Charlie and Rebecca Asfour
Parita and Alex Singla
Kym Hubbard and Bridget Coughlin
Kym Hubbard and Bridget Coughlin
The gala began with a charming performance.
Jonathan and Valencia Fellows
Guests hit the dance floor to the sounds of Energy Productions.
September 14, 2016 | Parties
More than 700 party animals made waves at Shedd Aquarium’s annual black-tie gala.
THE PARTY Day faded into night as guests were welcomed to Shedd Aquarium’s Dark Waters gala with gorgeous views of the Chicago skyline at the North Terrace. The festivities kicked off with an aerial performance by Aloft Circus and an aquatic ballet featuring majestic beluga whales, set to a surprise performance by the Chicago Children’s Choir. Following the spectacles, attendees enjoyed a gourmet dinner in true dark waters, surrounded by Shedd’s mysterious sea creatures.
THE PEOPLE Guests—including Shedd board chairman H. John Gilbertson Jr. and event chairs Alissa and Tom King and David and Lesly Koo—partied in grand style, donning glamorous dresses, tuxedos and elaborate jewelry while shimmying in the Submerged Lounge and indulging in late-night treats at the season-your-own-popcorn station.
THE PINNACLE By the evening’s end, nearly $1.9 million was raised, which will be directed toward the aquarium’s local and international conservation research initiatives. –Lily Sperry; photos by Eva Ho, Dan Rest and Heidi Zeiger
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