Perot Museum Travels to the Future With Night at the Museum: World of Tomorrow Gala

A robot bartender, a neon-lit time traveler, molecular gastronomical delights, virtual reality demos and 3D printing, and a Tesla packed with champagne were just a few of the highlights from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s Night at the Museum: World of Tomorrow gala held Nov. 15. Despite the chilly drizzle, over 1,000 grown-ups “came out to play” as the Museum celebrated its 2nd birthday with a night of futuristic fun exploring endless possibilities for travel and transportation, the field of medicine, art and fashion, and more.

Winter décor at the Perot Museum

 Honorary co-chairs Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones were on hand for the festivities overseen by event co-chairs Emily and David Corrigan and Carol and John Levy. Also attending were Lyda Hill, Lynn and Alan McBee, Mary McDermott Cook, Sally and Forrest Hoglund, and many of the Perot family members, including Ross Perot who led the VIP reception attendees in a hearty “hip hip hooray.”

Back row from left to right - Meegan Flanigan, Chris Flanigan and Brandon Cotter
Front row from left to right - Amy Cotter, LL Cotter, Ka Cotter, Leslie McCabe, Randy McCabe

 Technology and innovation were found in every corner with everything from up-close demonstrations of a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system and interactions with robots of all sizes, to medical marvels such as futuristic orthotics and artificial muscles.

Byron Neuhoff, Amanda Neuhoff, Rod Jones, Nancy Perot

 The night of discovery and thrills was topped off with an array of tantalizing bites provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering and dancing to popular live band, Professor D. (The complimentary flip-flops were a welcome sight for those with weary toes!)

Christi Perry, Bethany Huddleston

 “Our guests had the opportunity to witness some amazing advancements in science in everything from travel and medicine, to art and fashion,” said Colleen Walker, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum. “And while it was a fun-filled night where the ‘grown ups’ had the Perot Museum all to themselves, the highpoint was knowing we’re raising considerable funds to not only expand our financial assistance to schoolchildren and needy families but to further develop our outreach programs.”

Clarissa Kelly Hunter, Courtney Hunter

 Lead commitments included $100,000 Planet-level contributions from Margot and Ross Perot and Lyda Hill; $50,000 Dinosaur-level contributions from Balfour Beatty Construction, Highland Capital Management and The Hoglund Foundation; and $25,000 Turbine-level commitments from Carol and John Levy, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Suzanne and Patrick McGee, Ruth Mutch, Rod Jones and Nancy Perot, Katherine and Mike Phillips, Carolyn and Karl Rathjen, and Katherine and Eric Reeves.

Elaine Blacker, Robby Blacker

 The $12,500 Turbine-level supporters are Pat & Jane Bolin; Emily and David Corrigan; Ka and LL Cotter; Al G. Hill, Jr.; Rusty and John Jaggers; Palo Verde Oil; Pioneer Natural Resources; Catherine and Will Rose; The Rosewood Corporation; Jennifer and Andy Scripps; Gail and Jim Spann; and Jean and Tom Walter.

Ross Mulford, Tori Richard, Lauren Meyer, Finley Ewing

Proceeds from the annual Night at the Museum gala will support the Museum’s mission to inspire minds through nature and science, from on-site and outreach programs for pre-K through 12th graders, to financial assistance that allows students to visit the Museum regardless of their school’s ability to pay. Underwriting contributions also enable the Museum to continue ongoing research and collections management and to bring engaging traveling exhibitions to the Museum.

Ross Mulford, Nick Hermandorfer, Daniel Newland, Javier Marriott, Justin Maxwell

 

Wee Volunteers Needs You!

Wee Volunteer Needs You!

Tuesday, December 23rd

10:00-11:00 AM

 

Since 1986, Family Gateway has been uniquely focused on family homelessness, offering over 8,300 children and their parents the help they need to recover from crisis and make positive choices for their future. 

 

Volunteers will tour the homeless shelter, learn about homelessness and then join the children living at the Family Gateway for holiday themed projects and fun!

 

Appropriate for children ages 4 and up.

