SCHENECTADY — This year’s Big Bang at miSci, the 12th annual Gala and its largest fundraiser, will still allow patrons to have fun and discover all the museum has to offer, but it will also be a time to remember one of its foremost supporters, Jane Golub, who died on Tuesday, April 15 at the age of 80.
“As a trustee and an honorary chair of the Big Bang Gala for more than a decade, coupled with the more than $2.5 million in donations from she and Neil in support of miSci exhibits, programs, and facilities, Jane’s contributions are the most significant in the museum’s 85-year history,” wrote miSci President Gina C. Gould to museum constituents. “We will remember not just the titan Jane Golub was as a teacher, businesswoman, philanthropist, and community leader, but also as ‘Ms. Jane,’ who always came to miSci with her sharp mind, quick wit, twinkle in her eye, smile on her face, and endless sense of humor.”
Without Golub’s support, Gould said in the letter, there is little doubt the museum would have closed years ago. Now, it is thriving thanks, in part, to the Big Bang Gala Golub was so critical in establishing as one of the “must-attend” networking events of Capital District business and non-profit leaders, politicians and community activists.
But, one rule Golub put in place right from the start still stands today: “We don’t want another black tie event.” Rather, said Carmel Patrick, miSci Vice President of Development, those who attend can check out the museum and all it has to offer, as if in the shoes of children visiting for the first time.
“We offer interactive activities throughout the museum, planetarium shows and Challenger Learning Center tours so guests can experience what the museum has to offer,” she said, adding there will also be live music. “In 2007, when we first started, we really wanted to make sure we did something big right out of the gate so we called it ‘Dancing Under the Stars.’ Over the years, it evolved into the ‘Big Bang,’ and this year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo II lunar landing.”
One the annual highlights is a silent auction, which this year will feature prizes like
two pair of tickets to Friehofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, tickets to a Saturday afternoon Red Sox v. Yankees game at Fenway Park and tickets to “Hamilton” at Proctors.
Mazzone Hospitality caters the food, and they always put a fun theme on its servings, Patrick said. This year, for example, people can enjoy desserts like “Rocket Fuel Cup Cakes” after their gourmet meal.
For the second consecutive year, the event is co-chaired by Dana Donohue and Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas.
Tickets are $125 per person and all proceeds will help support miSci programs and exhibits. For ticket information visit misci.org/events/gala or call 518-382-7890 for more information
The museum is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady.
