Deb Diaries

Dallas debutantes pack in posh parties to prep for 28th annual Presentation Ball

As the Dallas debs hit the home stretch to the 28th annual Presentation Ball on February 8 at Meyerson Symphony Center, chairperson Dixey Arterburn and her committee made sure the girls had plenty of activities to attend during winter break from their respective colleges.

First, Gene and Jerry Jones hosted a mother-daughter holiday tea at their home. Then Drs. Linda Burk and John Gilmore opened their elegant home for a posh party for the debs, honor guard and families.

Many familiar faces were there — including Haley Anderson, Megan Neligan, Meredith Bayoud, Chloie Johnson, Perry Locke and Fallon Schneider. The girls began this process last May as mere acquaintances but will end it with friends who feel more like family.

Speaking of family, these debs were often accompanied by their parents — including Charlotte Jones Anderson, Michelle and Allan Duncan, Vickie and George Bayoud, and Lois and Edwin Cartwright — who have been by the girls’ sides throughout the whole process.

In addition to all the winter fetes, the debs had to make time for some serious preparation, including a bow boot camp to practice the famous “Texas Dip” and formal portrait sittings, which they squeezed in before they returned to school.

“For the past 28 years, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball has brought generations of families together for the elegant presentation of their daughters and granddaughters,” said DSOL president Ginger Sager. “The Ball provides an opportunity for these young debutantes and their honor guard escorts to experience the excitement and beauty of our world-class Dallas Symphony Orchestra and become our city’s next generation of symphony and arts supporters.”

Pat Neligan, Maura Neligan, Megan Neligan, Patrick Neligan

Pat, Maura, Megan and Patrick Neligan, january deb parties

Photo by James French

Pat Neligan, Maura Neligan, Megan Neligan, Patrick Neligan

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Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

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Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

On a balmy Saturday night in November, the doors to Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science closed to the public and reopened for nearly 1,000 chic party-goers. They dined, danced, and played with the exhibits to raise funds at 2024 Night at the Museum Gala.

Led by co-chairs Dr. Pamela J. Okada and Mark Okada, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to support the museum’s educational programs and expand STEM learning opportunities across North Texas.

Perot Museum, Night at the Museum Gala 2024

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

The event, designed by Valdivia Ventures, included live music, a captivating performance by dancers of Texas Ballet Theater, and innovative food activations by Wolfgang Puck Catering (the flaky, piping hot truffle pot pies that gala guests always look forward to).

As patrons explored the museum, they were greeted by hundreds of white orchids from Jackson Durham Events and were serenaded in exhibit hall by musicians provided by Jordan Khan Music Company.

A highlight of the evening was the "10-Minute Tasting Restaurant," an adventurous pop-up type experience that transformed the Museum Store into a five-star dining experience. Of course there were cocktails, too, and the lychee martini was a fan-favorite.

The evening concluded with a high-energy after-party on the lower level of the museum, presented by the Eugene McDermott Foundation. Guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Romi Q, struck a pose at the interactive photo booth, and ended the night at a decadent dessert room featuring a variety of sweet treats.

Funds raised from Night at the Museum will support educational programs, fund day-to-day operations, and provide financial aid to ensure the museum remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the night, were Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps, Chris Shurtleff, Tim Peck, Missy Rogers Peck, Tori Mulford, Linda Silver, Emory McKim, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, Regen Horchow, Ken Hersh, Dennis Cail, Annika Cail, Grace Cook, Caleb Stearns Wiley, Sarah-Michelle Stearns Wiley, Jason Valdivia, Katherine Stenesen, Chantel Boudreaux, Jeffrey Bragalone, Lexi Dennis, Mickie Bragalone, John Spradling, Miriam Spradling, KC Hurst, Koli Hurst, Magda Veja, Ashley Chellgren, Maria Zajia, Geraldine Parker, Meredith Abbott, and many more patrons and supporters.

museums night at the museum perot museum gala galas