Project Fee: $10 per CHILD

 

Click here to sign up or contact Michelle michellechase@weevolunteer.org

 

Location: Family Gateway - 711 South St. Paul Street

Chick Lit 2015 Author Announcement Party

Community Partners of Dallas announced author Stacey Ballis as the featured author for the 2015 Chick Lit Luncheon.  The announcement was made at a cocktail reception hosted by Roberta Roller Rabbit on Thursday, November 13 from 6 until 8 p.m.

Melissa Martin, Stephanie Hollman, Shivangi Pokharel

Elizabeth Gambrell, Cindy Stager, Nancy Gopez

Luncheon chairman Wendy Messmann was joined by over 50 host committee members and sponsors at the new Highland Park Village boutique to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while perusing the shop’s stylish and eclectic collection of clothing, accessories and home furnishings.  Ten percent of the evening’s proceeds benefited Community Partners of Dallas.

Lindsay Ballotta, Joanna Clarke, vice president of development, Community Partners of Dallas

Stephanie Seay, Carol Seay, Chick Lit Luncheon 2015 honorary chair, Tamara O’Connor

  Paige McDaniel, president and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas, welcomed partygoers and thanked all in attendance for their support of the 2015 Chick Lit Luncheon, which is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2015 at Brook Hollow Golf Club.

 

She then announced luncheon chairman Wendy Messmann, honorary chairman Carol Seay, and the 2014 Partners for Children award recipient, the ORIX Foundation.  This award is presented to celebrate the foundation’s commitment to the philanthropic needs of our community and their years of service meeting the needs of abused and neglected children.

Dr. Bob and Lara Tafal, presenting sponsor

Wendy Messmann, Chick Lit Luncheon 2015 chair, Paige McDaniel, president and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas

Ms. Messman joined Ms. McDaniel as they revealed author Stacy Baliss as the keynote speaker for the luncheon.  Ballis is the author of several novels, including Off the Menu, Out to Lunch, and Recipe for Disaster. She is at work co-authoring a new cookbook called Cooking for You: Wellness in the Kitchen with Dr. Francis Ardito, which will be released in 2015.

Katie Robbins, Amy Martinez

Sharon Jett, Andrea Cheek, Lisa Bhattacharya

 

 

NFF to Induct Dr. Kenneth Cooper into Leadership Hall of Fame

The National Football Foundation (NFF) will induct Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH into the NFF Leadership Hall of Fame on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The ceremony will serve as the kickoff event for the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship weekend.

“Dr. Cooper ranks among the top visionaries in the history of the medical profession, and he has helped change the global culture, literally improving the lives of millions of people worldwide,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “His remarkable leadership skills and ability to inspire others represent the same set of traits learned on the football field, and we are extremely proud to announce his induction into the NFF Leadership Hall of Fame.”

 

Dr. Cooper’s Jan. 8 induction marks the launch of a new tradition, and each year the NFF will stage an NFF Leadership Hall of Fame event in the host city of the title game. The dinner co-chairmen include NFF Board Members and College Football Hall of Fame inductees Troy Aikman (UCLA) and Roger Staubach (Navy), current Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.

 

From coining the word "aerobics" in The Oxford English Dictionary, to introducing "coopering" as the term for jogging in Brazil, to the removal of trans-fats from Frito-Lay products, Dr. Cooper's message of exercising for good health has reached those home and abroad. Dr. Cooper, who briefly played football in high school, has made his biggest impact on the football community with his ground-breaking research and preventive medicine teachings. Through his work with Cooper Aerobics and The Cooper Institute, Dr. Cooper has worked closely with many football legends, helping them make a lasting impact for optimum health and fitness at every stage of life.

 

“Our entire nation owes Dr. Cooper our deepest gratitude,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “His teachings and insights have earned him the title as the father of aerobics, and he has espoused a lifestyle that has benefited everybody from top athletes to senior citizens who are simply looking for ways to improve their quality of life.”

 

For more information on the dinner for Dr. Cooper, contact Will Rudd at wrudd@footballfoundation.com.

