards, including the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, Star of Hope, and Greater Houston Young Life. Martha also actively supports philanthropy through service as a sustaining member of the Houston Junior Forum and board member of the AD Players. Jim serves on Inspiration Ranch’s Advisory Board and Martha is a member of its Prayer Team. They pass on their love of service to children John and Kathy. 

“The Hunts have been a stronghold for us,” said Tindall. “We have been able to rely on them to celebrate with us as we saw incredible victories and push us forward when we faced adversity, always reminding us of God’s call on this Ranch and our ability to succeed.”

About Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands

In 2018, Inspiration Ranch began a partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands that led to program growth, advocating for equine-assisted services in the medical and therapeutic community, and growing the ability to track the long-term outcomes of therapeutic riding.

“Inspiration Ranch’s programs have proven time and again how valuable they are to clients,” said Texas Children's Community-In-Chief and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Shilt. “Our mission at Texas Children’s is to create a healthier future for children and women throughout our global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Inspiration Ranch is a natural partner to help us achieve these goals in the North Houston region.”


Learn more about Texas Children’s Hospital 


About Inspiration Ranch

Inspiration Ranch exists to strengthen children, youth, and adults striving to overcome their physical, emotional, and social disabilities with Therapeutic Riding and equine-assisted therapy and activities. Each week over 90 special needs children and youth ride in their Therapeutic Riding Program to physically and emotionally strengthen their core muscles, improve their walking, and elevate their ability to communicate. Through their Mental Health Program, they reach people that have suffered severe emotional trauma. It’s there, on their 40-acre ranch, that they help them learn new boundaries, skills and overcome obstacles. 
 
While it’s evident that these programs are vastly different from one another, the common thread is the highly trained and skilled horse coupled with the compassionate staff. They invite clients into an arena with horses to facilitate the therapeutic process. As a result, their clients can gain strength and insight into their nonverbal communication and behavior patterns. A non-judgmental and keenly trained horse can instinctively analyze and react to their body language and other nonverbal cues. They possess the remarkable gift to assess a situation quickly and encourage interaction – no matter the hurdle to overcome.
 
Every day, the team at Inspiration Ranch strives to break down stigmas, barriers and celebrates the inclusion of individuals that strive to reach new goals. They provide exceptional equine-assisted therapy and activities in a loving Christian environment. 

Click here to learn more about Inspiration Ranch

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