Rescued farm animals are set to take center stage at Boots & Ballgowns, an immersive fall gala benefiting Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary on Saturday, November 14 at The Gilmore in Grand Rapids. The evening will introduce guests to the sanctuary’s mission through personal animal encounters while raising critical funds for the lifelong care of rescued farm animals.
The upscale Western-inspired event will feature premium passed hors d’oeuvres from Gilmore Catering, themed cocktails, live music, and live and silent auctions. Guests are encouraged to embrace the evening’s upscale Western style, pairing boots, denim and bolo ties with rhinestones, cocktail dresses, ballgowns, and their own interpretation of Western elegance.
At the heart of the evening are the sanctuary’s animal ambassadors. Through personal encounters and the stories of individual residents, Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary hopes guests will experience farm animals as individuals with distinct personalities, relationships and emotions. Animal welfare remains central to every interaction: participating animals are selected because they are comfortable around people, encounters are voluntary, and quiet retreat spaces are available whenever an animal chooses to step away.
“Boots & Ballgowns brings our community together around a shared commitment to compassion, kindness, and the lifelong care of animals,” said Jacqueline Gilmore, Founder of Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary, a Rockford-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
A citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Gilmore explained that her Native heritage is central to who she is and informs the values she brings to her work. “Our philosophy reflects principles found in Anishinaabe teachings, including our relationship with Aki, Mother Earth, and our responsibility to care for the natural world. The idea of thinking seven generations ahead reminds us that the choices we make today affect the well-being of future generations.”
What makes the sanctuary’s mission especially meaningful, Gilmore shared, is the reciprocal relationship between animal healing and human healing.
“Our animals have taught me that connection doesn’t always require words or explanations. Sometimes, simply being present with another living being can bring comfort, peace, and hope,” she said. “My hope is that Boots & Ballgowns becomes more than a wonderful annual event. I hope it becomes a gathering of people who share a belief that when we create a kinder world for animals, we create a kinder world for people, too. And sometimes, in saving a life, we discover that life has the power to save us.”
Proceeds from Boots & Ballgowns will directly support Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary’s work providing rescued farm animals with safe, lifelong homes and compassionate care. Rooted and grounded in love, the sanctuary also creates opportunities for people to connect with animals and the natural world through education, animal encounters, and wellness experiences while encouraging greater compassion and respect for all living things.
“Beyond the entertainment, guests are helping us build something truly meaningful. Our vision is to expand Indian Paintbrush into a dedicated, restorative space where people experiencing illness, grief, trauma, or isolation can reconnect with nature and find peace among the animals and trees,” Gilmore shared. “We hope Boots & Ballgowns becomes an annual West Michigan tradition—a chance to dress up, enjoy great music and food, connect with others, and make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and people. It’s an evening where generosity meets a little Western flair, all in support of a more compassionate world.”
Beyond Boots & Ballgowns, Indian Paintbrush welcomes volunteers every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when people can contribute their time and talents to the ongoing care of the sanctuary’s residents. Community members can also support the sanctuary’s work through donations, helping spread awareness of their mission, and participating in future events and educational opportunities.
“As we grow, we continue to expand our offerings to include animal-assisted therapeutic experiences, art, forest meditation, and organic gardening,” Gilmore said. “Our goal is to create a peaceful, intentional environment where people can slow down, reconnect with the natural world, and experience the restorative benefits of being around animals. Whether someone volunteers, donates, or shares our mission with others, they become part of a community working toward a kinder world. We invite people to join us and help bring this vision to life.”
Learn more about Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary and secure your tickets for Boots & Ballgowns.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary.