150 Ponies, One Big Night: A Derby Affair, Told by Penny the Pony A Derby Affair

By Penny the Pony, Stick Horse Extraordinaire and Official Mascot of the Pony Appeal

150 ponies. One unforgettable night. Here’s the story of the Pony Appeal at A Derby Affair*, told by Penny the Pony herself.*

I’ve been leaning against this wall for months. MONTHS. Just me, my stick, and my dreams. Then one day, Gayle walks in and says, “Penny, it’s time.”

And honey, I was READY.

Oh — and in case you’re wondering about the name? Penny. Because every penny counts. And when it comes to kids in foster care, that couldn’t be more true.

The Venue

First of all — can we talk about where they took me?

The Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Mansion. Yes, the historic MANSION. I’m a stick horse and even I was impressed. Those columns. That brick. That circular driveway. I trotted right up like I owned the place.

A Tradition Worth Celebrating

I should mention — this wasn’t my first rodeo.

Last year, Gayle showed up to the Partnerships for Children gala — a Texas Chic theme — with 100 Bevo longhorn plushies. It was her first year with this crowd, and those 100 Bevos told her everything she needed to know. Every single one found a home before the night was over.

She even took that Bevo on stage and made the ask herself.

So when she came back as their auctioneer this year, she came back with confidence. And 150 ponies.

Good for Bevo. Really. But Bevos are so last year.

This was my first Derby Affair. And this was MY moment.

150 Friends and a Dream

The Derby Affair ballroom took my breath away — and there they were, 150 of my cousins, lined up along the stage like they were already winners.

Gayle leaned over and told me the plan. Goal: 100 ponies. Stretch goal: 125. Dream goal: 150.

I looked at her. She looked at me.

I believed in 150. I always believed in 150.

This Year, Penny Is In Charge

When Gayle started to explain the Pony Appeal, she said something that made my little plush heart swell:

“This year we’re switching things up — because tonight, Penny is in charge. And I brought 150 of her friends — because I believe in you that much.”

I mean. I’m not crying. You’re crying.

Now, I should mention — I was propped up on stage right behind her the whole time. Front row seat to the magic. Best view in the house.

She told the Derby Affair room about the Rainbow Room. About children who arrive in foster care with nothing. About how a $100 paddle raise meant one of my cousins would find their way to a child who needed a soft place to land during the scariest moment of their life.

The Victory Lap

Here’s something nobody knew until that night: I had been waiting my ENTIRE LIFE to do a victory lap around a ballroom.

When paddle 100 went up — Gayle looked at me, I looked at Gayle, and she said “Penny, are you ready to run?”

And run we did. Around that entire ballroom. In heels. Well, Gayle was in heels. I don’t have feet. But the spirit was there and the crowd went absolutely wild.

100 ponies. Victory lap complete. The Derby Affair dream not yet finished.

The Plot Twist

After the live auction wrapped up, something unexpected happened.

I was right there with Gayle and Executive Director Susana Martinez when a generous donor quietly pulled them aside and said he’d take the last 50 ponies. No fanfare. No raised hand. Just a big heart and a done deal.

Just like that, the most generous moment of the Derby Affair was complete. 150 ponies. Every single one spoken for.

I planted that seed. I believed in 150 when we were only dreaming of 100. And it showed up — not the way anyone expected, but exactly the way it was supposed to.

That’s the thing about believing out loud. Sometimes the room answers in ways you never saw coming.

Full Circle

After the gala, donated ponies made their way to the Rainbow Room — ready and waiting for children who needed them most.

And just days later, one very special cousin was on her way to bring birthday smiles to a little girl in CPS care.

From our stage lineup to her birthday smile.

THAT is why we do this, friends. That is the whole entire point.

Until Next Year

I’m back on my wall now. Resting. Reflecting. Probably getting a little dusty if I’m being honest.

But I’ll be ready when Gayle calls again. Because if this Derby Affair community keeps showing up the way they did — and if anonymous heroes keep believing in dream goals — I have a feeling next year is going to be even bigger.

And I, Penny the Pony, will be right there for all of it. 🐄❤️

Giddy up.

— Penny

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