Celebrity Philanthropy

Dallas power couple rounds up celeb pals for fab philanthropic weekend

What: 2015 Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational and Gala

Where: Omni Hotel and TPC Craig Ranch

The 411: A formidable force on the local charity scene, Emmitt Smith and his wife, Pat, welcomed back celebrity friends — from both Emmitt’s days as an NFL great and his stint on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars —to their annual gala and golf tournament. Everyone donned their finest threads for a walk on the red carpet that preceded a seated dinner and presentation emceed with DWTS’ Tom Bergeron. During the gala, the Smiths presented Marjorie and Steve Harvey with the Roger Staubach Award, so bestowed for the couple’s efforts to positively impact the lives of children. After dinner, it was time to dance, of course, to music by The O’Jays and Emerald City.

The following morning, golfers rallied at TPC Craig Ranch for a philanthropic round of 18 holes. All told the weekend raised more than $1.2 million for Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, which support education programming for underserved children. The proceeds raised throughout the weekend will fund summer camps, afterschool programs, college tuition and other educational programming that impact more than 25,000 children annually.

Who: Candice and Tony Romo, Vivica Fox, Melissa Rycroft and Tye Strickland, Cheryl Burke, Jake Pavelka, Jane McGarry, Drew Pearson, and Danica Fenoglio.

Emmitt Smith, Pat Smith, Marjorie Harvey, Steve Harvey

Emmitt & Pat Smith, Marjorie & Steve Harvey

Photo by Gittings and Thomas Garza

Emmitt Smith, Pat Smith, Marjorie Harvey, Steve Harvey

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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