Leave it to the imaginative Kohl Children’s Museum to invite gala guests to arrive in costume and leave with a surprise excursion. Held Oct. 20, An Evening to Imagine welcomed 400 guests from the Chicagoland area to celebrate the world-class institution and honor outgoing President and CEO Sheridan Turner. The gala raised more than $400,000 in support of the museum’s educational and outreach programming, exhibits, and services for children with disabilities.
Turner has served the museum for 20 years. Upon concluding her presidency, she plans to return to England and open a physical therapy practice for animals.
Themed “Masquerade,” guests arrived festively masked for an evening of dinner, dancing, and a silent auction, with live music from Spoken Four and dinner by J&L Catering.
Directly in line with the museum’s vision to provide playful experiences that inspire every child, or, in this case, adult, the gala’s agenda held a playful surprise. The evening began at the museum in Glenview and concluded with a spontaneous adventure. Guests traveled to a nearby venue mirroring a rustic Southern mansion; perfectly complementing the festive attire and theme.
Board of Trustees Chair Jack Ball and Board member Carrie Hughes both shared warm remarks honoring Turner, who was awarded the Power of Play award for her countless contributions to the local community.
Gina Gooden, Megan Dorsay, and Carrie and Brad Hughes served as event co-chairs.
The 2018 Gala was sponsored by Allstate, AON, Exelon, and ITW.
Emily Stone is Associate Editor at Make It Better. She earned a degree in journalism from Elon University in North Carolina. Along with writing, Stone has a passion for digital storytelling and photography. Her work is published in Chicago Athlete Magazine. Stone is a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stone is a fluent Spanish speaker who in her free time loves a good dance class.
