Better Makers: Adler Planetarium’s Celestial Ball Raises $1.7 Million

The Adler Planetarium Women’s Board welcomed more than 600 guests to their annual black tie gala, the Celestial Ball, on Sept. 12. The event raised over $1.7 million for exhibitions, shows and programs aimed at engaging the community with science-related activities. The Planetarium hopes to inspire adolescents to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner while bidding on extraordinary silent auction items including an island vacation in Anguilla, a Chicago Blackhawks suite, a yellow labrador puppy named Astro, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Adler’s Grainger Sky Theater, and a private party for 10 at the Adler with special guest Captain James A. Lovell, Jr.

President of the Women’s Board, Elisa Primavera-Bailey, and Chair of the Celestial Ball, Meg Sauer, kicked off the celebration. Chairman of the Adler Board of Trustees, Scott Swanson, recognized BMO Harris Bank with the 2015 Corporate Partner Award.

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