Having a Ball

Junior League shows Dallas how it's done at marvelous 52nd annual ball

More than 600 supporters filled the Hilton Anatole for the 52nd annual Junior League of Dallas Ball. Although the crowd comprised mostly the glam gals of the Junior League, there were quite a few handsome gentlemen there to share in the momentous occasion.

In keeping with the theme, “Rio Carnival ... A Night in La Cidade Maravilhosa ... The Marvelous City,” masquerade dancers flanked the entrance to greet guests, who began the evening sharing cocktails and stories about a fantastic year of service and leadership in the community.

Following the cocktail reception, a drumline led attendees — including Noelle LeVeaux, Kate Rose Marquez, Joanna Clarke, Gillian Breidenbach, Annika Cail and Katy Bock — into the Chantilly Ballroom, which was a vision of silver and gold, with abstract table arrangements filled with ostrich and peacock feathers.

Once the group was seated, ball chair Wendy Messmann and Junior League of Dallas president Laura Johnson reflected on the league’s accomplishments and celebrated the JLD’s many donors, members and volunteers. Katherine LaLonde and Margaret Crow, this year’s honorary chairs, were also given some much-deserved recognition.

After an elegant meal of confit duck leg pozole, grilled filet of beef chimichurri, and cinnamon ice cream chocolate sundaes, it was time for the real party to begin. The Junior League enlisted Bob Schneider to share in the celebration, and he obliged with a one-of-a-kind musical performance featuring funk, soul, folk, country and rock. The evening ended with a late-night party featuring entertainment by Professor D.

Founded in 1922, the Junior League of Dallas trains members for effective participation in the community and is dedicated to the belief that volunteer service is an essential part of responsible citizenship.

Noelle LeVeaux, Kate Rose Marquez, Joanna Clarke, Gillian Breidenbach

Noelle LeVeaux, Kate Rose Marquez, Joanna Clarke, and Gillian Breidenbach, jld ball 2014

Photo by Dana Driensky

Noelle LeVeaux, Kate Rose Marquez, Joanna Clarke, Gillian Breidenbach

unspecified

Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

undefined

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