Thank You for an Incredible Night!
We Saddled Up For a Night at the MM Ranch at Tom Nevers Field and
Embarked on a Wild West Adventure—Nantucket Style!
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.
We’ll see you for our 2026 Stargazer Gala on Thursday, July 23!
Gigi Pip Hats and Custom Hat Bar.
THE 2025 STARGAZER GALA
Established in 2002, the Stargazer Gala is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the MMA! Your contribution to our gala helps us support our Summer Internship Program. This initiative has allowed us to host 900+ interns since it began in 1914. These interns continue the legacy of Maria Mitchell and her unwavering passion for creating opportunities for all to develop a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island.
The Stargazer Gala is made possible thanks to our sponsors, attendees, and supporters like you!
Join Us Under the Stars for a 'Night at the MM Ranch'
This year's Stargazer Gala location will be revealed soon...hint the location is somewhere on the Nantucket Frontier.
We hope you'll join us on July 24, 2025, to celebrate the Maria Mitchell Association's summer Internship Program and support our commitment to our role in scientific education, lifelong learning, and the preservation of Maria Mitchell’s legacy.
Click the button below to purchase sponsorships and tickets.
How to Participate in the 2025 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 Development Director , Amy Young, at ayoung@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 Amy Young at ayoung@mariamitchell.org or call at 508.228.9198.
Please see bottom of this page for frequently asked questions.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Saddle up for a Night at the MM Ranch at Tom Nevers Field and embark on a Wild West adventure—Nantucket style!
Kick up your boots, tip your hat, and enjoy a starlit evening under the Nantucket sky featuring a fireside feast by Island Kitchen and live music from the Ben Allen Band. Mosey over to the Stargazer Saloon to wet your whistle, then dance, dine, and dive into a full frontier experience with line dancing, mechanical bull riding, Texas Hold'Em and the custom hat bar by Gigi Pip – just mind the roving sheriffs.
Select the Gigi Pip add-on when purchasing your ticket—or grab one separately if you’ve already secured your spot.
Tickets are ridin’ off into the sunset—giddy up and grab yours before they’re gone!
Yee haw!
This is one night you won't want to miss!
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