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At the California Academy of Sciences' Big Bang Gala, guests in "green tie" attire were able to tour exhibits, see divers in the coral reef, and stargaze on the living roof, just 48 hours before the museum reopened to the public. Following a performance by Matt White, headliner Elvis Costello took the stage in the west garden. The gala featured dinner and small bites by McCall Associates, and décor designed by Stanlee Gatti. The opening gala, chaired by Randi Fisher, benefited Academy education programs.

Additional guests of note included:
-Architect Renzo Piano and family
-Academy Executive Director Gregory Farrington, and his wife Jean Farrington
-Board of Trustees Chair Bill Patterson, and his wife Liebe Patterson
-Founding Chair W. Richard Bingham, and his wife Wendy Bingham
-Campaign Chair George Montgomery, and his wife Nancy Montgomery
-Gala committee members Wendy Bingham, Shawn Byers, Jean Farrington, Karen Gilhuly, Lucy Hume Koukopoulos, Kate Kelly, Laura Lazarus, Janet McKinley, Susan Oberndorf, Liebe Patterson, Carrie Penner, Judy Siebel
-Campaign Cabinet members: W. Richard Bingham (Founding Chair), Shawn Byers, Harry R. Hagey, Laura F. Lazarus, Janet B. McKinley, George G. Montgomery, Jr. (Campaign Chair), Judy Siebel
-Academy Trustees: John Atwater, W. Richard Bingham (Founding Chair), Shawn Byers, Elizabeth S. “Randi” Fisher (Event Chair), John H. N. Fisher, Edward A. Gilhuly, Harry R. Hagey, Thomas B. Klein, John W. Larson, Laura F. Lazarus, Janet B. McKinley, Hamid R. Moghadam, George G. Montgomery, Jr. (Campaign Chair), Michael J. Murray, Susan Oberndorf, Arthur C. Patterson, William J. Patterson (Board Chair), Carrie Penner, Carmen Policy, William S. Price, Judy Siebel, Thomas W. Tusher, Robert D. Valdez, William Wilson