On a recent evening, notable personalities gathered at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Among them was Mikey Day, a familiar face from “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), who shared his fascination with whales amidst the museum’s exhibits. The event marked a significant fundraiser for the museum, attracting a star-studded attendance.
Members of SNL, in the midst of their show preparations, donned elegant attire for this annual event. Bowen Yang, another cast member, highlighted the event’s importance in team bonding, especially for newcomers. The gala, led by SNL’s creator Lorne Michaels, alongside notable figures like Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond, was a blend of entertainment and philanthropy.
Michaels’ long-standing contribution to the museum was celebrated, including a species named after him – the Stylocellus lornei. Kenan Thompson expressed his desire to have a species named after him too. The event, with Seth Meyers as the host, successfully raised over $2.5 million, supporting the museum’s diverse programs.
The gala, which was the first since the opening of the new Gilder Center, saw over 450 guests, including political figures, actors, and artists. They enjoyed a lavish dinner and participated in a live auction. The evening was further enlivened by a performance from Mumford & Sons, turning the gala into a vibrant dance floor beneath the museum’s iconic blue whale.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Gala Night
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 65th anniversary season commenced with a gala at the New York City Center. Broadway star LaChanze expressed her enthusiasm for this annual event, which drew a crowd of around 600, including various celebrities. Chaired by Cynthia Erivo and Sunny Hostin, the gala raised $2.5 million and paid tribute to Judith Jamison, a pivotal figure in the company’s history.
However, the mood was bittersweet due to the sudden resignation of Robert Battle, the company’s director, due to health reasons. The company, led by Matthew Rushing in the interim, celebrated Battle’s contributions while looking forward to the future.
The night featured a performance choreographed by Hope Boykin, set to songs performed by Cynthia Erivo. The company’s signature piece, “Revelations,” was also performed, captivating the audience with its blend of grief, joy, and spiritual music.
