2024 LASM Gala Giving Guide

Proceeds support renovations that are making LASM even better for our next generations.

WHEN

Friday, October 4, 2024

7 PM – 11 PM WHY

To raise funds for LASM renovations, including the final phases of The STEAM Station, and celebrate the new exhibition Discoveries on the Nile WHERE

Louisiana Art & Science Museum

100 S. River Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802

WEAR

Cocktail or Costume

Throw it back to the days when pharaohs and queens reigned by donning attire inspired by ancient Egyptian civilization. You can also suit up for an archeological dig in the desert or a journey down the Nile River!

Join us for a night of FUNdraising during one of Baton Rouge’s favorite and longest-running parties for a purpose!

Revel in the LASM Gala activities you know and love —the grand raffle by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, the curated silent auction, the Poppin’ Bottles liquor pull, multiple open bars and food stations, dancing galore with DJ Digital, and creative décor — with an ancient Egyptian twist.

While you’re partying in the Valley of the Kings, know that your dollars are making a difference by improving one of the most unique cultural institutions in Louisiana. All proceeds support museum renovations.

About the Exhibition

Discoveries on the Nile: Exploring King Tut’s Tomb and the Amin Egyptian Collection

Step into King Tutankhamun’s recreated tomb during the debut of an exciting new exhibition during the Gala. Authentic ancient Egyptian funerary masks will be on view to complement the certified replicas in the tomb.

Expanding on the ancient Egyptian collection held at LASM for 60 years—including a mummified person—this year-long exhibition will introduce over 50,000 visitors to the historical, cultural, and archeological significance of ancient Egypt.

The Gala’s theme is inspired by the burial site on the west bank of the Nile River where many ancient Egyptian royals were laid to rest. Called the Valley of the Kings, this site gained international acclaim when the “boy king” Tutankhamun’s almost fully intact tomb was recovered in 1922.

Grand Raffle Prize

PROVIDED BY

Who doesn't need a pair of classic diamond stud earrings?

Enter to win these 2 carat total weight round diamond studs in 14k white gold.

$50 per raffle ticket. Tickets will be available online and at the Gala. Tickets are limited. Retail value is $5,800.

Dear future LASM Gala supporter, Are you ready to make history with us at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum?

Four years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges. LASM's hardships were not unique, but what was unique was the outpouring of support we received. Thanks to generous people like you, our online fundraisers kept us afloat during the most difficult time in our history.

These days, our goal is not to just survive, but thrive. We’re now in a position to ask the questions: How can we make our visitors’ experiences better than ever? How can our offerings help shape today’s youth into the creative problem solvers and empathetic leaders that our world needs tomorrow?

The answer to these questions is something that you can help with—renovating our facility. Since 2022, our annual Galas have fueled this mission, kickstarting a four-phase plan to transform our outdated children’s areas into The STEAM Station. Phase 1: The Seed opened in January 2024 to rave reviews.

Now, we’re gearing up to complete The STEAM Station’s next 3 phases by 2026 and are looking ahead to revitalize other beloved museum spaces including our Ancient Egypt Gallery. Help us build on The Seed’s success by becoming a Gala sponsor, Host Committee member, Children’s Host Committee family, auction donor, and/or volunteer!

Support LASM’s Gala so that the kids in your life—and then their kids, and then their grandkids, and then all the generations after that — have a museum home that becomes even more inspiring as time moves forward.

We’re entering a new era at LASM. Can we count on you to join us?

With gratitude,

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum Team

PS We offer more than a little lagniappe to thank you for your support, which includes getting your name and brand in front of 800+ influential leaders at the Gala. High-level sponsors also receive donor signage for 10+ years in a museum gallery. Keep reading for more information!

Pledge Today!

Scan the QR code or visit lasm.org/gala to fill out your pledge form!

Contact us at development@lasm.org or 225.344.5272 x 114 for additional information about the Gala, to arrange a meeting or tour of the museum, or for any other questions.

GENERATIONAL IMPACT

Supporting LASM has been important to my family for decades — it’s in my DNA.

My grandparents, Chuck & Jerry Schwing, were early supporters of LASM. They inspired my love of art and instilled in me the importance of philanthropy and giving back. I have continued their legacy at LASM by volunteering weekly as an education tour guide, sponsoring the Gala, signing my children up for the inaugural Children’s Host Committee, and now serving as a board member.

