Flights of Philanthropy

Dallas power players secure funds for future aviators at Frontiers of Flight Museum Gala

The city’s most prominent philanthropists came together at the Frontiers of Flight Museum Gala to recognize accomplishments in aviation and raise money for a great cause. Themed “Not for Self, But Country,” the evening celebrated service to country and community.

Guests — including Ebby Halliday, Marianne Staubach, Jan Collmer and Margot Perot — enjoyed an elegant evening filled with fine dining and performances by the Hillcrest High School Panaders dance team; Wylie East High School Air Force JROTC armed drill team; and Chris Irwin and Jeff Widenhofer, Navy veterans and nationally recognized composers for the documentary Murph: The Protector.

Special guest Ross Perot presented the 2014 George E. Haddaway Award to deserving recipients Admiral Patrick Walsh (Ret.) and former Navy officer Roger Staubach. Both were recognized for their service and achievements in the United States Navy and their lifetime contributions to their communities.

Leading the fundraising charge was chair Gina Ginsburg, who helped rake in $450,000 for the museum’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs that reach more than 10,000 students each year. These funds help educate the next generation of aviators and astronauts.

“As a mom, the work of the Frontiers of Flight Museum is close to my heart because it’s also one of my sons’ favorite places to visit,” Ginsburg said. “Through my own experience, I’ve seen what the museum does firsthand to inspire and educate our children.”

Scott Ginsburg, Gina Ginsburg, Marianne Staubach, Roger Staubach

Scott Ginsburg, Gina Ginsburg and Marianne and Roger Staubach, fof gala

Photo by Jeff Hall

Scott Ginsburg, Gina Ginsburg, Marianne Staubach, Roger Staubach

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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.

museums night at the museum perot museum gala galas