The Shedd Aquarium hosted its annual gala on Saturday, June 20—on what turned out to be an exceptionally rainy night. With a "Metamorphosis" theme inspired by the museum's current exhibit, "Amphibians," the night drew 770 guests and was set to include both indoor and outdoor components. A cocktail hour with lily-pad-inspired lounges, open bars, and a sushi buffet preceded an aquatic show; then, after a three-course dinner, the aquarium's lakeside terraces were scheduled to open for late-night snacks and dancing to a live band.
However, planners had their eye on the weather and had a back-up plan in mind. "Preparing for fund-raising events takes a lot of planning and attention, not to mention a dedicated team that can respond quickly to last-minute changes," said Katie Law, senior director of special events and donor relations. "For all events at Shedd Aquarium, the team prepares a full launch plan, which always includes a rain plan." Chicago was also in the throes of the wettest June in Illinois history.
In the week leading up to the gala, reps from several departments—including security, development, animal care staff, and facilities—all met to review the evening's logistics and back-up plan. By Wednesday, staffers knew that the city was in for rain on the Saturday of the gala and decided to put up tents on the lakeside terrace and secure umbrellas for guests to use as they entered and checked in at the Shedd.
On the night of the event, rain turned into lightning storms and security was notified that a music festival at the nearby Northerly Island had been evacuated. "To ensure safety for all of our guests and staff, which is always a top priority, the decision was made to move everyone inside [for the after-dinner dancing] and transition the band from outside on the terrace to inside in our Bubblenet Cafe," Law said. "After working with the band to set up a stage and transition some of the furniture, a dance floor was made and the room transitioned into a lounge dance party." And because much of the work was done while guests were still having dinner, "many [guests] did not even notice the transition took place."
The gala had a record-breaking year in terms of fund-raising, and the take was approximately $2 million.
