Meet Equest Women’s Auxiliary Founder Louise Griffeth, One of the “Dallas Great 8” in Stanley Korshak’s New Initiative

This article is part of a promoted series and not produced by the editorial staff.

Fashion and charity go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that legendary Dallas retailer Stanley Korshak is debuting a new annual philanthropic initiative centered on both pillars. The Dallas Great 8 celebrates eight local nonprofits that make our community a better place to live, as well as the volunteer leaders who ensure their lasting impact. 

Like all good fashion-focused initiatives, the Dallas Great 8 will launch with a signature runway luncheon on February 9, 2027. Just in time for Valentine’s Day and spring fashion. Stanley Korshak is known for its iconic parties. Santa and his shirtless elves generally make an appearance during the holidays, while a longhorn steer was on-site for selfies galore at a soirée to welcome their new partnership with Mitchell Stores last year. Who knows what they’ll come up with for the February event.

But back to the philanthropy at hand. An advisory committee gathered and selected the inaugural class of charities, with an honoree nominated for each. These include: Regina Bruce (Frontiers of Flight Museum), Mary Bowen Campbell (The Family Place), JoJo Fleiss (Texas Ballet Theater), Kim Hext (Dallas Symphony Orchestra), Frank Mihalopoulos (Austin Street Center), Myrna Schlegel (Klyde Warren Park), Tommy Stockton (Resource Center), and Louise Spence Griffeth (Equest).

Let’s meet one of the honorees: Louise Spence Griffeth. The Equest Women’s Auxiliary Founder’s commitment to the organization is admirable and lauded by her peers.

“Louise was the visionary who founded Equest’s Women’s Auxiliary in 1986,” says Eric Lindh, Equest CEO. “Through her determination and passion, she helped build a foundation that has since raised over $10 million to support Equest’s life-changing programs. She inspired generations of women to give their time, talent, and resources to Equest, helping transform countless lives along the way.”

Louise, tell us about Equest.

Equest is the first therapeutic horsemanship center in Texas and one of the nation’s largest PATH International Premier Accredited Centers. For more than 40 years, Equest has served thousands of children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing through equine-assisted activities and therapies.

How did you first learn of Equest and get involved with the organization?

I first learned of Equest when it became a Junior League of Dallas (JLD) project. During its first year of partnership with the JLD, I was approached to start an auxiliary to garner support for the program. This was 40 years ago, before auxiliary groups for every nonprofit were popular.

I asked to see the program in person and went out to the stables where it was being held at that time. On walking up to the arena, I watched a small boy being lifted onto a horse. His little head had been hanging low, but as he was placed on top of that big animal, his little back straightened, he lifted his head up and I saw the biggest smile on his face! I was hooked from that moment!

With the help of many friends, we formed a Board of Directors for the Auxiliary and sent out letters enlisting others to join us. Four hundred ladies became our first members. I served as President for two years (1986 and 1987). Dian Moore and I chaired its first fundraiser, “Think Snow,” featuring members and their children modeling ski clothes from Saint Bernard’s.

Since then, it’s been a wild ride. I received the Equest Woman of the Year Award in 1990. In 2000, the ESCADA Luncheon Committee honored me with the first Community Service Award. In 2018, the Equest Board gave me its “Founders Award.” I have served on the Equest Board of Directors and am currently on its Advisory Board.

That’s incredible! What else are you involved in throughout our community?

A lot! Some other boards, events, and recognitions include serving on the JLD Board six times, including as Ball Chair, Community VP, and Provisional Chair. I also received the JLD “Sustainer of the Year” Award. 

I’ve also been the Susan G. Komen Foundation National Awards Luncheon Chair, Crystal Charity Ball 2003 Chair, Kappa Kappa Gamma “Tablescapes” founding Co-Chair (and received the Distinguished Alumna Award), President of Women of the Church for Saint Michael and All Angels Church, Prayer Ministry and Welcome Committee Chair for Vestry, served on the Salvation Army North Texas Advisory Board, received the Flora Award from the Texas Discovery Garden, and also served on the Bullock Texas State History Museum Foundation Board and as the past Gala Chair.

My sweet husband Guy and I also received the 2014 Senior Source “Spirit of Generations” Award.