Thank You for an Incredible Night!


We saddled up at the MM Ranch at Tom Nevers Field and rode straight into a Wild West adventure—Nantucket style! What an unforgettable evening of fun, flavor, and frontier spirit.


We’ll see you for our 2026 Stargazer Gala on Thursday, July 23!

Our Stargazer Gala was truly a special evening, with all proceeds directly supporting our 650 annual public programs and our beloved Summer Internship Program.


These initiatives spark lifelong curiosity and passion for science, engaging learners of all ages through education, research, and hands-on exploration of Nantucket’s sky, land, and sea.


We kicked up our boots, tipped our hats, and enjoyed a starlit showdown under the Nantucket sky! From the mouthwatering fare by Island Kitchen and the sips at Hatch’s Whiskey Bar, to all the frontier fun—mechanical bull rides, Texas Hold ’Em, roping, horseshoes, and stargazing with our astronomy team—it was a night to remember.


The Gigi Pip custom hat bar added a final touch of Western flair and was a crowd favorite right through the final moments. Our live and silent auctions were unforgettable, and the evening ended on a high note with a rip-roaring performance by the Ben Allen Band, keeping the dance floor lively with two-steppin’ under the stars until 10 PM. Yeehaw!


A heartfelt thank you to our attendees, sponsors, vendor partners, MMA Board, Stargazer Committee, volunteers, interns, and staff.  Your support of this event, our internship program, and our mission is nothing short of extraordinary.

2025 Stargazer Gala Sponsors

TRAILBLAZER

John S. Weatherley Jr. Charitable Foundation

True Island Digital

The Vault Nantucket

TRAILBLAZER

ADVENTURER

Kim Bepler

Stephen & Ann Davis

Margaret & John Falk

EJ & Paula Harvey

James & Patty Houlihan

Holly & Mark Maisto

Toni & Martin McKerrow

Peter & Katherine Sutters

John & Jenn Wise



RANGER

Holly Bartlett

Brooke & Bill Buppert

Ann Gallo

Ted & Andrea Giletti

Chris & Missy Griffiths

Gryphon Architects

Peder & Liubov Gulbrandsen

Island Energy Services

Caitlin McGovern

Sarah Powers

Quidley & Company

Joe & Gayle Santucci

T&T Roofing, LLC

Chris & Betsy Wolfe


BUCKAROO

ACK Dental Art

ACK Property Services

Benjamin Normand Residential Design Inc.

Chip Carver & Anne Delaney

Margaret & John Falk

Eat Fire Pizza

Hilary & Mark Finnegan

Harvey Jones & Robin Gillen

Karen Ketterer

John & Christine Maraganore

Marlin & Ginger Miller

Patrick & Eliza Miller

Sundip & Abigail Murthy

Joan & Michael Nelson

Michael Ravitz & Susan Cantor

Duncan & Liz Richardson

Kenneth Roman & Mitzi Purdue

John & Margaret Ruttenberg

Helene & Tim Weld

2025 Stargazer Gala Committee

COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Tanya Forman

Elizabeth Markel

Rebecca Becker

Jenny Benzie

Brooke Buppert

Tessa Cressman

Jamie Gries

Missy Griffiths

Amy Guidi

Linda Holliday

Keely Irwin

Kyle & Doug Karp

Debi Lilly & Mike Springer

Heather Merrill

Katie Norton

Sarah Powers

Peter Sutters

Jessica Torre

Janel Trivelas

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You to Our Vendor Partners

for making the Stargazer Gala a night to remember!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I'd like to pay by check, where should it be addressed to?

    Checks can be addressed to the following: 


    Maria Mitchell Association 

    4 Vestal Street

    Nantucket, MA 02554


    *Please include a note that indicates the number of tickets or sponsorship level you wish to purchase. Additionally, please include your contact email and guests names. 

  • Who should I contact if I have questions?

    Please contact MMA Development Director, Amy Young, for any questions regarding the Stargazer Gala at 

    ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-228-9198.

  • Where is the event?

    The 2025 Stargazer Gala is hosted at Tom Nevers Field on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6pm.


    Leading up to the event guests will receive emails from the Maria Mitchell Association that details the time, location, and additional important event information. 


    Please check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event. 


    If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your registered guest's name and contact email.

  • I've registered, now what?

    After registering for the Stargazer Gala, you'll be placed on our Stargazing Gala email list. 


    Leading up to the event, we'll be sending out details including the event address, arrival times, auction items, and even a fun mood board. 


    Please periodically check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event. 


    If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your guest contact email.

  • Is there a theme for the 2025 Stargazer Gala?

    Yes! This year's Stargazer Gala is A Night at the MM Ranch inspired by Maria's visits to the western Frontier to view eclipses, with an emphasis on exploration, cowboys, and the wild west. 


    We're excited to celebrate the legacy of Maria Mitchell, continue the mission of the MMA, and dance to live country music under the incredible Nantucket night sky. 


