Annual Night at MOXI, Indeed a ‘Fun’d-Raising Event

The annual Night at MOXI, was held on Saturday, October 5, at the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The event this year, titled Wonder and Whimsy, was celebrated on all three floors of the museum. Attendees were dressed to impress, many of whom purchased full tables for their organizations and friends. 

Entering the MOXI first floor, guests were greeted by Angie Bertucci, MOXI Director of Marketing and Communications, and treated to a photo op at the Step ‘n’ Repeat.

Cirque Berzerkentertainers performed contortion stunts, while an extraordinarily costumed waitress served jelly shots on spoons. The cocktail reception was held on the second floor with a dedicated bar, roaming wait-staff serving champagne, and a curated selection of appetizers. 

I arrived early, meeting with the first group, MOXI’s star educator team – Director of Learning Experiences Kaia-Joye Wesolowski, Associate Director of Education Kristen Denton, STEAM Education Manager Jasmine Thompson,Camps & Outreach Manager Leah Forester, and Public Programs Manager Tommy Blanchard. At this opportunity, we chatted and took a photo op.

Next arriving in a drop-waist chiffon cocktail dress with colorful heels was MOXI President/CEO Robin Gose. She was followed by the Nights at MOXI presenting sponsor, Bank of America’sSenior VPs Mary Noor and Graham Bell. Bell is also a member of the MOXI Executive Committee. Noor and Bell posed with Gose for an important photo op and a quick briefing with me on the event. 

Noor explained BofA’s continued support of MOXI for our readers. “Bank of America is all about making sure that we have economic mobility. Part of that is we believe in the arts. The partnership we have with MOXI goes from being able to have them be part of our Museums on Us program, having Graham Bell on their board, and this evening being the presenting sponsor for this incredible event – because we love what they do in the community and what they represent in our communities.”

Additional meet-greet photo ops were with the event co-chairs – MOXI Executive Committee Member Austin Lampson and Kate Shrout. Their statement; “Tonight you join a community committed to empowering the next generation of innovators, explorers, and creative problem-solvers. Your support this evening means MOXI can continue to equip children with the skills they need for a bright and brilliant future. Thank you.”

The sit-down family style dinner with the event program and auction took place outside on the colorfully decorated rooftop. Gose welcomed the guests and touched on MOXI’s continuing partnerships with schools to increase museum access to kids across Santa Barbara County, sharing, “We’re thrilled that a school field trip to MOXI has become a rite of passage for kids from Ventura through Santa Maria and beyond. It’s important that these field trips remain affordable and accessible to schools so that kids have hands-on experiences to complement classroom learning.”

The live auction and ask were led by Geoff Green. The funding goal for the event is $200,000. Event proceeds will go to help MOXI serve more students, and to continue accessibility to as many students as possible.

The event closed with a silent disco, a late-night lounge area with bar, and live sitar by Ronobir Lahiri to chill out by.

411: Donations: https://53884.blackbaudhosting.com/53884/Indv-24-Education-Fund