31ST ANNUAL MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY COLUMBIAN BALL

The 31st Annual Columbian Ball gala at the Musuem of Science and Industry celebrated today’s leading inventors. Nearly 800 guests were received by Gala co-chairs: Jackie and Glenn Tilton, Dianna Strassman and Jeff Smisek, Pat and David Mosena. Guests in attendance were the who’s who and civic leaders of Chicago including: Honorary Chair for the ball Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Julie and Jeremy Unruh, David and Susan Axelrod, Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, Neal Zucker, Bill Kurtis, Donna La Pietra, Alison and Dean Chung and many more. Mr. Mosena, who made a short speech before dinner was served, noted that the Science Rediscovered campaign raised almost $209 million surpassing their goal of $205 million. Inventors recognized that evening included Chef Homaro Cantu of Moto whose creative inventions inspired the nights menu(the “cuban cigar ashtray” was inspired by Larry’s apartment from Three’s Company) Dickson Despommier of Vertical Farm Project and Marques McCammon & Paul Wilbur of Aptera Motors. Guests started off the evening with a cocktail reception in the Rotunda while viewing the Fast Forward…Inventing the Future exhibit.

When Mayor Emanuel walked in there was a bit of commotion around him with people wanting to shake his hand or get a picture. I must say he moves through a crowd faster than the golden snitch in a quidditch game. There was no awkwardness between Desiree Rogers and David Axelrod, with Ms. Rogers assuring him she was calling him within the week for lunch but who was the young man that was her date?

Sponsors for the evening included: Presenting sponsor- JP Morgan Chase & Co, United Airlines. Allstate, Citadel Foundation, Tiffany & Co. Exelon, Northern Trust, Abbott, Crown Family + many others

Décor by Heffernen Morgan Ronsley really complimented the events theme. Food was provided by Jewell Catering. AV Sound and lighting by FROST Chicago.

Fun night!

 John and Connie Jaeger Jane and Dave Johnson

 Ed and Karen Sugay, Lynn and Steve Collins 

 BEST DRESS OF THE NIGHT!!

CARNEGIE MEDAL OF PHILANTHROPY

Thomas Pritzker, Cindy Pritzker, former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley

The Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy is awarded to one or more individual, every two years, who dedicate their private wealth to public good and sustained careers as philanthropists. Chicago is excited to have two recipients from notable families as recipients of the award this year. The Crown Family and Pritzker Family.
The Carnegie Award was established in December 2010 by 20 of the institutions Andrew Carnegie established worldwide.
Mr. Carnegie is an example to many wealthy philanthropists today who dedicate part of their lives to giving back.
I find this very refreshing amidst news of corporate greed and occupy(insert city name), there are people  who share their wealth. The crown and Pritzker family have a long history of donating money to different causes in Chicago and I hope they continue and more people should see them as an example making a difference and spreading their wealth.

The other winners were: The Danforth Family, Fiona and Stanley Druckenmiller, Fred Kavli, Evelyn and Leonard Lauder, Jo Carole and Ronald Lauder, Li Ka-Shing, Pierre and Pamela Omidyar and The PEW Charitable Trust. Past recipients have included: Brooke Astor, NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Heinz Family, Ted Turner, Gates Family.