Big Dreams Come True

Dallas gala fetes 40 years of making big dreams come true for Latino families

What: The Concilio Big Dreams Gala

Where: On the Levee

The 411: The Concilio, a Dallas nonprofit with a mission to build stronger communities by creating opportunities for Latino families, celebrated its milestone 40th anniversary at a gala that also marked the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month.

On September 15, Concilio patrons, supporters, and local and state dignitaries gathered for a festive event that included Latin-inspired cuisine, Ballet Folklorico dancers, and fireworks to end the night.

Guests were given a warm welcome by Concilio board chair Whitney Strauss, president and CEO Florencia Velasco Fortner, and Sandra Rosa with presenting sponsor Santander. They recognized the two women who put the event together, Monica Lira Bravo and Bridget Lopez, as well as The Concilio's co-founders, Nellie Tafalla and Gus Gonzales.

A video introduced Claudia Juarez, a 2012 graduate of one of The Concilio’s parent engagement programs who began her career in housekeeping and now owns a staffing service. She shared how the organization equipped her to help her son, Alberto Garcia, pursue his dream of going to college and becoming an entrepreneur.

The presenters recounted the myriad ways that the organization has helped families, especially during the pandemic. Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson then read a congratulatory resolution.

In total, the event raised $227,000 to support Latino families.

Who: Judge Clay Jenkins, Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Alberto Bravo, Herlinda Resendiz, Deb Richard, State Representative Victoria Neave Criado, Beatriz Joseph, Dr. Elba Garcia, Claudia Rivas, Laura Leathers, Katie Doherty, Rachel Wilson, Rani Khamesva, Michelle Hicks Jorge Bastida, Adriana De Urquidi, Pauline Guerra, Kenneth Gonzalez, Monica Christopher, Brent Christopher, and many more.

Photo by Simon Luna

Alberto Bravo, Monica Lira Bravo

fundraisers galas

Night at the museum

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

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