Boots & Ballgowns
Saturday, November 14
Pull on your boots, dress up your denim and add a little western sparkle for Boots & Ballgowns, an immersive fall gala benefiting Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary. For one unforgettable evening, western elegance meets heartfelt purpose as The Gilmore is transformed for a celebration of compassion, connection and community.
A Special Evening
Boots & Ballgowns isn't your typical fundraiser. It's an experience designed to bring the heart of Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary to you. From the moment you arrive, expect an evening filled with great food, entertainment, surprises and plenty of western style. Come dressed in your finest upscale western attire–boots, ballgowns, denim, rhinestones, bolo ties and cowboy hats are all welcome–and settle in for a night that's equal parts celebration and purpose. Your ticket includes an evening of experiences created to entertain, inspire and connect you with the mission you're helping support.
Evening Highlights
🤠 Upscale Western Attire: Dress it up, western style. Think boots and ballgowns, denim and diamonds, rhinestones, bolo ties and your best cowboy hat.
🍽️ Premium Passed Hors d'Oeuvres: Enjoy chef-curated selections from award-winning Gilmore Catering throughout the evening.
🍸 Themed Cocktails & Cash Bar: Raise a glass with specialty drinks inspired by the evening, plus a full cash bar.
🎶 Live Music: Enjoy live entertainment that brings energy and atmosphere to the celebration.
🐴 Meet the Animals: Get up close with four beloved residents of Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary and discover the stories behind the lives your support helps protect.
🎁 Silent Auction: Bid on an outstanding collection of experiences, merchandise, dining, entertainment and services generously donated by businesses throughout West Michigan.
🔥 Live Auction: Get ready to bid big on exceptional packages, including unforgettable getaways, unique experiences, premium services and other can't-miss opportunities.
❤️ Stories With Purpose: Discover the animals, people and mission behind Indian Paintbrush Farm and see firsthand what your support makes possible.
Make A Big Impact!
Boots & Ballgowns sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to make an even greater difference for the animals of Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary. Sponsorship packages include event recognition and special opportunities to connect your name or organization with our mission of compassion and care.
A Special Setting
Boots & Ballgowns takes place at The Gilmore, a distinctive West Michigan event venue just north of downtown Grand Rapids. Its Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco-inspired surroundings provide an elegant backdrop for the evening's elevated western event!
Meet The Animals
This isn't just an opportunity to hear about the animals you're helping. You'll have the chance to meet them. Four special ambassadors from Indian Paintbrush Farm will join us for the evening, giving guests a rare opportunity to experience the personalities, trust and connection at the heart of the sanctuary.
Ryker is a gentle Quarter Horse whose remarkable story includes years as a therapy companion serving adults with special needs. After surviving a traumatic attack that left him severely injured, Ryker healed through patience, care and love. Today, his calm presence has made him a symbol of resilience and connection.
Yeti is a pure-white miniature cow with an outsized personality. Curious, affectionate and known for leaning in for scratches, Yeti has become a favorite among farm visitors—especially those experiencing the simple wonder of meeting a cow up close for the first time.
Penny Lane, a Nubian pygmy goat, arrived tiny, fragile and rejected by her mother. Bottle-fed and surrounded by care from her earliest days, Penny grew into an affectionate, playful member of our family and a living reminder of just how much difference compassion can make.
Piper began life in heartbreaking conditions at an unregulated backyard breeding operation. Rescued as a tiny piglet, she was given the chance to leave neglect behind and experience safety, trust and love. Today, she's thriving—and her story is a powerful example of what becomes possible when someone chooses to care.