Put a Wreath On It

DIFFA whisks Dallasites off to France for Christmas market fundraiser

If you're one of those people who puts up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, then DIFFA/Dallas' Holiday Wreath Collection is the party for you.

The decorative-minded folks who gathered at Fashion Industry Gallery on November 15 also happened to be very much into philanthropy, as the chic soiree is a fundraiser for the direct care that DIFFA provides to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in North Texas.

Event co-chairs Meagan Camp and Karena Chisolm were the masterminds behind the annual event, now in its 23rd year, and went all out with the Marché de Noel theme. Living sculptures proffered flutes of Impeccable Brut from their Marie Antoinette-inspired skirts, while Dallas String Quartet Electric played classic Christmas tunes with a modern twist.

Up for admiration and bidding were more than 70 one-of-a-kind wreaths and accessories designed by Dan & Joseph, Brian Chaffin, Dylan's Candy Bar, Nuvo, Shane Burroughs, The Container Store, and many more. Styles ranged from traditional bows and boughs to the clever "Awreatha Franklin" and a circular tribute to the television reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

DIFFA/Dallas' chairman of the board, Lee Borchert, was spotted mingling with guests who included Allan Knight, Cearan Henley, Carol Quist, Parker Williams, Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak, Jim DiMarino, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Eduardo Gàmez, Densil Adams, Josh Mayer, Steve Weir, Matthew Carrigan, Nikki St. George, and Debra Nelson.

This year's event also featured a Christmas tree auction by Frontgate at Legacy West and an Elfa gift-wrapping station generously donated by title sponsor The Container Store. In addition to the unique and festive wreaths, attendees could also bid on the extraordinary auction packages and also get first dibs on the most valuable tables for House of DIFFA: Futuro, which will be held March 16, 2019, at the Omni Dallas hotel.

In a side room blooming with fresh flowers, Ketel One invited guests to build their own cocktail creations, which nicely washed down hors d' oeuvres from III Forks Steakhouse and Seafood and fresh crepes from Whisk Crepe Cafe. Sumptuous desserts from Rush Patisserie, Savor Macarons, La Madeleine, and Starbucks ended the night on a sweet note.

Formed in 1984, the Dallas chapter of DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas and has since granted more than $8 million to 25 frontline HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas. For more information about the organization or to get involved, visit www.DIFFADallas.org.

Jasmine Douglas, Brooks Davenport, Darielle Carmouche, Matthew Lee

Jasmine Douglas, Brooks Davenport, Darielle Carmouche, Matthew Lee

Photo by Joseph Brewster and Thomas Garza

Jasmine Douglas, Brooks Davenport, Darielle Carmouche, Matthew Lee

cocktails shopping charity music drinks desserts holidays fundraisers young-professionals

Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

undefined

undefined

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

Loading...