The Lovell Legacy Fund Kick-Off marked the beginning of Adler Planetarium’s new endowment, dedicated to preserving the museum’s infrastructure and inspiring future generations of explorers. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception followed by an immersive experience at the Mission Moon exhibit, featuring space race artifacts and personal stories.
Pioneered by NASA astronaut Captain James A. Lovell Jr. and his family, the event drew over 175 attendees, including Dr. Michelle B. Larson, former president of Adler, and Captain Lovell’s daughter, Susan Lovell. As a longtime Adler supporter, Lovell shared his passion for space exploration and his personal connection to the museum.
The fund kick-off raised over $2.8 million, with guests treated to a screening of the planetarium’s original sky show, Imagine the Moon, and an exclusive telescope viewing of the full moon and Saturn.
Captain James A. Lovell Jr.
Muhammad and Swapna Gigani
Rick Armstrong peered through the Doane Observatory telescope.
Andrew Robinson, Max Kaiserman and Brandon Franklin
Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirot and Tom Skillng
Paul Yovovich and Dr. Michelle Larson
Photography by: COURTESY OF ADLER PLANETARIUM