    Come wearing your best dancing boots be ready to raise your paddle in support the MMA's Summer Internship Program! 



  • How do I register for the auction?

    We will host both in-person and online auctions for the 2025 Stargazer Gala. 


    Online Auction 

    We welcome all supporters of the MMA to participate in our online auction.


    Please click here to register and participate in our online auction. 


    Online bidding opens July 22, 2025, and closes July 29, 2025. 


    In-Person Auction 

    Guest will recieve a paddle number upon arrival which will be used during our event programming. 


    Items presented during the event programming are exclusively available to ticketed guests of the 2025 Stargazer Gala. 

  • Parking

    Field parking is provided for the convenience of our guests. Upon arrival, you'll be directed by our parking team on where best to park.


    We ask that guests carpool, uber, and taxi when possible.


    For accessibility questions, please contact Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-288-9198

  • Is my ticket tax deductible?

    Yes, a single $750 ticket purchased for the 2025 Stargazer Gala is tax deductible up to $550. 

      

    Click here to view sponsorships' tax-deductible amounts.


    A formal acknowledgment letter, which will include the tax-deductible portion of your donation, will be sent to the address provided during the registration process.


    In accordance with IRS regulations, the tax-deductible portion of your contribution to the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (Tax ID# 04-2129139) is limited to the excess of the contribution over the value of the goods and services we provided to you. 


    Acknowledgment letters should be retained in your records to substantiate any charitable income tax deduction claimed in connection with this gift.  


     

  • Are tickets and sponsorships refundable?

    Tickets and sponsorships are non-refundable. 


    If you cannot make it to the event, please contact Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchell.org

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where can I purchase single tickets and sponsorship packages?

    Please click HERE to purchase single tickets or sponsorship packages. 

  • I'd like to pay by check, where should it be addressed to?

    Checks can be addressed to the following: 


    Maria Mitchell Association 

    4 Vestal Street

    Nantucket, MA 02554


    *Please include a note that indicates the number of tickets or sponsorship level you wish to purchase. Additionally, please include your contact email and guests names. 

  • Who should I contact if I have questions?

    Please contact Development Director, Amy Young, for any questions regarding the Stargazer Gala at 

    ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-228-9198.

  • Where is the event?

    The 2025 Stargazer Gala is hosted at the MM Ranch (location to be revealed soon) on Thursday, July 24, 2025.


    Leading up to the event guests will receive emails from the Maria Mitchell Association that details the time, location, and additional important event information. 


    Please check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event. 


    If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your registered guest's name and contact email.

  • I've registered, now what?

    After registering for the Stargazer Gala, you'll be placed on our Stargazing Gala email list. 


    Leading up to the event, we'll be sending out details including the event address, arrival times, auction items, and even a fun mood board. 


    Please periodically check the email used during the ticket registration process leading up to the event. 


    If you would like your guest to receive updates on the event, please email Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchel.org with your guest contact email.

  • Is there a theme for the 2025 Stargazer Gala?

    Yes! This year's Stargazer Gala is A Night at the MM Ranch inspired by Maria's visits to the western Frontier to view eclipses, with an emphasis on exploration, cowboys, and the wild west. 


    We're excited to celebrate the legacy of Maria Mitchell, continue the mission of the MMA, and dance to live country music under the incredible Nantucket night sky. 


    Come wearing your best dancing boots be ready to raise your paddle in support the MMA's Summer Internship Program! 


  • How do I register for the auction?

    We will host both in-person and online auctions for the 2025 Stargazer Gala. 


    Online Auction 

    We welcome all supporters of the MMA to participate in our online auction.


    Please click here to register and participate in our online auction. 


    Online bidding opens July 22, 2025, and closes July 29, 2025. 


    In-Person Auction 

    Guest will recieve a paddle number upon arrival which will be used during our event programming. 


    Items presented during the event programming are exclusively available to ticketed guests of the 2025 Stargazer Gala. 

  • Parking

    Valet parking is provided for the convenience of our guests. Upon arrival, you'll be directed by our valet parking team.


    We ask that guests carpool when possible.


    For accessibility questions, please contact Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchell.org or 508-288-9198

  • Is my ticket tax deductible?

    Yes, a single $750 ticket purchased for the 2024 Stargazer Gala is tax deductible up to $600. 

      

    Click here to view sponsorships' tax-deductible amounts.


    A formal acknowledgment letter, which will include the tax-deductible portion of your donation, will be sent to the address provided during the registration process.


    In accordance with IRS regulations, the tax-deductible portion of your contribution to the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (Tax ID# 04-2129139) is limited to the excess of the contribution over the value of the goods and services we provided to you. 


    Acknowledgment letters should be retained in your records to substantiate any charitable income tax deduction claimed in connection with this gift.  


     

  • Are tickets and sponsorships refundable?

    Tickets and sponsorships are non-refundable. 


    If you cannot make it to the event, please contact Amy Young, at ayoung@mariamitchell.org