{"id":784944,"date":"2026-05-09T19:48:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T19:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/784944\/"},"modified":"2026-05-09T19:48:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T19:48:15","slug":"butterfly-raises-1-5m-for-peggy-notebaert-nature-museum-candid-candace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/784944\/","title":{"rendered":"Butterfly raises $1.5M for Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum | Candid Candace"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Peggy<\/p>\n

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Board President Bob Frentzel and honorees Stacie Selinger, Adele Simmons, Suzanne Krohn, John Edelman and Erin Amico. (Ana Miyares photo)<\/p>\n

The butterflies weren\u2019t the only things fluttering at this year\u2019s gala.<\/p>\n

More than 420 guests gathered May 5 as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum<\/strong><\/a> raised over $1.5 million at its 28th annual Butterfly Ball, a signature fundraiser supporting science education, conservation and community-based environmental work across Chicago<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Michelle<\/p>\n

Michelle Hawver, Peggy Notebaert and Nicole Lacy. (Ana Miyares photo)<\/p>\n

Held in support of the museum\u2019s mission to connect people with nature, the evening featured cocktails, dinner and dancing alongside civic and community leaders. The event was hosted by Anne Thompson<\/strong> of NBC News<\/strong>, with catering by Food For Thought<\/strong>, nature-inspired d\u00e9cor from The Flower Firm<\/strong> and live music by Maggie Speaks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Jaclyn<\/p>\n

Jaclyn Trovato-Wickersham and Christopher Wickersham. (Ana Miyares photo)<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Butterfly Ball recognized leaders whose work strengthens science education and sustainability: GCM Grosvenor<\/strong> received the Leadership in Science & Education Award for its longstanding support of the museum\u2019s education programs; John Edelman<\/strong> and Suzanne Krohn<\/strong> earned the Catalyst Award for Leadership in Sustainability for their investment in the Chicago Conservation Corps<\/strong>; and Adele Simmons<\/strong> received the Monarch Award for Outstanding Community Impact for decades of environmental leadership.<\/p>\n

\"Peggy<\/p>\n

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum ball guests. (Ana Miyares photo)<\/p>\n

Proceeds from the Butterfly Ball help power the museum\u2019s wide-ranging education and conservation work. In 2025 alone, the museum engaged more than 13,000 students through field trips, expanded classroom reach through its Science on the Go program and conducted more than 2,000 community science surveys focused on butterflies, frogs and other species. Nationwide, its community science initiatives have helped survey more than one million butterflies.<\/p>\n

Subscribe to Chicago Star\u2019s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

As the Chicago Conservation Corps marks its 20th year, participation has reached record levels, with residents in all 50 wards now trained to lead local sustainability efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Butterfly Ball is an investment in Chicago\u2019s future,\u201d said Erin Amico<\/strong>, president and CEO of the museum. \u201cThe support we saw Friday night allows us to expand access to science education, strengthen communities and advance critical conservation work across our region.\u201d<\/p>\n

Founded in 1857 by the Chicago Academy of Sciences<\/strong>, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum continues to serve as a hub for environmental education, conservation and community engagement – helping ensure the city\u2019s connection to nature remains strong for generations to come.<\/p>\n

Read more on Chicago Star:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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