On October 4, 2025, nearly 400 guests gathered for A Timeless Affair, Fernbank Museum’s signature black-tie gala and one of Atlanta’s most anticipated fall traditions. Guests enjoyed sunset cocktails on the Dinosaur Plaza, followed by a seated dinner beneath towering fossils in the Great Hall, lively silent and live auctions, and a private viewing of Sunken Treasures: Ancient Seas—a stunning exhibition exploring ancient shipwrecks and submerged worlds.

The gala raised more than $790,000, including over $93,000 for Fernbank’s Museum Access Scholarship Fund, which helps thousands of Georgia students experience science and discovery through museum visits and education programs.

Ansley Park neighbors once again played a leading role in the evening’s success. Jessi and James Freeman co-chaired the gala with Sara and John Nastopoulos, orchestrating a celebration that blended elegance, purpose, and plenty of sparkle.

Ginny and Charles Brewer, Kristin and Thomas Clyde, Tom Klein and Erik LaValle, and Audra Dial and Matt Ford attended as Patrons, proudly representing the neighborhood’s strong ties to Atlanta’s cultural institutions. Audra also serves on Fernbank’s Board of Trustees and continues to champion the museum’s educational mission and community outreach.

Altogether, A Timeless Affair 2025 brought together 35 sponsors, 88 patron gifts, and nearly 400 attendees, with more than 75 percent of proceeds directly supporting Fernbank’s science and education programs.

Signature sponsors included Chick-fil-A, Cox Enterprises, The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia-Pacific, and Truist, alongside dozens of corporate and individual benefactors. The gala’s Honorary Chair, Caryl Greenberg Smith, was recognized for her longstanding leadership and influence at the museum.

Patron levels began at $2,500 per couple, with tables of ten starting at $15,000—funds that sustain Fernbank’s exhibits, field programs, and award-winning educational initiatives.

Plans are already underway for A Timeless Affair 2026, scheduled for October 3, 2026, promising another extraordinary evening where Atlanta’s generosity and creativity shine together.

Founded in 1992, Fernbank Museum of Natural History has become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural landscape. Beyond its world-class exhibitions and giant-screen theater, the museum preserves 65 acres of old-growth forest and connects more than 7,700 students each year to nature, science, and discovery through the Museum Access Fund. Programs in STEAM education, sustainability, and conservation continue to inspire curiosity across generations.