Social Circuit

Buzz and brews for Rat Packs and River Rats on the scene to support the TrinityProject

Supporters enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the party, in and outside of theFour Corners Brewing Company space.
Photo by Daniel Driensky
Larry g(EE) and his band performed outside the brewery.
Photo by Daniel Driensky
Photo by Daniel Driensky
Photo by Daniel Driensky
Photo by Daniel Driensky
Guests sampled two beers from the Four Corners Brewing Company.
Photo by Daniel Driensky

Things are getting hoppy around Dallas. With all of the buzz about new craft breweries in the area, we were not surprised to hear that the Trinity Trust was hosting its kick-off event for new River Rats and Rat Pack members at the soon-to-open Four Corners Brewing Company.

Even non-beer enthusiasts enjoyed the cool evening, with entertainment by Larry g(EE), tasty ribs and (other) drinks in the open space still reminiscent of the former automotive shop.

"We were glad to give you a little 'taste' of what is to come in the Trinity Groves development area of West Dallas," said Mary McDermott Cook, chair of Trinity Trust. She was referring to the area at the foot of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, featuring new restaurants, shops, art museum, park and theater.

At the party, guests went on brewery tours, sipped on brown and pale ales, and joined the River Rats and Rat Packs — groups that support the Trinity Project by spreading awareness about the plans with soirees, speakers and outdoorsy events — in their efforts to "bridge the Trinity, for the love of the city."

That's a cool kind of recruitment.

Seen with a rib in hand was Gail Thomas, president and CEO of the Trinity Trust, beside her husband, Bob. Among the 300 guests dotting the room were Cristin and Ben Parker, Emily Tett, Natalie Akilian, Andy McLain, Jessica Pritchard, George Edwards, Tierney Kaufman, Steve Owen, Lynn and Allan McBee, and Cachet Petty and Bill Weinberg.

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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.

museums night at the museum perot museum gala galas