Charity Circuit

Dallas philanthropists get the royal treatment at Flora Award patron party

More than 75 guests gathered at the home of Dee Wyly for the Texas Discovery Gardens Flora Award patron party honoring this year's recipient, Jan Pickens. Wyly proved a most capable and generous hostess, as she provided all the food, flowers and valet for the evening.

Wyly welcomed guests into her beautiful atrium for a special dinner prepared by her chef and house manager, Darren McGrady. If that name rings a bell, it's because McGrady, nicknamed the Royal Chef, was the former personal chef for Princess Diana.

Texas Discovery Gardens director Dick Davis introduced Flora Award co-chairs Jennifer Huff and Courtney Love to guests — includingLynn McBee, Tiffany Divis, Ann Dyer, John Clutz, Carolyn Lupton, Robert Grackvill and Caroline Rose Hunt — then spoke about Pickens and her dedication to the community and the gardens.

"It was Jan who took the Flora Award from a simple tea and turned it into the elegant event it is today," added Love. "She has grace, elegance and a deep faith, and there is no one more deserving of this award."

The Flora Award recognizes outstanding citizens who have demonstrated a commitment to beautification, education, and the advancement of the environment and quality of life. Past winners include Ellen and John McStay, Ebby Halliday Acers, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Dee and Charles Wyly, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Barbara Hunt Crow.

The evening ended with a wonderful assortment of desserts and mixing and mingling in the atrium. Pickens officially receives her Flora Ward at the annual black tie gala in Fair Park set for November 7.

Jan Pickens, Alison Farrow

Photo by Dana Driensky

Jan Pickens, Alison Farrow

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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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