Night at the museum

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

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.

Ladies in rouge

Parisian style meets purpose at chic 2026 Go Red Luncheon in Dallas

Photo courtesy of AHA

Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce

What: 2026 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon benefiting the American Heart Association

Where: Fairmont Dallas

The 411: More than 600 North Texans convened Friday, March 6 for the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, a stylish and mission-minded afternoon dedicated to raising awareness and funds for women’s cardiovascular health. This year’s “Hearts in Bloom” theme transformed the Fairmont ballroom into a chic Parisian-inspired garden party, awash in florals, soft café touches, and bold red accents — ooh la la.

Guests, of course, were dressed in shades of rouge.

The immersive afternoon began with a cocktail reception featuring activations such as Studio Calme chair yoga, a floral “Bloom Bar,” beauty touch-ups, and a live fashion sketch artist. Guests also learned Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, explored Research Goes Red initiatives, and participated in a moving Tribute Wall honoring loved ones.

Co-chairs Paola Arbour and Sandi Karrmann underscored the urgency of the cause, reminding attendees that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women - and encouraging them to “Go Red” by knowing their numbers and taking action. Emcees Kristin Diaz (anchor for NewsRadio 1080 KRLD) and Sam Gannon (sports co‑host with FOX 4 News) kept the program upbeat, and longtime supporter Stacy Nahas was honored with the 2026 Sandi Haddock Community Impact Award.

The program turned inspirational with keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Shepherd, who shared insights on prevention, early detection, and empowering women with vital health information.

With support from sponsors including CVS Health, Kimberly-Clark, and Texas Health, the 2026 Go Red campaign has raised $1.6 million, with momentum continuing to grow. Go Red supports lifesaving research, education, and advocacy for women’s heart health.

Who: Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce, David Harvey, Debbie Murray, Christina Reed, Dr. Carla Russo, Elizabeth Smith, Paola Arbour, Sandi Karrmann, Ellington Heis, Linda Pothoff, Everett Heis, Ashley Heis, Heidi Clement, Kelly Maxwell-Gomez, Catherine Whiddon, Daphne Henderson, Susan Wetzel, Stacy Nahas, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.

Photo courtesy of AHA

Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce

charity fundraisers health luncheons