4th Annual Open Your Heart Gala

Hunkapi Programs, an equine therapy farm located in the heart of Scottsdale, raised $102,000 at its fourth annual Open Your Heart Gala. More than 190 guests attended the Oct. 11 event and celebrated the nonprofit’s 20th anniversary with a farm-to-table dinner catered by Chef Doug Brochu from Creative Hands Cuisine.

“The magical gala showcased everything that it means to be a part of the Hunkapi family,” says Terra Schaad, founder of Hunkapi Programs. “We celebrated our horses, our clients and the incredible community of friends and allies who give all they can to keep the farm running.”

The festivities took place on the farm’s Manna Lawn, which was transformed by the design team at Southwest Teepee Rental. Guests included Jeri Williams, Phoenix police chief; Kara Kalkbrenner, Phoenix fire chief; and Alan Rodbell, Scottsdale police chief.

Live auction items included a private local wine tour at Pillsbury Wine Company’s vineyard in Willcox, a day as a Phoenix fireman—including lunch with Kalkbrenner— and a day as a Phoenix officer complete with a helicopter tour alongside Williams.

The evening ended with a parade of a selection of therapy horses accompanied by program clients and volunteers.

Funds raised from the event will be allocated to an array of services offered by the nonprofit, including therapeutic riding, counseling, emotional regulation, team building, addiction recovery and more.

PHOTOS COURTESY HUNKAPI PROGRAMS

Joe and Ivy Ciolli with Shannon and Joel Barthelemy

Isabella Stenzel

John Vargo

Mark Arne and Susie Alofs

Catering by Creative Hands Cuisine

Pillsbury Wine Company, Willcox

Carolyn Goldfarb

About Cindy Miller

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