Cochairs Sandy Deromedi, Jeani Jernstedt, and Kathleen Klaeser

Photograph by Anna Knott

Comprised of some of Chicagoland’s most prominent, talented, and philanthropic-minded women, the Women’s Board of The Field Museum will once again host their annual black-tie gala on the evening of Saturday, October 16. Entitled “The Gold Gala,” the extraordinary fund-raiser will celebrate the fall opening of the Museum’s newest exhibit: Gold.

Heading up the much-anticipated fête are Sandy Deromedi of Lake Forest and Kathleen Klaeser of Glenview. Both are active members on the Women’s Board and both share a love for The Field Museum that is unmatched. “My first strong and lasting impression of Chicago [when I was a young girl] was visiting The Field Museum with my aunt,” says Kathleen. “It represented a world beyond my own and sent my imagination into overdrive.”

That passion for one of Chicago’s biggest cultural treasures will be felt throughout the evening, as Sandy and Kathleen plan to prepare a transformation of Stanley Field Hall into a “vista of gold.” The projected 800 guests will be made up of Chicago’s most well-heeled civic and social leaders, bidding for some amazing items during the live and silent auctions. The event’s lead sponsor Graff Diamonds has offered up one of the city’s most buzz-worthy items: a seven-day, six-night trip for two at the Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa, as well a visit to the famed Cullinan Diamond Mine, two round-trip first class tickets from Chicago, and an exquisite piece of Graff jewelry. Gold Gala attendees are encouraged to pre-bid at events.org/goldgala.

The real shimmering highlight will be the crowd’s exclusive opportunity to be the first to view the Gold exhibit. Gold tells the fascinating story of the world’s most desired metal, and explores its natural beauty and power to shape history. The exhibition will feature objects like gold nuggets, coins from shipwrecks, gold bars, Olympic medals, and even Oscar statues.

True to form, The Field Museum and the Women’s Board promises an evening that will not disappoint. Funds raised from the event will continue to support the Museum’s scientific and educational mission. And with a cultural gem that shines as bright as The Field Museum, the support is vital in keeping it a go-to destination for thousands of visitors each year. As Sandy says, “Where else can you time-travel from prehistoric dinosaurs and ancient Egypt, to a cutting-edge DNA lab all under one roof?”

Tables of 10 are available at the $6,000, $12,000, and $25,000 levels. Individual tickets are available for $600, $1,200, or $2,500. Reservations may be made by contacting the Women’s Board office at 312-665-7135, or by e-mail at [email protected].