Musical Philanthropy

Famed trumpeters band together in Dallas because, well, cancer blows

A new philanthropic event called Cancer Blows is coming to Dallas, and to kick things off, excited committee members gathered for a party at the home of Kathie and Randy King.

Event chairs D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock and honorary chairs Diane and Hal Brierley welcomed guests — including Barbara and Steve Durham, Karen and Nick Adamson, Robin Robinson, Courtney Rottman, Susan McSherry, and Tim Moore — for cocktails and conversation about the inaugural event, set for March 2-4, 2015, at the Meyerson Symphony Center that will benefit Baylor Health Care System Foundation and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

The man behind this mission is Ryan Anthony, a world-renowned musician and principal trumpet at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, who was diagnosed in 2012 with multiple myeloma. While undergoing treatment, Anthony was overwhelmed with phone calls from fellow trumpet players from around the world, offering to do whatever they could to help.

Ryan jokingly started saying, “We’ll all play a concert when I am healthy again, and we’ll call it Cancer Blows.” Now in remission and committed to finding a cure, Anthony has taken these world-recognized brass musicians up on their offer with the launch of this first-time fundraiser.

During the event Ryan will be joined onstage by legendary trumpet players such as Doc Severinsen; Arturo Sandoval; Lee Loughnane; and Canadian Brass alumni Ronnie Romm, Ryan Anthony, Jens Lindemann and Joe Burgstaller. Members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jeff Tyzik, and the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band are also scheduled to perform.

“Baylor fights daily to advance diagnosis, treatment and care of patients’ suffering with various types of blood cancers, such as multiple myeloma,” said Rowland K. Robinson, president of Baylor Health Care System Foundation. “It’s truly inspiring to see one of our own patients, in full remission from this terrible disease, unite an entire community with such tremendous enthusiasm for this cause.”

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are still available; individual tickets start at $75. There is also a VIP after-party option for those interested in meeting the trumpet players for $125. Call 972-203-2923 or visit the Cancer Blows website.

Steve Durham, Barbara Durham, Ryan Anthony, Niki Anthony, LaMonte Thomas

Photo courtesy of Cancer Blows

Steve Durham, Barbara Durham, Ryan Anthony, Niki Anthony, LaMonte Thomas

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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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