Dreamy Philanthropy

Nancy Lieberman Foundation lands a slam dunk with Dream Ball

More than 400 people, including many celebrity athletes and coaches, attended the third annual Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital Dream Ball in support of the Nancy Lieberman Foundation at the Omni Dallas downtown.

They don't call her "Lady Magic" for nothing: It just so happens that one of the greatest figures in all of women's basketball can also throw a mean party.

A vision in blue, Nancy Lieberman embraced friends and supporters as they walked the red carpet. One of the many things to love about Lieberman is her kindness, and what better way to thank supporters than by welcoming them to the party herself?

Guests — including Emmitt Smith, Roy Williams, Deion Sanders, Abi Ferrin, June Jones, Nate Newton and David Pigeons — enjoyed a VIP cocktail celebration, seated dinner, and exciting live and silent auctions. But the real "pinch me" moment for sports fans occurred when world record holder and legendary swimmer Diana Nyad took the stage. The Inspirational Award honoree encouraged everyone to make the most of each and every day.

After the plates were cleared, honors were awarded and — most important — money was raised, it was time to party. The evening wrapped up with a high-energy performance from award-winning artist Sir Earl Toon of Kool & The Gang.

The Nancy Lieberman Foundation provides a healthy, physical, emotional and mental environment for young girls and boys to build confidence and self-esteem so they make positive choices for their future. Nancy Lieberman is dedicated to expanding and ensuring that sports and educational opportunities exist for youths through her basketball camps and clinics, DreamCourts, and educational programs.

Nancy Lieberman, Deion Sanders

Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Nancy Lieberman, Deion Sanders

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