More than puddling around

Dallas young professionals suit up for inaugural Sunday fun day party with purpose

What: Dallas Cotillion Club Sunday Pool Party

Where: Stoneleigh Hotel

The 411: One of Dallas’ premier clubs for professional young women closed the summer with a high-energy pool party that raised over $1,700 for the organization's beneficiary, Genesis Women’s Shelter. More than 80 guests made a splash at the inaugural event.

They enjoyed beats by DJ Souljah and DJ JC, sips from Peroni, an SPF Bar from Coola Suncare, VIP gift bags from Prive Medical, and jewelry and accessories for purchase from Dallas-based McCauley + Luck.

The new event is one of many ways that the group aims to help Genesis Women's Shelter throughout the year, from volunteering to raising funds for administrative and programming needs.

“Dallas Cotillion Club seeks to be an organization of women who support women, with proceeds from various events throughout the year benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter,” says Kelsey George, Cotillion Club underwriting chair, in a release. “Genesis helps women and their children in Dallas find safety, shelter and support after experiencing domestic violence, and raises awareness regarding its root cause and impact.”

Dallas Cotillion Club was founded in 1944 as the Junior Arts League of Dallas, focused on serving the Dallas community and connecting young women with common interests. Today, as one of the premier social clubs in Dallas, it remains focused on promoting volunteerism and developing the potential of women.

Who: Alix Comings, Brea Beach, Preston Pittman, Jordan Perry, Allison Chvojan, Jack Christie, Rachel Kitto, Anne Kiersky, Leslie Galvan, and Lynnet Perez.

Jewelry and accessories from Dallas-based McCauley + Luck

Photo by Lynnet Perez Photography

Jewelry and accessories from Dallas-based McCauley + Luck

young-professionals 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