Mission to Party

Dallas' Birthday Party Project blasts off with out-of-this-world bash

What: Birthday Party Project’s (TBPP) 11th birthday party

Where: The Bomb Factory

The 411: The Dallas organization known for throwing birthday parties for others celebrated its own milestone with an out-of-this world bash on February 4.

Themed “Mission To Party!,” TBPP's 11th anniversary party and largest fundraiser of the year welcomed guests dressed up in space-themed costumes, from movie character-classics to astronauts to space cowboys. The Bomb Factory itself looked like an outer-space adventure, featuring metallic decor, balloons, and whimsical touches - all thanks to David Kimmel, Emily Clarke Events, The Event Nerd, and Bella Flora.

In a nod to both the past and beyond, attendees walked through the history of TBPP moments before launching into the future. Sipping cocktails inside the Space Garden, complete with a 25-foot tree, was a highlight.

All party proceeds will go directly to the nonprofit's mission of throwing birthday parties for children living in homeless shelters and transitional living facilities across the country.

Who: Chief birthday enthusiast Paige Chenault Lohoefer welcomed notable guests including Javier Burkle, Todd Fiscus and Ceron, Ian Kinsler, Lindsay Billingsley, and Dallas City Councilman Omar Nevarez. Other attendees included Amy Pratt, Megan Baker, Erin Ashford, Serra Garcia, Christina Pappas, Sue Garcia, Gregory Masi, Jennifer Surgalski, Jeremy Zidell, Meridith Zidell, Blake Martin, Geri Parris, Kashawn Cruell, Paige Muller, Lacey Carter, Matt Carter, Missy Rogers Peck, Tim Peck, Natalie Lesikar, John Lesikar, Parker Paschall, Zac Park, Catalina Gonzalez Jorba, Laura Moses, Mason McCleskey, Kate Boatright, Samantha Wortley, and many more.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron Photography

Todd Fiscus, Gonzalo J Ceron

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