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum has been an integral part of my community for generations. I support LASM and its Gala because I want to help the museum be even better for the generations to come.

- HALEY JONES Volunteer, donor, board member, and advocate for LASM

ABOUT FUTURE RENOVATIONS

In 2022, LASM embarked on an ambitious four-phased capital improvement campaign to renovate the museum’s hands-on STEAM galleries. Funds raised during LASM’s 2022, 2023, and 2024 Annual Galas contribute to crucial updates in these galleries.

With the transformation of Science Station into The Seed now accomplished, we are progressing into the next three phases of renovations to complete The STEAM Station. The STEAM Lab (Phase 2) will host hands-on chemistry experiments and river dynamics explorations. The STEAM Studio (Phase 3) will feature engaging programs including classes and birthday parties. Discovery Depot (Phase 4) will inspire LASM's youngest explorers through STEAM-based play.

Haley Jones and her family enjoying

The Seed, the first LASM gallery made possible by the Gala

Why Support LASM?

A 501(c)3 nonprofit museum housed in a historic train station on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) has served the capital region of Louisiana and beyond for over 60 years. Below are just a few examples of what makes LASM so special!

• LASM is among only a handful of museums dedicated to both art and science in the nation and has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) since 1972; less than 10% of museums nationwide earn AAM accreditation

• Programs including Free First Sunday, Blue Star Museums, Healthy Aging with LASM, The River Dynamics Experience, and more welcome approximately 10,000 people to the museum free-of-charge annually

• The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium has been Louisiana's largest and most technologically advanced planetarium for over 20 years

• LASM's hands-on field trip programs for preschool through 12th grade students attract groups from nearly 40 Louisiana parishes and 6 Mississippi and Texas counties annually

• Numbering over 4,000 objects, LASM's permanent collection includes a wide variety of cultural artifacts and works by local, national, and international artists

• The Ancient Egypt Gallery, featuring a Ptolemaic-era mummified person, is one of the only permanent galleries dedicated to ancient Egypt in the southeastern United States

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Drew Tessier, Chair

Scott Gaudin, Chair-Elect

Melissa Dotson, Secretary

Alex Tucker, Treasurer

Paula Davis, Member-at-Large

Joshua Hollins, Member-at-Large

Kristy McKearn, Member-at-Large

Seth Schilling, Member-at-Large

Elizabeth Canfield, Immediate Past Chair

Sarah Allen

Noah Boudreaux

Tyler Gray

Sarah Haneline

Dr. Louis Jeansonne IV

Haley Jones

Parker Kilgore

Heather LeBlanc

Erin Nugent

Julio Perez

Mendi Robinson

Dr. Melissa Thompson

Shawn Usher

Lauren Whatley

Daryl Williams

Dr. Gredsna Doty, Trustee Emerita

MISSION

We seek to enhance the understanding and appreciation of art and science for general audiences and students by presenting unique, educational, and entertaining experiences that encourage discovery, inspire creativity, and foster the pursuit of knowledge.

VISION

We envision a community of lifelong explorers inspired by art and science.

THE BIG IDEA

Art and Science shape and inform each other, our lives, and the world

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Ty Bromell

Eric Dexter

David Faulk

Derek Fife

Garrett Hiebert

Kris Kirkpatrick

Scott Kirkpatrick

Alex Layfield

Tommy LeJeune

Jason MacMorran

Virginia Noland

Gary Phillips

Tommy Teepell

Suzanne L. Turner

Kathy Fletcher Victorian Scan

your pledge form!

