Navy Pier hosted its annual gala, themed “Collective ExPIERience,” with an opening reception and lakeside cocktails at East End Plaza followed by dinner in the Aon Grand Ballroom for dinner accompanied by performances from DJ Jesse De La Pena and jazz quartet The JuJu Exchange.
Co-chairs of the event included Cboe, Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholtz. Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner addressed the more than 600 guests, as did Steans and Development Chair Eric Smith; Chief Theater Critic of the Chicago Tribune Chris Jones delivered the keynote address.
The gala honored renowned Chicago artist Nick Cave and EXPO CHICAGO President and Director Tony Karman for their fundamental contributions to the Pier’s cultural identity, inspiring a special firework show that concluded the night. The event raised more than $1.3M to support the future of this premier visitor destination.
Kevin Gupana and Tori Ramsay
Nico Segal of The JuJu Exchange performed on Navy Pier’s East End Plaza.
Syreeta Harris Strickland and Jessica Ashley Garmon
Rose Ashby, Jennifer Steans, Lisa Canafax and Colleen Cicchetti
Eric Smith, Jennifer Steans and Marilynn Gardner
Nick Cave was honored as a Collective ExPIERence artist.
Photography by: Kyle Flubacker
