Open Your Heart Gala

Hunkapi Programs, an equine therapy farm located in the heart of Scottsdale, is excited to announce the 7th annual signature Open Your Heart Gala on Saturday, October 30th from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.

The event celebrates the nonprofit’s mission to serve 300 people weekly with a range of diagnoses through therapeutic horse programs on the historic 10-acre farm. All funds raised will go toward a wide array of services offered by the nonprofit including therapeutic riding, counseling, emotional regulation, somatic experience, and addiction recovery and the newly launched Sit. Stay. Heal. program, which provides dogs a safe place to live while their owners experiencing homelessness transition from living on the streets to securing more permanent housing.

Clients who participate in Hunkapi’s different programs include those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, emotional disorder, addiction disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

During the event, emceed by Carey Peña and chaired by Diversified Partners Associate Broker Michelle Cheverie and LiveGenerations Senior Living Outreach Director Nicole Elliott Carlson, guests will enjoy a live auction featuring items from local Arizona businesses plus engaging speeches by program participants and the program’s executive director, Terra Schaad. Former NFL defensive tackle and defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals, Michael Bankston, will be this year’s honoree. The festivities will continue with a delicious farm-to-table dinner presented in collaboration by local chefs Paul Lindsay of I Know A Chef and Matt Campbell, cowboy games, photo opportunities with members of the herd and more.

To learn more about the Open Your Heart Gala and purchase tickets, visit https://www.hunkapi.org/gala/.