Grandest Gala in Dallas

Crystal Charity Ball sparkles as Dallas' grandest gala

Dallas' most giving and glamorous arrived at the Hilton Anatole on a perfect December evening for the city's most exclusive gala, the Crystal Charity Ball, where 2014 ball chair Robyn Conlon was waiting to welcome them for a night of fun, philanthropy and a couple of surprises.

Guests — including Kimberly and Justin Whitman, Elisa and Stephen Summers, Lynn McBee, Tanya and Pete Foster, DeeDee Lee, Candy and Walter Evans, and Katherine Coker — arrived dressed in their finest formal attire for a reception that paid tribute to this year's theme, Jewels of the Garden, including music from the Dallas String Quartet, elaborate floral arrangements and strategically placed models who could only be described as whimsical garden fairies.

With glasses of bubbly in hand, guests made their way to the silent auction, which included a special Christmas-themed section to promote holiday spirit. A lively casino area encouraged attendees to try their luck in the name of charity.

Each year, attendees look forward to the Chantilly Ballroom reveal, and Tom Addis' display did not disappoint. When the doors swung open at the stroke of 9, guests grabbed their dates and found their tables, which were festooned with fabulous floral — orchids, roses and hydrangeas — crystals and Tiffany boxes at every seat.

The 50-member Gospel of Light Choir surprised everyone with a 30-minute set from an elaborate revolving stage at the center of the room. Then it was time to indulge on crab Louis, filet of beef with Madeira sauce and a chocolate bomb for dessert as the James Davis Orchestra serenaded them throughout the meal. A toast was in order when it was announced that $5.2 million was raised for this year's beneficiaries.

At 11 pm, Professor D took to the stage, which signaled the late-night dance party. Guests enjoyed treats, tunes and tonics while congratulating Conlon on a job well done and wishing good luck to 2015 chair Michal Powell, who no doubt has extraordinary shoes to fill.

Sean Davenport, Mandy Davenport, Stephen Summers, Elisa Summers, Ben Murphy, Allison Murphy, Jamey Wright, Martin Wright, Trisha Besing

Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Sean Davenport, Mandy Davenport, Stephen Summers, Elisa Summers, Ben Murphy, Allison Murphy, Jamey Wright, Martin Wright, Trisha Besing

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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.

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