Diane Russell
Fall is just around the corner, bringing relief from the relentless summer heat, the return of our winter visitors, and one of the season’s most anticipated events, the Equine Voices Rescue and Sanctuary Annual Fall Fundraiser!
This year’s event honors the memory of a horse who left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him.
Diamond Rio, named for the diamond-shaped marking on his forehead, arrived at Equine Voices in 2009 after being found by Border Patrol wandering the desert with hundreds of pounds of drugs strapped to his back and suffering from a devastating leg injury. The injury meant he would never again be ridden or experience the freedom of running across an open pasture. He had every reason to lose trust in people.
Instead, Diamond Rio became a gentle soul whose quiet strength and dignity inspired everyone around him. His resilience, kind spirit, and unwavering trust made him a favorite among staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. Visitors often found him standing quietly at the fence, accepting gentle scratches and greeting familiar faces with calm, trusting eyes.
For Diamond Rio, Equine Voices became more than a place of refuge. It became home. He was no longer defined by the circumstances that brought him to the sanctuary or by the things he could no longer do. He simply became Diamond Rio—a beloved member of the herd who had a way of making people slow down, reach through the fence, and spend a quiet moment with him.
He passed away unexpectedly in January at the age of 26, surrounded by those who loved him. This year’s Fall Fundraiser is dedicated to celebrating his remarkable life and the countless animals whose stories continue because of compassionate supporters.
“Denim and Diamonds” will be held on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa. Guests will enjoy a champagne reception, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment by renowned local musician Ivan Orellana and the popular Javelina Blu band.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit the 55 horses, burros, and mules cared for at Equine Voices Rescue and Sanctuary in Amado while also supporting the continued development of Equine Voices East in South Carolina. The new facility will help expand the organization’s lifesaving mission and raise awareness that abused, neglected, and abandoned equines face the same challenges in communities across the country.
Tickets sell out quickly each year, so early reservations are encouraged. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit equinevoices.org or call 520-398-2814.
By attending Denim and Diamonds, guests will do more than enjoy a memorable evening. They will become part of the continuing story of horses like Diamond Rio—animals who, given patience, compassion, and a safe place to heal, can show us just how much resilience and love they have to give.