2023 Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's Dinosaur Ball Raises $1.4M+ for Next Generation of Scientists, Museum Professionals
Photo by Gina Cholick, courtesy of NHMLAC
On a misty cool evening in downtown Los Angeles, a beam of excitement and jubilee shined upon the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) as it hosted its illustrious biennial Dinosaur Ball, four years since its last in-person gala in 2019.
More than 450 guests donned their best festive cocktail attire to journey through “Deep Time,” the ball’s theme inspired by NHMLAC research and collections with a nod to the current exhibition L.A. Underwater: The Prehistoric Sea Beneath Us. The Dinosaur Ball raised more than $1.4 million to support NHMLAC’s ESTEAM programs (Environmental education, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Photo by Gina Cholick, courtesy of NHMLAC
“From our Outdoor Equity program, Adventures-in-Nature camps, and Community science activities to our high school Marine Science and post-baccalaureate internships, we are playing an increasingly crucial role in providing youth in underserved communities with the tools, training and mentorship that will enable them to become the scientists and innovators of tomorrow.”
The event was completely immersive in nature, as guests started the evening wandering through the museum’s Nature Gardens to experience the sights and sounds of the earth 100 million years ago. To emerge from the flora and fauna, guests entered a golden tunnel where trumpets played upon each of their arrivals as they walked down a path lined with NHMLAC staff on both sides to cheer them on and welcome them to “Opening Night at the Museum in 1913.”
As they ascended up the red carpet lined steps of the Museum, ushers in Gatsby-eque attire greeted guests with champagne in the rotunda for an experiential cocktail hour with live music and pop-up dance performances. Guests mingled and enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres and a caviar bar while they explored the exhibitions and connected with NHMLAC scientists who shared their latest discoveries and future expeditions.
Photo by Gina Cholick, courtesy of NHMLAC
Dinner with a menu by Good Gracious was set “under the sea,” inspired by L.A. Underwater and featured shimmering tablescapes and items such as a watermelon feta salad, seared scallops, and chocolate souffle.
As guests dined, Dr. Bettison-Varga and Holly Mitchell of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors made remarks before showing a video about NHMLAC’s work to foster the next generation of scientists and museum professionals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles. After dinner, guests danced the night away with a DJ and went home with gift bags.
Photo by Gina Cholick, courtesy of NHMLAC
The 2023 Dinosaur Ball was hosted by the Board of Trustees of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, with trustees Esther Chui-Chao and Robert Procop serving as co-chairs for the event. Notable guests included: television personality Tawny Little, who emceed bidding on exclusive behind-the-scenes science experiences; television producer Marcy Carsey; actress Paula Patton; NHM President and Director Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga; Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and more.
Photo by Gina Cholick, courtesy of NHMLAC
“At the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, we believe it is urgent that we nurture our children to achieve their very best, providing them the experiences and support they need and deserve to fulfill their potential.”
NHMLAC include the Natural History Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, and the William S. Hart Museum. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects. Using these collections for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, the museums also incorporate them into on- and offsite nature and culture exploration in L.A. neighborhoods, and a slate of community science programs—creating indoor-outdoor visitor experiences that explore the past, present, and future.