Yerkes Future Foundation is proud to announce its second annual Fall Fundraiser, Cosmic Construction, taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The event will bring together supporters, community members, and friends of Yerkes to celebrate the remarkable progress being made to restore, revitalize, and reimagine one of America’s most iconic scientific landmarks.
Inspired by the theme Cosmic Construction, this year’s fundraiser highlights the ongoing transformation of Yerkes as it enters an exciting new chapter. From restoring its historic architecture to expanding educational opportunities and creating vibrant spaces for discovery, the event celebrates the vision and momentum driving Yerkes into the future.
Guests can look forward to an unforgettable evening featuring entertainment, food and drinks, live music, a raffle and auction, and, of course, stories showcasing the impact of continued investment in Yerkes. Proceeds from the event will directly support Yerkes Future Foundation’s mission to preserve the historic observatory while advancing innovative programming, community engagement, and campus restoration projects.
“Cosmic Construction represents more than all the incredible construction and improvements to our campus—it’s a celebration of the people and partnerships helping build the future of Yerkes,” said Dennis Kois, Executive Director. “We’re grateful to our co-chairs, Dianna Colman and Robin Culbertson, for their leadership in bringing this event to life, and excited to welcome our supporters for an inspiring evening.”
The Yerkes Future Foundation invites the community to join this special celebration and help shape the next chapter of Yerkes’ legacy. Whether attending for the first time or returning as a longtime supporter, guests will play an important role in ensuring Yerkes continues to inspire curiosity, innovation, and discovery for generations to come.
