Weekend Roundup: A Look at SFMOMA’s Birthday Party, Big Bang Gala

Iann Warmouth and Monika Sola attend UCSF Soirée at the Penthouse Suite at the Fairmont Hotel
Iann Warmouth and Monika Sola attend UCSF Soirée at the Penthouse Suite at the Fairmont Hotel

Photo Credit: Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography

It’s been a busy couple of days for San Francisco’s socials. Just ask Drew Altizer, the man who photographs the city’s most important and exclusive events. When we ran into him on Saturday night, he said his team of photographers covered 13 events on Thursday evening! The American Conservatory Theater celebrated its 50th anniversary, UCSF Partners in Care Board hosted a party at the Fairmont’s Penthouse Suite, and WildAid honored its recent successes at the St. Francis Yacht Club.

SFMOMA Birthday Party

Ben Bochman, Andrea Funsten, Shannon Jett, Pia Cohler, Matt Cohler, Rebecca Revel, George Revel and Farnaz Dadashi
Ben Bochman, Andrea Funsten, Shannon Jett, Pia Cohler, Matt Cohler, Rebecca Revel, George Revel and Farnaz Dadashi

Photo Credit: Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography

However, arguably the biggest event of the week was SFMOMA’s first birthday bash. The fundraiser was in honor of the museum’s one year reopening anniversary and all proceeds from the event went toward SFMOMA’s exhibition and education programs. The birthday party featured a performance by Solange and unique encounters with artists Judy Chicago, Lil Buck, and Jacolby Satterwhite. Notable guests included Denise Hale, Randi and Bob Fisher, Brian Chesky, Charlotte and George Shultz, and Kaitlyn and Mike Krieger.

Big Bang Gala

Atmosphere at the Big Bang Gala 2017
Atmosphere at the Big Bang Gala 2017

Photo Credit: Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography

What else went down late last week? The California Academy of Sciences hosted its annual Big Bang Gala. The event highlighted bold scientific ideas and the Academy’s commitment to accessibility. Featured speakers at the dinner were Dr. Patrick Brown of Impossible Foods, leading climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, star of TV’s The Big Bang Theory Mayim Bialik, and former host of MythBusters Kari Byron.