Fashionable Philanthropy

New flock of Dallas Fashion Stars compete in royal charitable challenge

Stylish Dallas philanthropists joined Yvonne Crum recently at Belk Galleria for her Fashion Stars for a Cause announcement party. The event served two purposes: First, it was the official kickoff for the Royal Raffle, which awards one lucky winner a dinner package for 10 with Darren McGrady,Princess Diana's former royal chef, with proceeds benefiting the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.

Second, it was an opportunity for Crum, chair and founder of the now-annual fête, and honorary chair Toni Munoz Hunt, to present this year's 12 Fashion Stars to an enthusiastic crowd as they sipped Fashion Stars Cocktails provided by Zodiac Spirits. Calling this group the "crème de la Crum" may be appropriate:

Jennifer Fleming
Jamie Fowler
Leah Frazier
Rebecca Hallam
Caroline Harrison
Dr. Naila Malik
Charmaine Marshall
Dawn Mellon
Jessi Moreau
Dawn Neufeld
Melissa Rountree
Cathy Williamson

These 12 Fashion Stars are competing to sell the most raffle tickets, which are available for $50 each or three for $100. The Fashion Star who sells the most tickets wins a special prize from Belk, who has signed on as the official sponsor of the event. Belk also is throwing in a $5,000 gift card to the Royal Raffle winner, so he or she can shop for some new threads for the once-in-a-lifetime meal.

Speaking of the raffle prize, it's a four-course dinner with wine pairings, based on dishes served at Buckingham Palace. A butler prepares the table and greets and serves diners alongside McGrady himself. The winner can consult with McGrady about the menu, and the package comes with autographed copies of his Eating Royally cookbook for every guest.

The goal is to sell 2,500 raffle tickets to help fund programs at the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas. The raffle culminates with the 2015 Fashion Stars for a Cause gala, set for March 20 at Dallas Country Club.

Fashion Stars for a Cause cocktail

Photo by Danny Campbell

Fashion Stars for a Cause cocktail

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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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