Funds raised pay for students’ museum visits

SPARK! hosted SPARKtacular, a fundraiser at the home of Carrie and Blake Rowling to raise funds to inspire creativity in students. Event co-chairs were Kristi and Ron Hoyl and Melissa Sherrill and Ross Martin. Honorary chairs were Beth and Chuck Thoele. Local Dallasite singer songwriter Sarah Johnson sang and played guitar in the backyard while guests visited and enjoyed the delicious food from Roots Hospitality. To date, SPARK! has hosted 105 schools and organizations serving nearly 7,000 students on field trips during the 2025-2026 school year, with more than 51 percent of students from Title 1 schools. Nearly 40 percent of the open play admissions are from Museums for All attendees (reduced admission for families that receive government benefits such as SNAP, WIC and Medicaid). For more information on SPARK!, visit sparkdallas.org. — Juliette Coulter