Shedd Aquarium

June 5, 2010

The Occasion: More than 650 guests walked through the doors of the Shedd Aquarium to a Russian-themed spectacle for the organization’s annual gala.

The Details: A “Beluga Ballet” was performed at the start of the evening by the Shedd’s most popular residents—beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and a California sea lion.

The VIPs: Robin Blesi Doerge of Winnetka served as chair, Bill Kurtis kept the party moving as emcee, and Nunavik, the newest member of the Shedd’s beluga family at only six months old, kept the crowd entertained.

The Finale: After an elegant dinner, guests took to the lakefront terrace for dancing, tried their luck at the charitable casino, or retired to the Bubble Net lounge for a cocktail.

The End Result: More than $500,000 was raised for the Aquarium’s education and conservation efforts.

sheddaquarium.org

Photography by Bob Carl, John Hackett and Jonathan Mathias