Supporter Benefits At-a-Glance

PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP

Presenting Sponsor

$50,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS • $150,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ICON SPONSORSHIPS

Tutankhamun Sponsor

Cleopatra Sponsor

Nefertiti Sponsor

Ramses Sponsor

$30,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS • $90,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

$20,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS • $60,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

$10,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS • $30,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

$5,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEAR • $15,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN SYMBOL SPONSORSHIPS

Pyramid Sponsor

Sphynx Sponsor

Lotus Sponsor

$10,000 CASH OR $20,000+ IN-KIND

$7,500 CASH OR $15,000 - $19,999 IN-KIND

$5,000 CASH OR $10,000 - $14,999 IN-KIND

Scarab Sponsor

$3,000 CASH OR $6,000 - $9,999 IN-KIND

Crocodile Sponsor

$2,000 CASH OR $4,000 - $5,999 IN-KIND

Cartouche Sponsor

$2,000 - $3,999 IN-KIND

HOST COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS

Host Committee $1,000 PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION

Children's Host Committee Family

$500 OR $250 ADD-ON TO HOST COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP OR SPONSORSHIP

Named Presenting Sponsor

TUTANKHAMUN SPONSORS

THE DUDLEY W. COATES FAMILY

CLEOPATRA SPONSORS

RAMSES SPONSORS

HALEY & JARED JONES

CARTOUCHE SPONSOR

Kim & Ty Bromell

Elizabeth & Blake Canfield

Bonnie & Robert Dial

Melissa & Anderson

Dotson III

Jason Dupree

Gwen & Todd Graves

Erin & Parker Kilgore

Whitney & Matthew J. LaNasa II

Alex & Beau Layfield

Margaret & Beau Michel

Sally & Palmer Rinehart

Alli & David Roberts

Alaina & Paula

Saltaformaggio

Diamond & Rome Sherrod

Katie & Matt Shoriak

Melissa Thompson

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Ancient Egyptian Icon Sponsorships

3-YEAR CASH SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Full pledge amount may also be received upfront in 2024

PRESENTING SPONSOR

$50,000 Each Year for 3 Years

$150,000 Total Pledge

TUTANKHAMUN SPONSOR

$30,000 Each Year for 3 Years

$90,000 Total Pledge

CLEOPATRA SPONSOR

$20,000 Each Year for 3 Years

$60,000 Total Pledge

NEFERTITI SPONSOR

$10,000 Each Year for 3 Years

$30,000 Total Pledge

RAMSES SPONSOR

$5,000 Each Year for 3 Years

$15,000 Total Pledge

Presenting Sponsor

$50,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Presenting Sponsor for Gala, featured in all mentions ("LASM's 39th Annual Gala, Presented by [COMPANY NAME]") through 2026

• Company logo placement prominently displayed as the Presenting Sponsor throughout Gala, on Galarelated print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials through 2026

• Named Gala area (e.g., “The [COMPANY NAME] Stage”) through 2026

$150,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

• 10+ solo Gala sponsor highlights on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts, plus group highlights

• 2 on-site parking spots for Gala night

• Up to 50 Gala tickets each year through 2026

GALLERY RENOVATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Named STEAM-based area in renovated STEAM Station; all renovation phases for this project are expected to be completed by 2026

• Prominent donor signage displayed for a minimum of 10 years in the STEAM Station and/or Ancient Egypt Gallery

Tutankhamun Sponsor

$30,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS

39TH ANNUAL GALA

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition through 2026

• Company logo placement throughout Gala, on Galarelated print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials through 2026

• Named Gala area (e.g., “The [COMPANY NAME] Bar”) through 2026

• 5+ solo Gala sponsor highlights on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts, plus group highlights

$90,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

• 2 on-site parking spots for Gala night

• Up to 30 Gala tickets each year through 2026

GALLERY RENOVATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Named STEAM-based area in renovated STEAM Station; all renovation phases for this project are expected to be completed by 2026

• Prominent donor signage displayed for a minimum of 10 years in the STEAM Station and/or Ancient Egypt Gallery

Cleopatra Sponsor

$20,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS

39TH ANNUAL GALA

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition through 2026

• Company logo placement throughout Gala, on Galarelated print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials through 2026

• Named Gala area (e.g., “The [COMPANY NAME] Bar”) through 2026

• 3+ solo Gala sponsor highlights on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts, plus group highlights

$60,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

• 2 on-site sponsor parking spots for Gala night

• Up to 20 Gala tickets through 2026

GALLERY RENOVATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Prominent donor signage displayed for a minimum of 10 years in the STEAM Station and/or Ancient Egypt Gallery

Nefertiti Sponsor

$10,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS

39TH ANNUAL GALA

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition through 2026

• Company logo placement throughout Gala, on Galarelated print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials through 2026

