Where the West Was Won

Seen on the scene: Cowboys and busty belles at the Roundup for Autism PegasusBall

Photo by John Strange
Photo by John Strange
Photo by John Strange
Photo by John Strange
Photo by John Strange
Photo by Dana Driensky and Daniel Driensky

Gentlemen in bolo ties, cowboy boots and Stetson hats joined ladies in form-fitting gowns at the Fairmont Dallas for the 1870s-themed Roundup for Autism Pegasus Ball September 8. If the attire wasn't enough to set the scene, perhaps the gold revolver up for auction paints a better picture. Just one glance at the wooden bar, where Southern gents tipped their hats and sipped whiskey on the rocks, transported us to another time when ladies poured into tight dresses was the norm, and men never left the house without hats.

But this was not only dress-up fun; these partygoers were there with purpose, and the enthusiastic master of ceremonies, Charlie Throckmorton,reminded guests of Roundup's mission in supporting the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas.

“Champions never stood so tall to help children,” Throckmorton said, in reference to the goal of finding a cure for the disease. He introduced charity founder Bobby Norris,who rewarded Michael Musarra, general manager of the Fairmont Dallas, with a white Resistol cowboy hat as a token of gratitude for the hotel employees' donation to the ATC every year.

Norris praised honorary chairs Annie and David Simpson for their kindness and thanked ball chairs Dawn and Ryan Neufeld. Later Norris presented the 2012 Roundup Spirit Award to Heather and Allen Russell,for 30 years of outstanding volunteer work. Colorful bouquets were also presented to JJ Norris and Roundup event chairs Gina Marx and Brooke Hayes,as well as the stockyards events chairman Kelly Pickens.

Lone Star Pony Express gifted Roundup with $33,000, in addition to a custom saddle bag presented to Norris, which was auctioned off during the ball. The rest of the charitable night included a seated dinner accompanied by the sounds of Domino Effect. Guests at the gala included Sharon Folsom, Mindy Paige, Barry Corbin, Robert C. Norris (Bobby's father and the original Marlboro Man), Lynn Thrower, Terri Sue Wensinger, Claudine Musarra, Ken Farmer and Buck Steinke.

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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