According to Night At The Museum:Ignite Co-Chair Marlene Sughrue,
My husband John [Sughrue]and I are honored to co-chair the Night at the Museum: Ignite fundraising gala on Saturday, November 9, benefiting the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The Perot Museum holds a special place in our hearts and is a treasured community resource for Dallas – a true gateway to the Dallas Arts District!
We have been involved in the Dallas arts scene for many years, but our passion also extends to science. As longtime supporters, we embrace the Museum’s mission to “inspire minds through nature and science,” creating the opportunities for discovery that ignite a spirit of curiosity in learners of all ages. As a member of the Museum Board, I also understand that access to these experiences is an important component in building a STEAM-capable (science, technology, engineering, art and math) workforce of tomorrow.
John and I have attended our share of galas, and we can attest that the Museum is unlike any other gala in Dallas! It is one of the most fun, creative and knowledge-packed around! With surprises on every floor, guests can be immersed in innovative science, fuel their appetites with inspired cuisine (from flaming cocktails to blueprint food stations) and encounter electrifying surprises throughout the evening. And you won’t want to miss the after-party as guests donned in festively themed accessories dance to live music and nosh on whimsical late-night snacks.
he evening will also be highlighted by two brand new experiences this year. Guests will be among the first to see the groundbreaking exhibition, “Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind.” The exhibition marks the first (and likely only) time that fossils of two recently discovered ancient human relatives (Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi) will come to the U.S. from South Africa!
Secondly, Night at the Museum: Ignite guests will get a sneak peek at the newly reimagined Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall, which opens to the public on Tuesday, November 12. Be the first to test out the Challenge Lab, hands-on engineering and robotics activities, interactive sound sequencer, wind tube experience and more.
We – along with the gala’s honorary chair, Mary McDermott Cook – are so proud this event raises funds that support the Museum’s impactful on-site and outreach programs for pre-K through 12th graders, including financial aid that provides affordable access to these experiences for students who might not otherwise be able to afford it. The evening also supports the Museum’s robust research and collections, helps secure world-class traveling exhibitions and more.
Night at the Museum: Ignite will be a unique, don’t-miss evening filled with phenomenal fun, and we hope to see you there! Tickets and sponsorships are available at perotmuseum.org/natm.
* Photo credit: Vim Studio ** Photo credit: Turk Studio