• 2+ solo Gala sponsor highlights on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts, plus group highlights

$30,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

• 1 on-site parking spot for Gala night

• Up to 18 Gala tickets through 2026

GALLERY RENOVATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Prominent donor signage displayed for a minimum of 10 years in the STEAM Station and/or Ancient Egypt Gallery

Ramses Sponsor

$5,000 EACH YEAR FOR 3 YEARS

39TH ANNUAL GALA

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition through 2026

• Company logo placement throughout Gala, on Galarelated print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials through 2026

• 1+ solo Gala sponsor highlight on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts, plus group highlights

$15,000 TOTAL PLEDGE

• 1 on-site parking spot for Gala night

• Up to 14 Gala tickets through 2026

GALLERY RENOVATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Prominent donor signage displayed for a minimum of 10 years in the STEAM Station and/or Ancient Egypt Gallery

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Ancient Egyptian Symbol Sponsorships

Combination of cash and in-kind also available

PYRAMID SPONSOR

$10,000 cash or $20,000+ in-kind

SPHYNX SPONSOR

$7,500 cash or $15,000-$19,999 in-kind

LOTUS SPONSOR

$5,000 cash or $10,000-$14,999 in-kind

SCARAB SPONSOR

$3,000 cash or $6,000-$9,999 in-kind

CROCODILE SPONSOR

$2,000 cash or $4,000-$5,999 in-kind

CARTOUCHE SPONSOR

$2,000-$3,999 in-kind

Ramses Sponsor

$10,000 CASH

$20,000+ IN-KIND

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition

• Company logo placement throughout Gala, on Gala-related print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials

• 5+ group Gala sponsor highlights on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts

• Up to 12 Gala tickets

GALLERY RENOVATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Prominent donor signage displayed for a minimum of 10 years in the STEAM Station and/or Ancient Egypt Gallery

Sphynx Sponsor

$7,500 CASH

$15,000 — $19,999 IN-KIND

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition

• Company logo placement throughout Gala, on Gala-related print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials

• 3+ group Gala sponsor highlights on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts

• Up to 10 Gala tickets

Lotus Sponsor

$5,000 CASH

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition

• Company logo placement throughout Gala, on Gala-related print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials

$10,000 — $14,999 IN-KIND

• 2+ group Gala sponsor highlights on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts

• Up to 8 Gala tickets

Scarab Sponsor

$3,000 CASH

$6,000 — $9,999 IN-KIND

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition

• Company name placement throughout Gala, on Gala-related print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials

• 1+ group Gala sponsor highlight on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts

• Up to 6 Gala tickets

$2,000 CASH

$4,000 — $5,999 IN-KIND

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition

• Company name placement throughout Gala, on Gala-related print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials

Crocodile Sponsor Cartouche Sponsor

• 1+ group Gala sponsor highlight on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts

• Up to 4 Gala tickets

$2,000 — $3,999 IN-KIND

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala sponsorship recognition

• Company name placement throughout Gala, on Gala-related print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials

• 1+ group Gala sponsor highlight on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts

• Up to 2 Gala tickets

HOST COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Host Committee Memberships

HOST COMMITTEE MEMBER

$1,000 personal contribution to Gala

CHILDREN’S HOST COMMITTEE FAMILY

$500 or $250 add-on to Host Committee Membership

JOIN OUR "DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER" HOST COMMITTEE MEMBERS

These generous folks made a special pledge to support the Gala for 6 years starting in 2022 to honor LASM's 60th anniversary.

