The Museum of Science and Industry’s Columbian Ball was exhibition in generosity It was an evening dedicated to innovation as more than 800 esteemed guests — including co-chairs Ron and Christina Gidwitz, Lisa and Jeff Aronin, Barry and Mary Ann MacLean and more popular partygoers like Senator Kwame Raoul and Shirley and Walter Massey — came together on Oct. 22 to raise a record amount for the Museum of Science and Industry at the 32nd annual Columbian Ball. Upon entering, guests were greeted by Anybot QB2, a remote-controlled robot, before enjoying a cocktail reception in the museum’s Rotunda, then dinner on the front lawn. Celebrity auctioneer Bill Kurtis took the stage for the live auction, which raised $242,000 with just eight items. Named after the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, the annual ball helps support the museum’s exhibits, educational programs and experiences. This year’s event netted $2.2 million to help contribute to the museum’s vision. The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event. Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen

The Museum of Science and Industry’s Columbian Ball was exhibition in generosity

It was an evening dedicated to innovation as more than 800 esteemed guests — including co-chairs Ron and Christina Gidwitz, Lisa and Jeff Aronin, Barry and Mary Ann MacLean and more popular partygoers like Senator Kwame Raoul and Shirley and Walter Massey — came together on Oct. 22 to raise a record amount for the Museum of Science and Industry at the 32nd annual Columbian Ball. Upon entering, guests were greeted by Anybot QB2, a remote-controlled robot, before enjoying a cocktail reception in the museum’s Rotunda, then dinner on the front lawn. Celebrity auctioneer Bill Kurtis took the stage for the live auction, which raised $242,000 with just eight items. Named after the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, the annual ball helps support the museum’s exhibits, educational programs and experiences. This year’s event netted $2.2 million to help contribute to the museum’s vision.

The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event.

Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen