Off the Beaten Path

Huffines Communities bash at The Rustic captures the spirit of Texas

Realtors, builders, vendors, and other partners of Huffines Communities kicked up their (cowboy) heels at a recent appreciation event held October 17 at The Rustic.

Don Huffines launched Huffines Communities in 1985. Today, alongside his twin brother Phillip, the family-run company is one of the largest residential and multi-family real-estate development companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, having owned, developed, operated nearly 20 communities and properties to date.

Guests certainly felt a part of the family at the music-fueled celebration, which began with a performance by Silverada.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Silverada started the evening off with a bang.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

A tall Texas welcome.

Known for their deep Texas roots and authentic blend of soulful rock and country, Silverada combines rich vocals, captivating guitar riffs, and heartfelt lyrics. Their performance set the tone for a laid-back but festive evening, and got the crowd energized for a party full of surprises.

Texas-inspired attractions were all around the indoor-outdoor restaurant and concert venue, including bigger-than-life cowboy stilt-walkers and a charming beer and water-toting donkey that was a hit with guests.

Huffines Communities appreciation event The cutest server.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

Attendees could also step into a VR experience showcasing Huffines’ newest communities, Solterra and others, or test their roping skills on a calf-roping simulator.

At the Huffines Mercantile, guests picked up exclusive Huffines-branded items like custom tote bags, coffee mugs, and bandanas. Guests could even personalize their items with a custom chain stitcher and brand their boots, hats, and leather keychains with a custom brander.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Take your pick from Bubba's wares.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

Of course, this full sensory experience extended to attendees' palates.

A menu expertly prepared by The Rustic featured a variety of bold Texas flavors and creative drink offerings, including specialties like wild boar meatballs, spicy tamales, chicken tinga tacos, and smoked brisket tacos. These were complemented by sides of grilled mushrooms, poblanos and onions, chunky avocado salad, jalapeño spoon bread, and handmade bacon fat corn tortillas.

The drinks were equally impressive, with signature cocktails crafted as a tribute to some of the company's most beloved communities. These included the Huffines House Margarita, the Solterra [Vodka] Soda, the Horizon Lakes G & T, and the Waterscape Woodford Cola.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Nothing beats a Huffines House Margarita.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the 2024 Jeep Wrangler giveaway, a thrilling raffle that narrowed the pool of potential winners down to 10, then five who advanced to a lockbox drawing, with those five each excitedly trying a key fob to discover which would win the grand prize. It was Britney Stewart, a standout real estate professional from Solterra, who finally unlocked the Jeep, with the crowd erupting in cheers.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Grand prize winner Britney Stewart.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

“I’m absolutely thrilled and so grateful to Huffines Communities," said Stewart. "Solterra is a wonderful place to work and share with clients. Winning this Jeep makes an already amazing experience even better.”

The night ended on a high note when Cory Morrow took the stage. A beloved icon of the Texas country music scene, Morrow is known for his engaging stage presence and heartfelt songs that capture the essence of Texas life.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Cory Morrow closed out the night.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

He quickly had the crowd singing along on such fan favorites as “Texas On My Mind” and “Big City Stripper.” His upbeat, authentic style made for an unforgettable experience, reminding everyone of the importance of community, celebration, and appreciation.

With more exciting developments and events on the horizon, there’s always something to look forward to with Huffines Communities. Explore the company here.

concerts music the rustic silverada cory morrow huffines communities promoted

Fundraising fun

Dallas’ Night at the Museum gala brings in $2M for Perot programs

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez

On Saturday, November 8, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science opened its doors, after hours, for one of Dallas’ most anticipated galas of fall: Night at the Museum.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez

Led by co-chairs Shelly and Michael Dee in honor of Sally and Forrest Hoglund, the 2025 Night at the Museum immersed guests in a science-y wonderland of interactive exhibits, fun cocktails, unique cuisine, and more.

Guests agreed: The couldn't-miss highlight of the evening was the 10-Minute Restaurant, which transformed the museum gift shop into a five-star culinary adventure by Wolfgang Puck Catering, reminiscent of how they serve celebrities at the Oscars. Amid all the night's action, it was a great way to sneak in a quick bite and some one-on-one time with a date in a VIP-like setting.

Attendees also noshed from a Living Crudité Bar, an Off the Bone beef station, a paella station, enjoyed "roaming tiramisu," and stopped servers in their tracks for the famous Night at the Museum pot pies. No one went thirsty, either, as guests sipped creative cocktails like Sorbete de Sangria de Cava and the sparkling “Aqua Pearl,” enjoyed a 196 Vodka Seltzer Bar, and a refueled at a coffee cart that opened at the after-party.

Guests got to dig like paleontologists at the Paleo Lab, ooh and ahh at the sparking Aquamarine on the display in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, and learn all about little creepy-crawlies in the Bug Lab Exhibit. Another favorite activity was the Iris Photography, which turned photos of the human eye into works of art.

In total, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to help fund field trips, outreach, discounted admission and memberships to the Perot, and more.

Among the notable attendees were Margot Perot, Dr. Linda Silver, Marilynn Thoma, Carl Thoma, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, David and Mary Henderson, Katie and Jerome Rose, Lyda Hill, Cade McCarter, DeWitt McCarter, Kelly Compton, Kenna McCarter, John Sughrue, Marlene Sughrue, Kate and Steve Sigfusson, Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, Grace Cook, Laura Compton, Angus Mitchell, Rachel Mitchell, Martine and Michael Philippe, and many more patrons and supporters.

museums fundraisers galas