The Event: More than 770 Chicago and suburban philanthropists hopped over to the Shedd Aquarium on June 20 for a ribbeting “Metamorphosis Ball.” The aquarium’s largest annual benefit was themed after its newest exhibit featuring more than 40 amphibian species. Proceeds from the event support the Shedd’s conservation, animal rescue and rehabilitation programs.
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Veteran broadcaster Bill Kurtis of Mettawa served as master of ceremonies donning a forest green tuxedo and top hat for the occasion.
Cause célebre: “This is the greatest institution in Chicago,” saidd Ty Fahner of Northfield, former chairman of the board, noting that the Shedd sees more than two million visitors each year. “We entertain more kids and give them more opportunities to know about wildlife and fish and conservation (because) we have wonderful live animal, amphibians and dolphins and whales and things that kids love with their parents. It’s an educational experience and it’s entertaining.”
The evening’s live paddle raise alone generated $280,000 to benefit the aquarium’s global initiative which works to change the lives of animals in need, both at home and abroad. Their conservation work encompasses rescuing abandoned sea otters on the coast of California, to stranded penguins in South Africa, to protecting groupers, frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and sea turtles from here to the Bahamas.
“Tonight we have the opportunity to show people our new Amphibians exhibit,” said Ted Beattie, president/CEO of Shedd. “It’s a very fascinating exhibit (because) amphibian includes a lot of different species, specifically lots of frogs.”
The Shedd houses some 1,800 different species and a total of 32,000 animals. The amphibians are in addition to that total.
Bottom line: The event raised a record $2 million in support of Shedd Aquarium’s mission of connecting people to the living world.
Website: sheddaquarium.org