Save the Date: Second Annual Plano ISD Alumni Golf Tournament

Monday, March 30, 2015

Gleneagles Country Club



DMA Announces Art Ball Theme for 50th Anniversary Celebration

Eugene McDermott Director Maxwell L. Anderson and Art Ball Chairman Nancy Carlson recently announced that Art Ball 50: Self Portrait, benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), will be held Saturday, April 11, 2015.

Art Ball Chairman Nancy Carlson

Art Ball 50 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Art Ball and will feature a host committee comprised of past Art Ball Chairs. Proceeds from Art Ball directly affect the DMA’s ongoing commitment to providing access to its collection and a wide range of exhibitions and educational and public programs to the community.

Guests gathered in Grange Hall for the highly anticipated announcement party where Anderson and Carlson pronounced that a special year deserves a special theme, and for Art Ball 50, the theme will be “Self Portrait.”

This year’s theme embodies reflection and will also tie in several self--‐portraits by acclaimed artists in the Dallas Museum of Art collection. The 50th annual gala will include a multi--‐course seated dinner, a luxury live auction, and a festive after party chaired by Jackie Bolin and Erin Wasson.

Dallas’ premier party planner, Todd Fiscus of Todd Events, will help to execute Carlson’s vision by creating an ethereal and edgy atmosphere in a tented space through the use of mirror components, projections and bit map technology. After dinner, the area will be transformed into the after party, “Selfie,” where guests will dance the night away.

For more information, as well as underwriting opportunities, please visit www.dma.org or contact the Art Ball Office at artball@DMA.org or 214.922.1353.

Chef DAT's Gumbo to Geaux supports Family Compass

 

Join Family Compass and Twenty-Seven

this holiday season with Chef DAT’s

Award Winning Gumbo to GEAUX!

 

To Order Email: dat@chefdat.com

 

Please include the following:

Your Name, desired day to pick-up/delivery, Quantity of Gumbo,

and contact phone number.

 

Roasted Duck & Chicken Gumbo

andouille I okra I smoked ham hock

$25 per quart

(32oz, 2 lg bowls or 4 cups) 

 

 $5 from every purchase will be donated to

Family Compass to buy gifts for victims of

child abuse this holiday season

Center for BrainHealth Legacy Award Dinner Celebrated Lyda Hill

On Tuesday, November 11, Veterans Day, the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas celebrated Lyda Hill and her dedication to America’s servicemen and women, presenting her with its highest honor, the Legacy Award. The BrainHealth Legacy Award recognizes the pioneering spirit of individuals whose vision and dedication to brain research enable the Center to explore the vast potential of the human mind.

Michael and Lindsey Wisenbaker

Dinner Chair Lynn McBee commenced the program describing Ms. Hill as “an individual who truly epitomizes the meaning of giving through serving those who have served”, saying to Ms. Hill, “You approach everything with gusto! And tonight we hope to show you the same gusto as we celebrate you and the lives you touch."

Lyda Hill, Legacy Award Dinner honoree, Lynn McBee, Legacy Award Dinner chairman

Sandra “Sandi” Chapman, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Director, Center for BrainHealth, Paul Stoffel, Gayle Stoffel

  After four of the Center’s veterans presented her with the gleaming crystal award, Ms. Hill explained that her nephew, Michael Wisenbaker, deserved a lot of the credit. An Air Force F-16 pilot and Iraq war veteran, he strongly urged her to find a solution to a truly underfunded challenge: the often overwhelming and unseen injuries of war that make the transition from military to civilian life difficult for veterans and military service members.

Ross Perot, Margot Perot, Betsy Waggoner, John Waggoner

Her quest led her to give $2 million to the Center for BrainHealth’s Brain Performance Institute to activate the Warrior Training Team, mobile units of clinicians and veterans who deliver effective, evidence-based programs that build brain resilience, achieve brain regeneration and reverse losses in cognitive function.

Debbie Francis, Advisory Board Chair, Center for BrainHealth, Jim Francis

“Lyda, having a warrior’s spirit herself, knew she had to do something…And that she has done”, said Dr. Sandra Chapman, BrainHealth Founder and Chief Director. “Lyda’s gift ignited the extension of our proven trainings to go well beyond our current Department of Defense funded research.”

