SYCAMORE – The Midwest Museum of Natural History is important to Anna Schelkopf.
The Sycamore resident’s grandfather donated his taxidermy animals to the downtown Sycamore museum almost 20 years ago, and she still makes it a point to attend the Groundhog Gala each year.
The 10th annual event, which is the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year, was held Saturday night at Chapel in the Pines in Sycamore.
“It’s important that the museum remains accessible to the community,” Schelkopf said. “I love seeing kids visit for the first time. It makes me happy that they can enjoy [my grandfather’s] collection and to see it being put to good use. My grandfather was very active in the community, and he was really proud of the museum.”
Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, live music by the Thunderbird Cello Orchestra, a silent auction and raffles. All of the money raised will be used for the museum’s operational expenses, programming and animal care.
Executive director Malwina Bardoni said the gala helps “keep the museum’s doors open” for current visitors as well as future generations.
“To see these animals in person, people would have to drive to Chicago,” she said of the museum’s collection of reptiles. “I’ve seen so many ‘a-ha’ moments with kids when they touch snakes and they realize they’re not scary. I’ve seen so many adults say they would never touch a snake, but do it anyway because their kids did. [The museum] is a hidden gem in the community.”
The Midwest Museum of Natural History is home to two fully mounted rhinos and one of only six fully mounted African elephants in the country, exhibitions and collections curator Kayla Trusk said.
She said the next closest mounted elephant is at Chicago’s Field Museum, while the others are in museums hundreds of miles away.
“It’s crazy to think we have one here in Sycamore,” Trusk said. “We’re able to educate our community about ecosystems and the importance of conservation. By having animals here, we can make people think about what they can do to make a difference for these animals and their environment.”
Former Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy said the community continues to be grateful for the Schelkopf family’s contribution to the city, and he was happy to support the museum at the gala.
“The whole theme behind the museum is appreciating the earth, air, animals, as well as conservation, preservation and natural history of where we live,” Mundy said. “We’re passing that richness on to our children so future generations can care for and appreciate what we have.”
Wes Hoadley of DeKalb has been coming to the gala for the past few years because he frequently visits the museum with his grandchildren, who love it.
“It’s a fun time [for kids], and it’s worthy of our support. [The gala] is a good cause, and a very fun event. Supporting the community is everything,” he said.
Angelique Page of Sycamore said she frequently brings her children to the museum, and she feels it’s important that the community show its support.
“The museum supports the community – they’re out at so many events – so it’s good for the community to support the museum,” Page said. “We were just there, and my son was enjoying himself while learning. It’s very beneficial for communities to have museums and resources like this.”
