October 1

The Occasion: Supporters of Equestrian Connection in Lake Forest ditched their gowns and tuxedos, and opted for denim and cowboy boots during the group’s annual fund-raiser, Marty’s Barn Party, named after Marty Domitrovich, one of the organization’s original visionaries.

The Background: Equestrian Connection’s primary focus is on hippotherapy and therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs, whether physical, psychological, emotional, or medical.

The Highlights: This year’s event, which featured Sheridan Road as the media sponsor, included a live and silent auction and a performance by Under the Streetlamp, the Chicago cast of the Broadway hit Jersey Boys.

The End Result: More than 500 supporters attended, Equestrian Connection raised enough funds to sponsor 10 riders for 2012, and 11-year-old Gabriella Cooperman raised more than $5,000 at her lemonade stand set up for the organization prior to the event. equestrianconnection.org

Photography by Robin Subar