More than 1,300 millennials took over the Omni Dallas hotel on December 8, showing up in droves to challenge the "lazy millennial" stigma.
They were there not only to have a good time, but to raise money for the Dallas Millennial Club's Millennials for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) initiative. Since its founding in 2016, the Dallas Millennial Club (there are also chapters in Houston and New York City) has raised nearly $80,000 for deserving students and programs in the Dallas area.
But, of course, it wouldn't be a millennial party without plenty of selfie stations to document the night. There were six in total, including one that produced a 360-degree video and another sponsored by Spence Diamonds that let attendees drape themselves with decadent diamond jewelry before posting.
After a set from DJ Jeff Mitchell, VIP guests — including Alanna Sarabia, Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, Junior Desinor, Jenna Jenovich, Leah Frazier, and Dani Austin — enjoyed a three-course meal during the gala's program, which was co-hosted by emcees Jeanine Amapola and Matt Ransdell.
Among those honored were local real estate leader Rogers Healy (Millennial Mentor of the Year), STEM advocate Alicia Morgan (Millennial Leader of the Year), and CEO of Vista Bank John Steinmetz (STEM Hero of the Year).
Additionally, a $1,000 STEM camp scholarship fund, a Dallas Zoo membership package, and a Perot Museum membership was awarded to seventh grader Jacoriea Hamilton.
Speaking of the Dallas Zoo, a few wild friends stopped by to join the party. An anteater, radiated tortoise, and penguin took the stage along with Dallas Millennial Club co-founders Noble Madu, Christiana Yebra, and Broadrick Umeh.
Hometown favorite DJ Jesse Koo then turned up the volume, as the ballroom became flooded with young professionals ready to party long into the night.
The initial intent of the Dallas Millennial Club was to create an organization that would give modern-minded professionals an organic way to connect offline. Two years later, the organization has expanded its membership offerings while also hosting monthly speaker series events, masterclasses, philanthropic and service events, an annual STEM in the Park event at Klyde Warren Park, and an annual charity gala every winter. Millennial Clubs created its foundation Millennials for STEM in 2017 to benefit science, technology, engineering and mathematic learning in the North Texas area.
Aaron Firlotte, Renata Rampersad, Christiana Yebra, Michael Romine, Dustin Laroux