Kim & Ty Bromell

Elizabeth & Blake Canfield

Bonnie & Robert Dial

Melissa & Anderson Dotson III

Jason Dupree

Gwen & Todd Graves

Erin & Parker Kilgore

Whitney & Matthew J. Lanasa II

Alex & Beau Layfield

Margaret & Beau Michel

Sally & Palmer Rinehart

Alli & David Roberts

Alaina & Paula Saltaformaggio

Diamond & Rome Sherrod

Katie & Matt Shoriak

Melissa Thompson

Host Committee

$1,000

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Gala Host Committee member recognition

• Name placement throughout Gala, on Galarelated print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials

• 3+ group Host Committee highlights, including a photo of your choice, on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts

• Up to 2 Gala tickets

Children’s Host Committee Family

39TH ANNUAL GALA ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

• Children’s Host Committee Family recognition

• Name placement throughout Gala, on Galarelated print materials, in Gala-related email blasts, and other Gala marketing materials

• 3+ group Children’s Host Committee highlights, including a photo of your choice, on LASM’s social media, reaching over 20,000 accounts

• 1 Gala ticket for parent of Children’s Host Committee member

• Invitations to the Children’s Host Committee Thank You Party in the STEAM Station (date TBA)

PLEDGE TODAY

Scan the QR code or visit lasm.org/gala to fill out your pledge form!

DATES TO REMEMBER

AUGUST 20, 2024

Deadline for pledges to be received for inclusion in printed Gala invitation

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

Deadline for pledges to be received for inclusion in printed collateral/signage

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

Deadline for pledges to be received for recognition for LASM’s 39th Annual Gala: Party in the Valley of the Kings

OCTOBER 1, 2024

Deadline for pledges to be fulfilled

OCTOBER 4, 2024

LASM’s 39th Annual Gala: Party in the Valley of the Kings

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PREVIOUS GALA CHAIRS

Diamond Sherrod (Chair), Krystal Faircloth (Co-chair), and Candace Lowe (Co-chair), Out of this World (2023)

Adrienne Connelly Adams (Co-chair), Chelsea Norris (Co-chair), and Lexie Polito (Co-chair), Diamonds of History (2022)

Sarah Allen (Co-chair), and Terrence Ginn (Co-chair), Iridescence (2021)

Lauren Whatley, H2O (2020)

Kathy Victorian, Chroma (2019)

Prescott Bailey, In Motion (2018)

Heather Kleinpeter, Red (2017), Branch Out (2016)

Errin Viguerie, Light Fantastic (2015), Party at the Pyramid (2014)

Stacy Schliewe, A Bold Expression (2013)

Courtney Newbill, Golden Anniversary (2012)

Linda Gibson, A Fete for all Seasons (2011), Glow (2010)

Dede Ferrara, Swing Upon a Star (2009), Driven to Abstraction (2008)

Edy Koonce, From Russia with Love (2007, Monet, Gaugin, O'Keefe Oh My! (2006)

Tanie Bush, Some Like it Hot (2005), A Flight of Fancy (2004) (Co-chair), An Evening with the Empress (2003)

Sherry Russell (Co-chair), An Evening with the Empress (2003), In Pursuit of Beauty (2002)

Dana Brown, La Soiree des Animaux (2001)

Robin Hebert, Come to the Cabaret (2000)

Carmen Williams (Co-chair), Fire and Ice (1999) (Co-chair), Shaken not Stirred (1998), (Co-chair), In the Mood (1997)

Paula de la Bretonne (Co-chair), Fire and Ice (1999) (Co-chair), Shaken not Stirred (1998)

Dana Bernhard (Co-chair), In the Mood (1997)

Charlene Montelaro, Go West on the LASC Express (1996)

Staci Duhe (Co-chair), The Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park (1995)

Grand Raffle Prize

PROVIDED BY

Nancy Breitenbach (Co-chair), The Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park (1995)

Clarissa Rayburn Lane (Co-chair), Evening in Wonderland (1994)

Jan Arst (Co-chair), Evening in Wonderland (1994)

Michael and Jeannette Rolfsen, Circus, Circus, The Greatest Gala (1992)

Cristel Slaughter (Co-chair), Galactic Gala (1991)

Kathy West (Co-chair), Galactic Gala (1991), Celebra All'Italiano (1993)

Sharon Lea, Heyday of Hollywood (1990)

Kathleen "Lena" Manship Rollason, Night of the Dragon (1989), Carnival in Rio (1988) (Co-chair), Ancient Egypt (1986)

Winnie Byrd, Ancient Egypt (1986)

In fond memory of Winnie Byrd, who chaired the inaugural LASM Gala — also Ancient Egypt-themed — in 1986.

Who doesn't need a pair of classic diamond stud earrings?

Enter to win these 2 carat total weight round diamond studs in 14k white gold.

$50