Charles and Pat McEvoy

The Warrior Training Team has reached more than 500 warriors, including active duty elite special forces, veterans, and military spouses and caregivers, in Texas, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho,Virginia and Washington, DC in the last year. Projections for next year are in the thousands.

Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones

“Thanks to Lyda’s gift, our brothers and sisters in arms are getting the opportunity to focus on training their brains with the same intensity that they do their bodies,” said Lt. Morgan Luttrell, US Navy SEAL (Retired). “The strategies I learned assisted me as a leader in the SEAL teams while at home training or deployed on combat missions around the world. Today I continue to apply the strategies and benefit as a husband, father, student, and an active member in society.”

 

The event was held at The Joule Hotel and was attended by approximately 250 guests, including many of our nation’s treasured veterans

Celebrate Partners Card 2014 Tonight

Help celebrate Partners Card 2014 with The Family Place tonight Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at The Joule.

 

Card sellers, retailers, friends and sponsors will gather in celebration of the Partners Card 2014 program and honor the 22 years of dedication that has made this fundraiser what it is today. The evening will be filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and giveaways. Following remarks, the celebration will continue with progressive shopping, as guests will receive 20% off at some of the finest retail shops in The Joule including: Traffic LA, ESPA, Tenoversix and The Taschen Library

Uber Makes it Easy to Feed Hungry Kids, Plus Smoke Pop-Up Delivery on Thursday

One in five children in the United States struggles with hunger, impacting their ability to learn, play and create.

 

Beginning today, tap DONATE in your app to request an Uber ride and $5 will be automatically added to your trip. This option is available in more than 100 Uber cities, including Dallas.

 

For every ride taken, No Kid Hungry can connect kids with up to 50 meals.

 

On Thursday, December 11, Uber is teaming up with SMOKE for a one-day UberLUNCH pop up. Lunch will be on-demand, and users can request and purchase a freshly prepared sandwich or salad by a popular hot spot to be delivered in 10 minutes.  More details will be available on Uber's site and app on Thursday morning.

 

The best part? Every dollar goes back to No Kid Hungry.

 

We hope you will join us in supporting No Kid Hungry this holiday season. And take a moment to thank your driver this week, whose work delivering rides in your city will allow so many children in need to receive meals.

2015 Salvation Army Fashion Show Drive Kicks Off with Announcement Party

Standing: Debbie Hayhurst, Lissie McCullough, David Hunt, Libby Hunt

Seated: Sharon and Mike McCullough

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon
Announcement Party was held on Monday, November 10 at the home of Jan and Robert
Pickens. Dixey Arterburn and Ginger Sager, Co-Chairs of the 2015 event, announced
the mothers and daughters serving as this year's Honorary Chairs: Marilyn Augur, Margaret
Hancock, Elizabeth Taylor, Ann Hardaway, Sharon McCullough, Libby Hunt, Debbie
Hayhurst, Terry McCullough and Lissie McCullough. Fashion icon, Jan Strimple will
produced the runway fashion show again this year.

From Chanel handbags to couture suits, the gently or never worn clothes and
accessories donated by DFW's best dressed make this annual fashion event the ultimate
recycling opportunity. The Salvation Army Doing the Most Good with Your Clothes
Fashion Show was founded in 1990, and since then, through continuing generations of
caring and service, The Women's Auxiliary has given over $8 million back to Salvation
Army programs. Margot Perot's vision continues to thrive as philanthropic women
donate their couture clothing to create a fabulous runway show and the very popular Chic
Boutique.

 

The Salvation Army Fashion Show & Luncheon will be held Monday, May 4, 2015 at the Brook Hollow Golf Club. The WEARhouse Sale is open to the public and all the donated items not purchased at the luncheon will be on sale on May 7-9 at the Christmas & Disaster Center on Harry Hines. Please contact Tina Trejo at 214.637.8121 to schedule a clothing donation pick up or drop off.

