June 11

The Occasion: In celebration of Shedd Aquarium’s newest temporary exhibit entitled “Jellies,” more than 850 guests cheered the mesmerizing creatures during the major Chicago cultural attraction’s annual gala.

The Highlights: As guests sipped champagne by Moët & Chandon, fireworks could be seen in the distance under a cosmic swirl of lights within the beautiful tent on the Museum Campus Plaza.

The VIP: The event was chaired by Julie Hughes O’Connor of Wilmette.

The Final Tally: The more than $1.2 million raised will support the 300,000 students learning about aquatic animals, environments, and conservation at Shedd. sheddaquarium.org

Photography by Bob Carl and Brenna Hernandez