The Search: Meaning in An Evolving Universe
We’re excited to announce our first ever virtual gala on Friday, April 9, featuring the physicist and mathematician Brian Greene. Known for his pioneering work in superstring theory, he’s frequently called one of the great “science communicators” of our time. The event will personalize the question of the book’s title: how do we locate our own lives in the human ‘quest for meaning’? From our respective homes, perhaps a sense of meaning feels more elusive—for others it might be easier to see. In conversation with New York Times bestselling author Shankar Vedantam, Dr. Greene will help us telescope from the changes that constitute our new normal to the change at the heart of the cosmos.
This is one gala where no one will care if you show up in your pajamas, but you’ll still be supporting Town Hall with any ticket purchase—plus we’ll deliver delicious food and treats right to your door for a true gala experience. The gala is Town Hall’s most critical fundraising event of the year, with the proceeds directly supporting our accessible ticketing strategies—particularly, our $5 general tickets and free tickets to everyone 22 and under. Our goal for this virtual gathering is $250,000, and we hope you’ll consider supporting the event by buying a ticket and/or raising your virtual paddle. Thank you for helping to keep Town Hall accessible!
Our Cause
The gala is Town Hall’s most critical fundraising event of the year, with the proceeds directly supporting our accessible ticketing strategies—particularly, our $5 general tickets and free tickets to everyone 22 and under. Our goal for this virtual gathering is $250,000, and we hope you’ll consider supporting the event by buying a ticket and/or raising your virtual paddle. Thank you for helping to keep Town Hall accessible! And this is one gala where no one will care if you show up in your pajamas.
A portion of your ticket supports Town Hall and its programming, and is considered a charitable contribution, and your entire Raise the Paddle is considered a charitable contribution.
The Evening
7:00- 7:15
Join Wier on the Great Hall stage to answer the question of the evening with a few special guests
7:15 – 8:00
Program with Brian Greene and Shankar Vedantam
8:00 – 8:15
Town Hall year in review, time to raise your glass (and your virtual paddles)
Special Guests
Brian Greene is a professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University, and the director of Columbia’s Center for Theoretical Physics. He is world-renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries in the field of superstring theory. He has written numerous books, including Light Falls: Space Time and an Obsession of Einstein and The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory. He has a multitude of media appearances, from the Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Charlie Rose, and has hosted two NOVA miniseries based on his books.
Shankar Vedantam is host of the Hidden Brain podcast and public radio show and the author of The Hidden Brain, a New York Times national bestseller.
Tickets Levels & Benefits
$75 — Benefit Bundle
- Admission to the event
- Signed copy of Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe by Brian Greene
- No food or beverages included
$250 — Silver Ticket**
Must be purchased by April 2. SOLD OUT
- Admission to the event
- Home delivery of:
- Bottle of champagne and sweet and savory treats from Mamnoon to enjoy during the evening
- Delicious dessert from Hot Cakes
- Signed copy of Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe by Brian Greene
- Signed copy of Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain by Shankar Vedantam
$500 — Gold Ticket**
Must be purchased by April 2. SOLD OUT
- Admission to the event
- Home delivery of:
- Town Hall insulated tumbler for use in the building or on the road
- Bottle of champagne plus dinner for 2 from Mamnoom plus delicious dessert from Hot Cakes
- Signed copy of Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe by Brian Greene
- Signed copy of Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain by Shankar Vedantam
$1,500 — Platinum Ticket (Virtual Table for 8)**
Must be purchased by March 29. SOLD OUT
- Admission to the event for you and 7 guests
- Special gift bag for you and your guests (includes books and items listed above)
- Option to host a virtual Zoom gathering before the event
- Home delivery of: Champagne plus dinner for 8 from Mamnoom plus delicious dessert from Hot Cakes
**For tickets that include delivered goods: Quantities are limited. All items will be delivered during the week of April 9. Must be 21+ to receive this package. Delivery is limited to the region shown here. Guests outside of the delivery zone will receive a gift card for the restaurant of their choice. Our development team will be in touch to confirm dietary restrictions, address, delivery instructions and contact information. Delivery is contingent upon response.
A portion of your ticket supports Town Hall and its programming, and is considered a charitable contribution.
Event Sponsors
If you’re interested in sponsoring the gala or buying a corporate table, please contact Amanda Winterhalter, Institutional Giving Manager (amanda@townhallseattle.org).