18th Annual Gala Raises Funds to Double Capacity by 2027
Allen, TX, Oct. 21, 2025 – More than 800 friends and supporters gathered at The HUB in Allen for ManeGait’s 18th Annual Gala for the ‘Gait on Saturday, Oct. 18. This sold-out, one-of-a-kind celebration helped raise funds for ManeGait’s operations and the ambitious $12.1 million Beacon Project.
Typically hosted at ManeGait’s 14-acre therapeutic riding center in northwest McKinney, this year’s Gala was off-site to accommodate ongoing construction for The Beacon Project expansion. The festive open-air venue provided the perfect setting for this one-of-a-kind celebration, hosting a "taste of style" dinner with fine cuisine from 26 eateries, including 33 Restaurant Group, Haywire, and Dee Lincoln Prime, among many others. Tomes Auto Group sponsored live entertainment by Blue Water Highway.
Presented by REX Real Estate, the Gala was co-chaired by Landon Darling Schneider and Stephanie Tomes. ManeGait Co-Founders Priscilla and Bill Darling prayerfully reflected on the organization’s remarkable progress over the past year, highlighting milestones such as the appointment of ManeGait’s first-ever CEO, Tricia Nelson, and the significant advancements in The Beacon Project.
Guests were deeply moved by ManeGait’s annual video, which shared powerful stories of resilience and transformation. Leslie Tillisch shared how her daughter Cami, once expected never to walk or talk, is now defying the odds. Blake Hutto, recovering from a serious car accident, thought he was “just going to ride a horse,” but now finds purpose as a Stable Star, saying the horses have “given him another shot at life.” Wendy Coleman spoke of her daughter Kayla’s progress through GaitWay to the Brain, noting improvements in communication and quality of life. These inspiring stories fueled overwhelming support during the Gala’s paddle raise and live auction.
Due to high demand, ManeGait has a waitlist of more than 400 individuals with disabilities. Programs include a veterans riding program, the nation’s first equestrian riding simulator for therapy, children’s reading program, mental health program, the ManeGait Show Team, and a groundbreaking brain-building therapy that has been adopted at riding centers worldwide. View all programs HERE.
Once The Beacon Project is completed in early 2026, ManeGait will become one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the nation, doubling its capacity to serve families across North Texas and expanding its impact for years to come.
