Annual fundraiser on April 25 invites supporters to join scientists and thought leaders as they explore science-based conservation solutions for our evolving planet

Big Bang Party After Dark 2018

Grammy Award-winning artist T-Pain performs a live DJ set at Big Bang: Party After Dark 2018.

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SAN FRANCISCO (April 18, 2019)—The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park will host Big Bang 2019, the institution’s largest annual fundraiser, on Thursday, April 25. This year’s event will celebrate the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos and the Academy’s rich history of scientific research and community outreach on this dynamic archipelago.

The evening begins at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception, followed by two inspiring conversations: Why the Galápagos Matter featuring Dr. Arturo Izurieta, Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation, in conversation with Dr. Matthew James, author of Collecting Evolution, and A Sustainable Future: Can Tech Help Chart the Course? featuring Google Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt. The conversations will be followed by a seated dinner by McCalls, presenting a menu of locally sourced, sustainable fare.

At 8:30 pm, a second wave of guests will arrive for Big Bang: Party After Dark. In addition to an open bar featuring creative cocktails and gourmet bites throughout the museum, Big Bang and Party After Dark guests will enjoy electrifying entertainment, including a live DJ set by Grammy Award-winner St. Vicious a/k/a St. Vincent.

Party After Dark attendees will groove with the fishes at a silent disco in the aquarium. After dancing the night away, guests can head to the East Garden to enjoy an outdoor party of prehistoric proportions, featuring life-size dinosaurs that move and roar, themed cocktails and snacks, share-worthy photo opps, and other fun surprises throughout the night. Later in the evening, guests can attend an insightful talk in the planetarium by Daniela Fernandez, founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance, who will discuss entrepreneurship, ocean innovation and technology, youth empowerment, and blockchain for social good.

Party goers who want to amp up their Party After Dark experience can enjoy an exclusive VIP Lounge (additional ticket required), featuring renowned drag artist Juanita MORE! (DJ set), private bottle service, and a special menu of complimentary treats.

Big Bang is a fundraising event to support the Academy’s world-class scientific exploration and sustainability programs, aimed at exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth. Event Chairs Mary and Jerome Vascellaro, Honorary Chairs Mayor London N. Breed, Wendy and Eric Schmidt, Mrs. William Wilson (Bill), and Corporate Chair Andrew Anagnost, President & CEO of Autodesk, invite guests to attend in dazzling cocktail attire. Vice Chairs include Diana Nelson and John C. Atwater, Janice and Matthew Barger, Stasia Obremskey and Dan Carroll, Randi and Bob Fisher/Pisces Foundation, and Elizabeth R. Patterson. Big Bang is generously supported by United Airlines and Party After Dark is generously supported by Carmel Partners.

What: Big Bang 2019

Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

When: Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 6:00 pm to midnight

Tickets: To purchase, visit www.calacademy.org/big-bang-gala or call (415) 379-5411.

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