Frontiers of Flight Museum announced it will be hosting its upcoming gala event, titled “A New Frontiers,” on Oct. 7, 2023.
This year’s iteration of the Dallas-based aircraft museum’s fundraising gala will feature a guest panel and Q&A with space pioneer, Dr. Sian Proctor.
Proctor — who has served as a geoscientist, educator, explorer and artist throughout her life — is renowned for making history as the first Black woman to ever pilot a spacecraft, helming the SpaceX Inspiration4 in 2021. According to the museum, Proctor’s talk will focus on “equity and equality in space exploration.”
The gala will also serve as an introduction to Frontiers of Flight Museum’s new chief executive officer, Abigail Erickson-Torres. In addition to conducting the Q&A with Proctor, Torres plans to talk about Frontiers of Flight Museum’s future plans, such as instilling more diversity and inclusion in exhibits, a focus on aerospace STEM education, as well as improving guest experience.
“Frontiers of Flight Museum was created to capture the awe of the past, present and future of aviation and space,” said Erickson-Torres. "Through the fundraising at events like our 2023 gala, we will sustain this great community resource and be the pathway for young kids, teens and adults from diverse backgrounds, with a focus this next year on girls, to connect to careers in the aerospace industry through our mentoring, workforce solutions, education programs and so much more.”
Following the presentations, guests will be treated to a number of delectable hors d’oeuvres courtesy of celebrity chef, Peja Krstic, including big eye tuna tartare, mini poke bowls and Foxley River oysters. After hors d’oeuvres, attendees will then get to indulge in a three-course meal.
The event will include a live auction, with several luxurious prizes to bid on, such as a luxe trip for two to the Bahamas, a Tudor timepiece from de Boulle, as well as a flight of whiskey varieties from Still Austin. The museum is also hosting an online silent auction, which is currently underway at flightmuseum.com/auction.
The night’s festivities will conclude with dancing and live music from Ricki Derek & Band, a group known for channeling the musical greats of past and present with their own unique style.
“We can’t wait to share a magical evening with guests, all to raise awareness and funds as we build a stronger community,” said Toni Brinker, event chair for the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
For more information about the gala event, or to purchase tickets, head over to the Frontiers of Flight Museum website.