The Maria Mitchell Association's Biggest Event of the Year!

STARGAZER GALA

July 25, 2024



Embark with the MMA on a mid-summer evening and journey along the shores of Polpis Harbor!

Enjoy delectable bites, sip on rum punch, and let the rhythm of live tunes, inspired by

the legendary spirit of Jimmy Buffett, carry you away.


Partygoers will enjoy the beautiful colors of the Nantucket sky, dancing to the rhythm of a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, delicious food by Island Kitchen, personalized poems by Typewriter Rodeo, and more!




The 2024 Stargazer Gala

The Stargazer Gala started in 2002 to celebrate the mission of the Maria Mitchell Association and the legacy of Maria Mitchell. 


The Stargazer Gala is the MMA's biggest fundraising event of the year and is made possible thanks to our sponsors, attendees, and supporters like you!


Your support for this year's gala will help us chart a course of action to develop a Discovery Center and Aquarium at 33 Washington Street and will keep the legacy of Maria Mitchell and her passion for Nantucket's natural world alive


Help us foster a love for marine life, exploration, and the history of Nantucket's waters by joining us for this meaningful night under the stars.  

Join Us Under the Stars!


This year's Stargazer Gala is hosted at Polpis Harbor, a beautiful property encapsulating the mission of the MMA and Maria Mitchell's love for the natural world.


We hope you'll join us on July 25, 2024, to celebrate the Maria Mitchell Association and support our commitment to our role in scientific education, lifelong learning, and the preservation of Maria Mitchell’s legacy.


2024 Sponsorship Brochure 


Click the button below to purchase sponsorships and tickets.


How to Participate in the 2024 Auction


With both an online and in-person auction, you'll have ample opportunity to make an impact at the Maria Mitchell Association.


We invite all to participate in our online auction, which features unique experiences and fabulous packages. 


Click here to pre-register for our online auction. 


Interested in donating an item or experience? Please email Community Relations and Development Manager, Tess McCarthy, at tmccarthy@mariamitchell.org.


Support the MMA Today!

Unable to join us this year? There are plenty of other opportunities to support the Maria Mitchell Association year-round. 


From corporate sponsorships to individual gifts, your support allows us to continue our mission and is a vital part of our success! 


Click the link below to learn more.

For more information about the Stargazer Gala, including sponsorships and donations, please contact Tess McCarthy by email at tmccarthy@mariamitchell.org or call at 508.228.9198.

Please see bottom of this page for frequently asked questions.



Thank You 2024 Sponsors!

TRAILBLAZER

Dennis & Kimberly Kozlowski

SCOUT

JEANNE COHANE 

RICHARD WOLFE AND TINA COOPER





RAMBLER
REBECCA M. BECKER 

PATRICK MILLER

JOAN & MICHAEL NELSON 

SUSAN O'MALLEY

KENNETH ROMAN 

WILLIAM & LAURIE SCHUTT

ROBERT VEGHTE KENNEDY




Stargazer Gala Committee

TANYA FORMAN, CO-CHAIR

ELIZABETH GEORGANTAS, CO-CHAIR

REBECCA M. BECKER

AMY GUIDI

CAROLYN HOLT

KEELY IRWIN

KYLE KARP

Debi Lilly & Mike Springer




CHRISTINE MARAGANORE

LO MCSHAY

Katie nortoN

RICHARD PHILLIPS

Sarah Powers

Missy steiner-griffiths

Brian & Kate Sullivan



Frequently Asked Questions


  • Where can I purchase single tickets and sponsorship packages?

    Please click HERE to purchase single tickets or sponsorship packages. 


    Click this link to learn more about 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 Community Relations and Development Manager, Tess McCarthy, for any questions regarding the Stargazer Gala at 

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

  • Where is the event?

    The 2024 Stargazer Gala is hosted at a private home at Polpis Harbor on Thursday, July 25, 2024 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 Tess McCarthy, at tmccarthy@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 Tess McCarthy, at tmccarthy@mariamitchel.org with your guest contact email.

  • Is there a theme for the 2024 Stargazer Gala?

    Yes! This year's Stargazer Gala is Jimmy Buffet-inspired, with an emphasis on captains, sailors, and the sea. 


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


    Come wearing your best dancing shoes and be ready to raise some paddles in support the MMA's incredible mission! 


  • How do I register for the auction?

    We will host both in-person and online auctions for the 2024 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 23, 2024, and closes July 28, 2024. 


    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 2024 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 Tess McCarthy at tmccarthy@mariamitchell.org or 508-288-9198

  • Is my ticket tax deductible?

    Yes, a single $595 ticket purchased for the 2024 Stargazer Gala is tax deductible up to $500. 

      

    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 Tess McCarthy, at tmccarthy@mariamitchell.org

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