8th Annual Night at MOXI Fundraising Gala

It was quite the Night at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, at their annual gala held this year on Saturday evening, October 4, at the museum. The theme was “NEON” with bright colors and black light décor. This lovely event always brings out the best in everyone. Here men donned their neon bests in jackets, ascots and for some, in eyewear. In form, ladies gave a new meaning to “you wear it well” in their Lycra neon-colored dresses matched with high platform sandals and stiletto pumps.

Entering the MOXI, guests were greeted with live piano music, and photo ops at the brightly painted Step’n’Repeat. The cocktail reception was held at the museum’s first-floor area reimagined as a designer lounge, with black velvet contemporary couches, comfy neon-colored pillows, hors d’oeuvres tables and open bar. Experiences included a station for hand painted arm and face temporary tattoos in black light neon colors by Zoe E. Designs. 

The Event Committee Co-chairs Austin Lampson and Robyn Parker were supportedbytheir event committee members Kelly Almeroth, Cassie Brungarth, Robert Forouzandeh, MOXI President/CEO Robin Gose, Lily Hahn Shining, Heather Hambleton, Tracy Krainer, Jill Levinson, Cáitrín McKiernan, Susan McMillan, Erin Sanchez, and Kate Shrout.

Gose took a moment to talk with me about the museum’s latest adventures, saying, “We are so excited, we’ve got new exhibits here at the museum, new things for people to interact with and learn from in science, technology, art and math. We are doing our programs again at schools, and welcoming field trips, so it’s been a really busy and fun time at MOXI. We are bringing in new exhibits, which is a process we are rolling in over the next few years, so lots of new things. Our phased approach is to move through the museum floor by floor. We’ve just completed our renovations on the second floor. Rooftop and first floor are to come. The neon theme for our event is so fun. I’m so amazed that after eight years of MOXI at Night, the museum looks different and beautiful every time.”

Attendees included Bank of America’s Midge Campbell-Thomas, Jacky Holler, Graham Bell and Dorian Harris; and MOXI Board: Chair Kelly Almeroth, Vice Chair Austin Lampson, Treasurer Angela Krablin, and Secretary Casey Summar.

Noted sponsors were the Levinson, Muller, and Sheldon families, Kay McMillan, Susan McMillan, and the Wolf family.

The formal program was held on the rooftop with a family style sit-down dinner, speaker remarks, and an info video on MOXI programs featuring staff and kids.

Gose welcomed the guests and thanked event presenting sponsor Bank of America, along with the top sponsors. She asked guests to “Eat, drink and be MOXI!” 

The live auction and ask were led by Geoff Green. The funding goal for the event was slated to beat last year’s net of $375,000. Live Auction items included the coveted Walk-On Role in Larry David’s new comedy show donated by Jackie and Jeff Schaffer. Green raised approximately $91,000 with the live auction and paddle raise.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to free or reduced-cost field trips for Title I schools; afterschool programs that bring free museum experiences directly to schools; free and discounted admission through MOXI’s Community Access Program with local nonprofits, libraries, and social service agencies; free admission for teachers in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties; 40-plus Camp Scholarships for kids who could not otherwise attend; $1 Museums for All admission for individuals who receive supplemental nutrition assistance; sensory backpacks and dedicated resources for visitors with exceptional needs; and disaster relief, providing free admission to families in crisis with 1,700 guests welcomed during January’s L.A. fires.

The evening concluded back on the museum first floor where the Silent DJ played tunes to work off the luscious dinner. The scene also included a face painting station, a late-night lounge area with bar, and live sitar by Ronobir Lahiri to chill out by.  

411: www.moxi.org