House of Philanthropy

Resource Center patrons party with purpose at capital campaign fete

Any affair at the home of philanthropist Faye Briggs is expected to be a great one. But the Resource Center Dallas capital campaign celebration for the new LGBT community center exceeded expectations.

First, no one was allowed to roam around Briggs' elegant home without a cocktail in hand. She'd stop you and insist on fetching you a drink if she caught you sans tumbler or wine glass.

Second, the crowd included a devoted group of supporters, including party host Don Gaiser, Shane Walker, Gary Olsen, Chris Hendrix, Brett Gray, Mark Hendon, Liza Hodges and Hannah Fields. In an awesomely un-Dallas move, Robert Emery rode his bicycle to the fete.

More important, though, the cocktail party brought awareness to the Resource Center and its new LGBT community center. After warm remarks from board chair Gregory Pynes, CEO Cece Cox and donor Charles MarLett, an HIV positive client shared his story about the support he received from the center upon his diagnosis.

Chatter around the house included the exciting new facility, Briggs' exquisite taste and her overwhelming generosity.

The Resource Center Dallas is the primary lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and HIV/AIDS service organization in North Texas. It offers health and wellness programs, education and advocacy programs, and family programs to the community and operates one of the largest LGBT community centers in the United States.

Philip Wier, Deborah McMurray

Deborah McMurray, Philip Wier, Resource Center party, Faye Briggs

Photo by Shana Anderson

Philip Wier, Deborah McMurray

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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