Silver streak

Applause-worthy TACA luncheon raises record $700K for the arts in Dallas

What: 2023 TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon

Photo by f8studio

Barbara Hill Moore, Le Moore

Where: Omni Dallas Hotel

The 411: Dallas' most fervent arts supporters gathered on May 3 for the TACA (The Arts Community Alliance) 45th Silver Cup Award Luncheon. Celebrated since 1979, the event annually spotlights two philanthropists for their volunteerism and extraordinary support for arts and culture in North Texas.

This year's honorees were Gene Jones and Joe Hubach. They were honored onstage by luncheon co-chairs Elaine Agather and Andy Smith, as well as Maura Sheffler, the Donna Wilhelm Family President & Executive Director of TACA.

“Each year we come together to celebrate two incredible arts philanthropists and volunteers for their contributions to making Dallas a vibrant arts community. With Joe Hubach and Gene Jones, I can’t think of two people more deserving of this year’s TACA Silver Cup," said Smith. "I thank them for their unique and long-lasting contributions."

The arts-focused luncheon included not only a sumptuous meal and heartfelt awards presentation, but performances by some of Dallas' rising stars. Among them: SMU Meadows School of the Arts sopranos Avuya Ngcaweni and Sarah E. Navy, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra Young Strings' Antonella Quintana (on violin) and Carlos Vega (on cello).

The annual event is also an important fundraiser for TACA. This year's Silver Cup Award Luncheon raised more than $700,000 through sponsorships, table and ticket sales, and donations, surpassing the organization's goal.

“The 2023 TACA Silver Cup Luncheon was an unprecedented success for the arts community in Dallas,” Sheffler said. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our co-chairs, Elaine Agather and Andy Smith, for their commitment to surpassing our fundraising goal making this year’s event honoring Gene Jones and Joe Hubach our most successful to date.”

TACA supports excellence and impact in the arts through grant-making, capacity-building, and thought leadership in the Greater Dallas area. For more information, visit the organization's website.

Who: Wanda Fearing, Dean Fearing, Shelby Goff, Kevin March, Carol March, Barbara Hill Moore, Le Moore, Sam Self, Donna Wilhelm, Gabrielle Kurlander, Benaye Chambers, Sam Self, Diana Self, Michael Meadows, and hundreds more patrons and guests.

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.

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