Photo Flash: THE HERD, Gary Sinise and More Help Steppenwolf's Gala 2015 Raise $1.2 Million

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world-renowned ensemble was joined by more than 550 members of Chicago's corporate, civic and cultural communities for Gala 2015 on Saturday, May 9, 2015, raising more than $1.2 million for Steppenwolf's artistic, educational and community programming. The premier fundraising event took place in the Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St) and in a theatrically-inspired tent on Steppenwolf's North Halsted campus. Guests mixed and mingled with Steppenwolf artists and leadership while enjoying theatrical entertainment, cocktails, a gourmet dinner and a private rock concert featuring Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Scroll down for photos!

Gala 2015 kicked off in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre with a scene from the critically acclaimed production of The Herd by Rory Kinnear, directed by ensemble member Frank Galati. Following the performance, co-founder Gary Sinise recounted Steppenwolf's legendary journey from a church basement in Highland Park to its place today as Chicago's groundbreaking, nationally recognized theater. Guests moved to the tent to enjoy a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner prepared by Limelight Catering and the annual live auction.

Led by auctioneer Jonathan Kraft, the auction featured priceless experiences with Steppenwolf ensemble members and artists, including dinner with co-founder Jeff Perry and his fellow cast mates from ABC's hit television show Scandal. Inspired by suburban London setting of The Herd, the tent was stunningly designed by Event Creative with a contemporary English garden theme. Guests packed the dance floor as Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band rocked out until the later hours of the evening.

Steppenwolf ensemble members in attendance included: Joan Allen, Alana Arenas, Robert Breuler, Francis Guinan, Jon Michael Hill, Tim Hopper, Tom Irwin, Tina Landau, John Mahoney, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Laurie Metcalf, Bruce Norris, Jeff Perry, Yasen Peyankov,Molly Regan, Anna D. Shapiro, Gary Sinise, Lois Smith, Jim True-Frost and Alan Wilder.

The Gala 2015 Co-Chairs were Eileen and Christopher Murphy and Rhonda and Scott Swanson.

Other notable guests included Steppenwolf Board Chair Nora Daley, Steppenwolf Managing Director David Schmitz, actress Carrie Coon, along with Cliff Chamberlain and Audrey Francis from the cast of The Herd, Marie Antoinette director Robert O'Hara, Karen and Michael Atwood, Gerry Barad, Deann and Chef Rick Bayless, Steppenwolf trustee Sarah Beardsley, Leigh Bienen and Steppenwolf Trustee Henry Bienen, Steppenwolf Trustee Marlene Breslow-Blitstein and Berle Blitstein, Steppenwolf Trustee Ebs Burnough, Susan and Michael Canmann, Rita and John Canning, Steppenwolf Trustee Robin Colburn and Richard Colburn, Caroline Beak Crown and SteppenwolfTrustee Keating Crown, Liz and Kent Dauten, Wendy and Gordon Gill, Robin and Austan Goolsbee, Amy Findlay and SteppenwolfTrustee Cameron D. Findlay, Marko Iglendza, Susan and David Kalt, Kimberly and Brad Keywell, Liz Lefkofsky and Steppenwolf TrusteeEric Lefkofsky, Anna and Robert A. Livingston, Debbie and Michael Marchese, Lyn McKeaney, Cindy Melk, Steppenwolf Trustee Jan Melk, Susan Mendelsohn and Steppenwolf Trustee David Mendelsohn, Steppenwolf Trustee Verett Mims, Adele and Michael Murphy,Stephanie Neely, Pam Netzky and Ashley Hemphill, Shawna and Jay Owen, Christine and Michael Pope, Carol Prins and SteppenwolfTrustee John Hart, Beth and Michael Reese, Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, Emily Sachs-Wong and Thad-Wong, Pat Pulido Sanchez and Steppenwolf Trustee Manny Sanchez, Pam and Joe Sciarrotta, Steppenwolf Trustee Colette Cachey Smithburg and Tom Smithburg, Bobette Takiff, Kimberly and Steve Theiss, Melissa and Reeve Waud and Neal Zucker.

Photo Credits: Kyle Flubacker and Daniel Ribar