You are cordially invited!
To a fundraising tasting affair:
Saturday, September 21 – Join us for a night of elegance and excitement: Burpee Museum’s premier fundraiser.
This upscale evening gala is the perfect blend of sophistication and fun, offering a unique opportunity to support the museum while enjoying an unforgettable night out.
The countdown is on!
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Burpee’s 2024 Gala
Burpee Museum’s Board of Trustees and Museum Directors invite you to an extraordinary gala event that promises an evening of elegance, inspiration, and meaningful impact. As an attendee or sponsor, your support will play a vital role in helping the Burpee Museum continue its mission to inspire a lifetime of discovery and learning about the natural world. Our commitment to preservation, interpretation, and education thrives through the generosity of our community, and we are excited to celebrate with you!
Event Details:
- Date: September 21, 2024
- Time: 6:00-10:00pm (Doors Open for VIP at 5:15pm)
- Location: Burpee Museum, 737 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL
- Attire: Semi-Formal
Why Your Support Matters
We believe that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, should have the opportunity to engage in quality programming at Burpee. Your participation in this gala directly supports our free music programs, scholarship classes, and free outreach initiatives for school-age children. These programs are designed to spark curiosity, foster learning, and inspire the next generation of scientists, artists, and thinkers.
An Evening to Remember
The gala will be a night to remember, filled with:
- Exclusive Access: Private viewing of our latest exhibits, live animals, and behind-the-scenes looks at Paleontology and Biology in action.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by The Rhythm Rockets, Chicago’s Blues and Swing legends.
- Gourmet Dining: A tasting menu from local chefs!
- Silent Auction: Bid on unique items and experiences, with proceeds benefiting our educational programs.
- Guest Speakers & Demos: Hear from our science and education figures sharing their insights and passion for lifelong learning.
Tickets and Sponsorships:
Tickets and sponsorship packages are available now – click to Learn More
VIP Gala
Early Bird: before 8.10.24- VIP parking close to event
- A private wine tasting and Hors d’oeuvres,
- custom etched wine glass memorabilia gift
- Exclusive Access: Private viewing of our latest exhibits, live animals, and behind-the-scenes looks at Paleontology and Biology in action.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by The Rhythm Rockets, Chicago’s Blues and Swing legends.
- Gourmet Dining: A tasting menu from local chefs
- Silent Auction: Bid on unique items and experiences
- Guest Speakers & Demos
VIP Gala
Regular Rate- VIP parking close to event
- A private wine tasting and Hors d’oeuvres,
- Custom etched wine glass memorabilia gift
- Exclusive Access: Private viewing of our latest exhibits, live animals, and behind-the-scenes looks at Paleontology and Biology in action.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by The Rhythm Rockets, Chicago’s Blues and Swing legends.
- Gourmet Dining: A tasting menu from local chefs
- Silent Auction: Bid on unique items and experiences
- Guest Speakers & Demos
Gala
Early Bird: before 8.10.24- Exclusive Access: Private viewing of our latest exhibits, live animals, and behind-the-scenes looks at Paleontology and Biology in action.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by The Rhythm Rockets, Chicago’s Blues and Swing legends.
- Gourmet Dining: A tasting menu from local chefs
- Silent Auction: Bid on unique items and experiences
- No VIP Parking
- No Early Admission, Complimentary Wine tasting, or Behind the Scenes Tours & Talks
Gala
Regular Rate- Exclusive Access: Private viewing of our latest exhibits, live animals, and behind-the-scenes looks at Paleontology and Biology in action.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by The Rhythm Rockets, Chicago’s Blues and Swing legends.
- Gourmet Dining: A tasting menu from local chefs
- Silent Auction: Bid on unique items and experiences
- No VIP Parking
- No Early Admission, Complimentary Wine tasting, or Behind the Scenes Tours & Talks
Sponsorship Packages
Your sponsorship guarantees an unforgettable evening for you and your guests and plays a crucial role in supporting the Burpee Museum’s educational outreach. Together, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, artists, and thinkers, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with the wonders of the natural world.
We offer several sponsorship levels, each designed to provide exceptional benefits and recognition for your support. Recognition on some print materials requires a pledge of sponsorship by September 1st. For questions & additional information please contact anne.weerda@burpee.org
Platinum
$15,000 & Up- Customized amenities; Burpee with work with you to customize your sponsorship package PLUS
- Exclusive Radio, TV and Online marketing with presenting sponsor status
- 14 VIP tickets & 14 Commemorative Engraved Event Glasses
- PRIVATE behind-the-scenes tour for your group of our dinosaur fossil prep work, exclusive photo ops, and biology tour tailored to your group’s interest during the event.
- Opportunity to host an information table for our guests about your business, mission, etc.
- Opportunity to speak at the event
- 8 Family Museum Memberships each valid for 1 year
- Recognition on Social Media with links to your business
- Recognition on Website with links to your business
- Recognition on print materials
Diamond
$10,000 & Up- 10 VIP tickets & 10 Commemorative Engraved Event Glasses
- PRIVATE behind-the-scenes tour for your group of our dinosaur fossil prep work, exclusive photo ops, and biology tour tailored to your group’s interest during the event.
- Opportunity to host an information table for our guests about your business, mission, etc.
- Recognition on Social Media with links to your business
- Recognition on Website with links to your business
- Recognition on print materials
Gold
$5,000 & Up- 8 VIP tickets & 8 Commemorative Engraved Event Glasses
- PRIVATE behind-the-scenes tour for your group of our dinosaur fossil prep work, exclusive photo ops, and biology tour tailored to your group’s interest during the event.
- Opportunity to host an information table for our guests about your business, mission, etc.
- Recognition on Social Media
- Recognition on Website with link to your business
- Recognition on print materials
Silver
$3,000 & Up- 6 VIP tickets & 6 Commemorative Engraved Event Glasses
- PRIVATE behind-the-scenes tour for your group of our dinosaur fossil prep work, exclusive photo ops, and biology tour tailored to your group’s interest during the event.
- Opportunity to host an information table for our guests about your business, mission, etc.
- Recognition on Social Media
- Recognition on Website with link to your business
- Recognition on print material
Bronze
$1,000 & Up- 4 VIP tickets & 4 Commemorative Engraved Event Glasses
- Unique behind-the-scenes tour of our dinosaur fossil prep work, exclusive photo ops, and biology tour
- Recognition on Social Media
- Recognition on Website with link to your business
- Recognition on print materials
Friend
$500 & Up- 2 VIP tickets & 2 Commemorative Engraved Event Glasses
- Unique behind-the-scenes tour of our dinosaur fossil prep work, exclusive photo ops, and biology tour
- Recognition on Social Media
- Recognition on Website with link to your business
- Recognition on print materials
To mail checks, please send to:
Burpee Museum
attn: Burpee on the Rocks
737 N. Main Street
Rockford, IL 61103
Your Impact
By attending or sponsoring the gala, you are making a significant impact on our community. Your contributions ensure that:
- Free Music Programs: These initiatives provide enriching experiences for all, fostering a love for the arts and creativity. From 4pm Wonderful Wednesday classes that explore the connections of science and music, to Music on the Rock: Free music performances to the public every Summer Wednesday.
- Scholarships for Science Classes: We offer educational opportunities to those who might not otherwise afford them, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in learning.
- Free Outreach to School-Age Children: Our outreach programs bring the museum experience directly to schools, local festivals, and community events, inspiring young minds and igniting a passion for discovery, while driving a love of our planet Earth!
Secure your tickets now and be part of an evening to remember!