Animal Gala

Dallas animal advocates pull out the rock 'n' roll stops at THLN gala

Animal advocates from Dallas and all across Texas threw down on November 4 at the annual fundraiser for Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), an organization that lobbies for legislation to better the lives of animals.

Held at Brake & Clutch Warehouse in Deep Ellum, the event observed a "Rock the Vote" theme, both to encourage people to vote in the midterm elections and to suggest a dress code for the night.

More than 250 attendees showed up in their best rocker gear: pleather motorcycle jackets, frayed jeans, and biker boots, to bid on 65 auction packages including a raffle to a spa getaway in South Beach, doggie gifts, animal portraits, and more.

With rock band Space Rockers performing in the background, guests dug in to splendid grub — vegan, of course, this being an animal event — from CN Catering, including stuffed portabella mushrooms and a Thai stir-fry. A dessert bar was provided by Cinnaholic.

Two awards were bestowed: "Excellence in Animal Care and Control" to animal control officer Jamey Cantrell of Plano, and "THLN's Humane Hero" to Rob Acuna, an avid rescuer and volunteer in Houston.

THLN's biggest goals for the next legislative session include enacting tougher state-wide laws on tethering and puppy mill breeders.

Rocking out for the animals were THLN executive director Laura Donahue, honorary chair Holly Forsythe, Skip Trimble, State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, Rep. Victoria Neave, Rep. Rodney Anderson, congressional candidate Lorie Burch, Cile Holloway, Katie Jarl Coyle, Mary Spencer, Maeleska Fletes, Traci Hanson, Stacy Smith, Gigi Ray, Natalie Stauffer Lynch, Jean Paul and Magdalena Bonnelly, Stacy Hague, Molly Theis Peterson, and Alex Johnson.

Attendees included Steve Hurst, Shelley Bobosky, Rep. Victoria Neave, and Elisabeth Rutledge.

Photo courtesy of THLN

Attendees included Steve Hurst, Shelley Bobosky, Rep. Victoria Neave, and Elisabeth Rutledge.

Fundraising fun

Dallas’ Night at the Museum gala brings in $2M for Perot programs

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez

On Saturday, November 8, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science opened its doors, after hours, for one of Dallas’ most anticipated galas of fall: Night at the Museum.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez

Led by co-chairs Shelly and Michael Dee in honor of Sally and Forrest Hoglund, the 2025 Night at the Museum immersed guests in a science-y wonderland of interactive exhibits, fun cocktails, unique cuisine, and more.

Guests agreed: The couldn't-miss highlight of the evening was the 10-Minute Restaurant, which transformed the museum gift shop into a five-star culinary adventure by Wolfgang Puck Catering, reminiscent of how they serve celebrities at the Oscars. Amid all the night's action, it was a great way to sneak in a quick bite and some one-on-one time with a date in a VIP-like setting.

Attendees also noshed from a Living Crudité Bar, an Off the Bone beef station, a paella station, enjoyed "roaming tiramisu," and stopped servers in their tracks for the famous Night at the Museum pot pies. No one went thirsty, either, as guests sipped creative cocktails like Sorbete de Sangria de Cava and the sparkling “Aqua Pearl,” enjoyed a 196 Vodka Seltzer Bar, and a refueled at a coffee cart that opened at the after-party.

Guests got to dig like paleontologists at the Paleo Lab, ooh and ahh at the sparking Aquamarine on the display in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, and learn all about little creepy-crawlies in the Bug Lab Exhibit. Another favorite activity was the Iris Photography, which turned photos of the human eye into works of art.

In total, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to help fund field trips, outreach, discounted admission and memberships to the Perot, and more.

Among the notable attendees were Margot Perot, Dr. Linda Silver, Marilynn Thoma, Carl Thoma, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, David and Mary Henderson, Katie and Jerome Rose, Lyda Hill, Cade McCarter, DeWitt McCarter, Kelly Compton, Kenna McCarter, John Sughrue, Marlene Sughrue, Kate and Steve Sigfusson, Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, Grace Cook, Laura Compton, Angus Mitchell, Rachel Mitchell, Martine and Michael Philippe, and many more patrons and supporters.

museums fundraisers galas