Ginger Sanger, Dixey Arterburn, Jan Strimple, Major Michele Matthews and Major Ward Matthews

 

Chi Omega Alum Welcome Shoppers for Christmas Market Preview Party

On Wednesday, November 19, 2014, the Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas welcomed shoppers to Centennial Hall at Fair Park for the annual Preview Party, kicking off the Chi Omega Christmas Market and ringing in the holiday shopping season. The 2014 Chi Omega Christmas Market, themed “Christmas in the City,” marks 37 years of giving. Continuing in the spirited tradition, the Chi Omega Christmas Market committee and 2014 Co-Chairs Allison Cox and Sara Koda selected 10 local beneficiaries and pledged $206,500 to the following: Bea’s Kids, Chi Omega Education Foundation, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, CitySquare, Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, Dallas Children’s Theater, Dallas Police Association’s Assist the Officer Foundation, Letot Center Capital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas^® and Project Transformation.

Savannah Eidson, Jana Beth Eidson and Karen Prichard

2014 Chi Omega Christmas Market Co-Chair Allison Cox and Preview Party Emcee Shelly Slater welcomed shoppers to the Market as Hunter Sullivan performed and entertained guests throughout the night. Guests were treated to cocktails by Deep Eddy Vodka and hors d’oeuvres from Urban Taco. 180 merchants filled Centennial Hall turning it into a luxury gift marketplace with items for everyone, including: jewelry; home décor; women’s, men’s and children’s clothing; toys; holiday decorations; food and drinks; items for entertaining; linens; and original art. 

2014 Chi Omega Christmas Market Co-Chair Allison Cox and Preview Party Emcee Shelly Slater

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) Hosted Inaugural Great Futures Luncheon



On Wednesday, November 12, 2014, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) hosted its Inaugural Great Futures Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. More than 700 guests braved the cold to show their support for the BGCD and hear featured speaker and former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

Beth Ann Haber, Sharon McNearney, Maureen Hafertepe, Karen Carney

The Luncheon, presented by Once Upon a Time Foundation, formally launched the first Center for a New Generation (CNG) program in Texas. Co-founded by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, CNG is an innovative academic and enrichment after-school and summer program that allows the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas to integrate schools represented in the Dallas Independent School District Feeder Pattern and Uplift.

Molly Murer, Noelle Hunter, Quincy Schurr and Gloria Yi

Michele Wheeler, president and COO of Jackson-Shaw, and George S. Watson, president of Steelecreek Management, were the Luncheon Co-chairs. During the Luncheon, BGCD also kicked- off the Great Futures Campaign with a goal of raising $1.5 million dollars to fund the CNG initiative and other BGCD programs.

Jessica Giraudon, Apryl Giraudon and Olivia Turner 

Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. opened the luncheon by giving the invocation and welcoming Charles English, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas to the stage. Charles greeted guests and thanked them for supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. He then formally announced the new partnership with Center for a New Generation, which is the first CNG in Texas and the 4th in the nation.

Chris and Leslie Elliott

As guests enjoyed lunch, a touching video played featuring families and individuals who were positively impacted by the opportunities and support of BGCD. Throughout the Luncheon, the audience also enjoyed musical performances from the Dunbar Elementary Choir, the James Madison High School Concert Choir and Bianca McClure, a Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas Alumna who impressed the audience with the violin.

Ana Yoder, Sharon McNearney, Shelley Koeijmans and Mary Smith

Dr. Condoleezza Rice kept the room engaged with her sincere passion for today’s youth. Dr. Rice stressed how critical it is that every child has a chance and went on to say, “it does not matter where you come from; it matters where you are going.” Rice also talked about the importance of developing children’s minds and how Center for a New Generation can do that by providing a world of art and culture. Dr. Rice received a standing ovation as she exited the stage.

Featured Speaker Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Boys & Girls Club Members

Guests Included: Day and George S. Watson; Harriet Miers; Lisa and Gregg Ballew; Carole and Scott Murray; Karen and Mark Carney; Michele and Jeff Wheeler; Kristie Leatherberry--‐Konstans; Rachel and Chris Trowbridge; Nancy Rogers; Gina Betts; Stan Barth; Micki and Mayor Mike Rawlings; Veronica Roper; Karen and Tom Falk; Jennis Lewis; Delisa Schlachter; Linda and John McFarland Sr.; Kerri Briggs; Bill Kramer; Michael Meadows and many more.

Kristie Leatherberry-Konstans and Kimberly Alexander