Haute House Party

Wilkinson Center supporters shake things up at sponsor party and gala auction teaser

When supporters of the Wilkinson Center get together, you know it is going to be fun, fashionable and fabulous. Such was the case at a recent preview party at the home of Cindy and Gary Weed, where supporters gathered to thank sponsors and underwriters who donated to the “Shaken, Not Stirred ” James Bond-themed gala taking place October 25 at The Adolphus.

Guests — includingHunter Heres, OJ DeSouza, Adrienne and Chris O’Connor, Emily Greenhaw, Lisa Sievers, Sandra Pomeroy, and Emily Dunn — sipped wine and champagne donated by Boisset Family Estates, who also happens to be providing all of the drinks for the upcoming gala.

The evening also included to-die-for hors d’oeuvre by Millie Winston, including pork tenderloin sliders, bacon apricot zingers, Brie with caramelized almonds, and spiced crackers with pumpkin spread — and that’s to name only a few. Am I the only one who’s hungry now?

One of the live auction items up for grabs at the October 25 fete is so fab that a teaser was indeed necessary. A handmade couture gown by Nardos Imam, who has previously designed clothing for Stanley Korshak, hits the live auction block next weekend. The Wilkinson Center crew even brought in a model to showcase some of the dress designs at the party.

Wilkinson Center is a leading poverty rescue and prevention agency for the working poor, serving more than 14,000 people annually in Dallas. The center offers hope, inspiration, and the basic necessities and tools to empower its clients to become self-sufficient and improve their lives.

Tickets for the fundraising fete can still be purchased by visiting the Wilkinson Center website.

Emily Dunn, Millie Winston, Cindy Weed

Photo by Carol Hensley

Emily Dunn, Millie Winston, Cindy Weed

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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