Artful Fundraising

Dallas’ most elegant art patrons turn out for their favorite spring ball

Once a year, Dallas’ most elegant philanthropists descend on the Dallas Museum of Art for one of the highlights of the spring social season: Art Ball. This year’s fete, themed “Art + Architecture,” managed to further raise the bar, thanks to co-chairs Ann and David Sutherland.

During the reception, impeccably dressed attendees — including Nancy Rogers, Candice and Tony Romo, Capera Ryan, Lance Bass, Micki and Mayor Mike Rawlings, Jamie and Melbourne O’Banion, Robin McMonigle, Christen Wilson, Elaine and Neils Agather, Brian Bolke, and Faisal Halum — admired each other’s attire while sipping craft cocktails by Belvedere Vodka and Hennessy Cognac. They then strolled the venue to bid on furniture, art, travel, and other exceptional experiences in the silent auction.

When the dinner bell sounded, guests took their seats among elegant green and yellow floral designs by the oh-so-talented Todd Events team. Cassandra Fine Catering provided a dinner pleasing to eye and palate: Maine lobster salad, duck breast, loup de mer, and coconut popsicles. Throughout the meal, guests enjoyed live music and an even livelier auction led by Christie’s Auction House. Among the items available for bidding were trips to Africa and Italy and a comprehensive Dallas sports experience.

Following a performance by Chris Gillespie, guests emerged from the dinner tent to join the DMA Junior Associates in the Hamon Atrium and Eagle Family Plaza for Folly at the Art Ball. Spotted at this after-hours soirée were some of Dallas’ most dynamic young professionals, including Rachel and Michael Osburn, Vodi Cook, Meghan Looney, Amy and Wade Havins, Allison Mitchell, Julia Sands, Bailey Harrison, Mackenzie Brittingham, and Mimi and Rich Sterling.

Before everyone departed, Park Place Jaguar gave away an SUV in true Dallas raffle style. All funds raised at Art Ball provide operating revenue for the Dallas Museum of Art.

Jamie O'Banion, Melbourne O'Banion

$Jamie O\u2019Banion (Marchesa), Melbourne O\u2019Banion$

Photo by WJNPHOTO

Jamie O'Banion, Melbourne O'Banion

fundraisers galas

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