NOLA in DAL

Dallas young professionals let the good times roll at Masquerade fundraiser

More than 700 people passionate about Genesis Women's Shelter & Support flooded the entrance of Sixty Five Hundred for the fifth annual Masquerade — the signature event of the Genesis Young Leaders.

Co-chairs Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat worked tirelessly to transform the venue into a buzzing Big Easy-themed bash — named one of CultureMap's top YP charitable events of spring — that would be the talk of the town long after the young professionals' party was over. (A special shout out must go to the woman atop the giant tricycle serving champagne in the "French Quarter.")

The altruistic power couple and Genesis Young Leaders Board Presidents Jenny and Dan Harris were dressed to impress with their do-good gang — including Lizzie Means Duplantis, Margretta Wikert, Abby Simoneau and Julie Carpenter — as they made their way through the chic event space playing casino games, bidding on silent auction items, and dancing to the smooth tunes of The Project Band.

There was also a photo booth where Kate Schlinke, Sarah Foster, Christina Walker, Jessica Medina, and Brooke Meyer were spotted getting their smiles on.

And it wouldn't be a genuine Cajun affair without some serious eats. Food Glorious Food hooked up guests with hors d'oeuvres straight from the Bayou. Think chicken and andouille sausage skewers, mini muffaletta sandwiches, jambalaya, and warm New Orleans-style beignets. Signature drinks provided by Absolut dubbed the Masquerade Mule and the Whimsical Whiskey were just icing on the sweet, sweet Southern cake.

This year's event allowed the Genesis Young Leaders to raise about $200,000 for the women and children of this life-changing organization that provides safety, shelter, and expert counseling services to those who have experienced domestic violence. In 2017 alone, Genesis served about 1,300 women and children who were able to receive these services at no cost.

Bianca Jackson, Sarah Eastburn, Sarah Godat, Hayden Godat, Dan Harris, Jenny Harris, Kirstin Godat, Holden Godat

Biance Jackson, Sarah Eastburn, Sarah Godat, Hayden Godat, Dan Harris, Jenny Harris, Kristin Godat, Holden Godat

Photo by Tamytha Cameron Photography

Bianca Jackson, Sarah Eastburn, Sarah Godat, Hayden Godat, Dan Harris, Jenny Harris, Kirstin Godat, Holden Godat

fundraisers

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