Charitable Ladies Who Lunch

Women's Auxiliary of Nexus divulges 2014 celebrity keynote at elegant kickoff meeting

More than 200 savvy, service-minded Dallas women attended the Women’s Auxiliary of Nexus annual information meeting at the elegant home of Lisa Blue Baron. Mickey Rawlings, wife of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, spoke of the importance of the organization and all that it does to help women in need.

"We are women helping our women and their children," Rawlings said. "We need to make sure they have access, treatment and supportive services – stopping the cycle of addiction."

Delicious treats were served in the dining parlor to guests — including Ramona Jones, Robin Bagwell, Diane Sealy, Beverly Barry, Betsy Chambers, Carolyn Jones Waghorne, Lauren Gillette, Dee Velvin, Nancy Shutt, Sabra Ewing, Joan Foster, Linda Claycomb, Liz Pasquinelli, Susan Hoff, Cai Glacken, Linda Huffines, Susanne Marley, Betty Reiter and Nancy Walker — who were excited to kick off their year of service.

Spring 2014 luncheon chair Jane Geisse had the honor of delivering the big reveal: Sally and Forrest Hoglund will serve as honorary chairs for the spring fundraiser, and Dr. Drew will serve as the celebrity speaker. The luncheon is set for April 22, 2014, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

Necus Recovery Center is a Dallas nonprofit at the forefront of specialized substance abuse services for females. Nexus offers programs for adult women and adolescent girls ages 13 to 17, including those pregnant or accompanied by children. Nexus is one of only a few programs nationally that invites women to bring their children into treatment.

Over the past 17 years, the Women’s Auxiliary of Nexus has raised $2.6 million for the center.

Nancy Shutt, Linda Claycomb, Becca Crowell, Carolyn Waghorne

Photo courtesy of Nexus Recovery Center

Nancy Shutt, Linda Claycomb, Becca Crowell, Carolyn Waghorne

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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.

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