Giving Back

Dallas patrons party to the moon and back for Ronald McDonald House kids

What: Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Under the Moonlight Gala

Where: Pavilion at the Belo Mansion

The 411: The Pavilion at the historic Belo Mansion proved to be a gorgeous backdrop for the moonlight-themed party, with its 17-foot barrel vault ceiling and alabaster chandeliers and sconces. Christine Cook and Cecilie Holman co-chaired the elegant event, and Susan and David Rosenberg were honorary chairs.

Donning chic cocktail attire, guests gathered for drinks — including the signature Moonlight Mule — while the band The After Party played. Then they sat down to a Southern-inspired menu of white cheddar cheese grits, beef tenderloin with Cajun shrimp, and a scrumptious family-recipe bread pudding.

Bidding got competitive in a live auction that featured trips to the Kentucky Derby, Aspen,Vermont, and the Four Seasons Punta Mita; a luxury suite at a Rangers game; and an LA getaway to The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Since 2006, Under the Moonlight Gala has raised more than $2 million for RMHD, which serves families with seriously ill or injured children who are receiving treatment in the Dallas area by providing them with a home-away-from-home. In 37 years, it has hosted over 38,000 families with compassionate care.

Who: Caroline Gehan, Natalie Dossett, Heather Cooper, Cooper Edd, Amanda Melser, Jamie Sowa, April Cook, Holly Wittorf, Lorry Wallace, Patrick Wallace, Myles Kelley, Marty Kelley, Bill Bancroft, Susanne Bancroft, Sheldon Arora, Morgan Miller, Jill Cumnock, Diane Fullingim, Randy Cockrill, Jennifer Stalkup, Rachel Cutshaw, and Prentiss Cutshaw.

Lorry Wallace, Patrick Wallace

Ronald McDonald gala, Patrick and Lorry Wallace

Photo by Bret Redman

Lorry Wallace, Patrick Wallace

galas fundraisers

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