Fall Philanthropy

DIFFA Dallas reboots famed foodie fundraiser into full-on festival

John Tesar rallies the celebrity chefs for DIFFA/Dallas' Burgers & Burgundy.

Photo by Rhi Lee

One of Dallas’ best-loved fundraisers is about to get a whole lot bigger. For its eighth iteration on October 7, DIFFA’s Burgers & Burgundy will move to a much larger location, and its format will extend beyond the usual food-and-wine sampling.

The famed party outgrew its luxurious backyard locale (aka Karen and Bill Seanor’s home), so it’s headed for the Ron Kirk Pedestrian Bridge, giving it a more outdoor festival feel. Themed DIFFAcella, the event also will feature live art installations by Jason Reynaga, Anthony Gonzales, and Matthew Brinston, as well as three caricature artists and a henna artist.

As for what’s on the menu, John Tesar is still the celebrity chef in charge. He will task his talented colleagues, local and national, with serving their best burger sliders and choosing accompanying Burgundy wines. Don’t like wine? You can drink beer or a specialty cocktail.

Also expect entertainment by Repel the Robot and The Please, Please Me, and a Pawkitecture auction featuring modern dog houses built by local architecture and design firms. Proceeds directly benefit DIFFA/Dallas.

Following tradition, Burgers & Burgundy also serves as the reveal of the Style Council Ambassadors, who help raise awareness about the organization’s cause. Ambassadors donate their time to AIDS service organizations to become better educated about those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The council also is crucial in aiding DIFFA/Dallas fundraising efforts.

“We are excited to continue the momentum this one-of-a-kind dining experience has created for the charity, where our supporters can have a wonderful time, knowing their donations are going to agencies and people with the greatest need,” says event chair Aileen Roach in a release. Longtime DIFFA supporter Simona Beal is this year’s honorary chair.

“It’s been an honor to work with DIFFA/Dallas for eight years to put on this event and watch it grow year after year,” Tesar adds.

The event will run from 6:30-9:30 pm. Tickets for Burgers & Burgundy are $150 per person and can be purchased at the DIFFA/Dallas website or by calling 214-748-8580.

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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.

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