Call it the butterfly effect: A record 650 guests turned out to the Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon) for its 20th annual gala May 4. After a cocktail hour, attendees interacted with endangered turtles and explored new exhibits before making their way to the dance floor to hear band Maggie Speaks perform live. With the help of co-chairs Catherine and Patrick Dowd, Holly and Matt Maloney and Trish Rooney — and emcee NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs correspondent Anne Thompson — the event raised $2.3 million for the museum’s science education initiatives.

Pictured at top: Anne Thompson | Photos by Ana Miyares Photography