Fireworks lit up Milwaukee’s lakefront Saturday as more than 500 Milwaukee-area business executives dressed up to help raise money for Discovery World. Check out the attached slideshow of the gala put together by Milwaukee Business Journal freelance photographer Kenny Yoo.

The 11th annual event was held in Discovery World and in a tent outside of the facility along Milwaukee’s lakefront. It included a silent auction, an exhibit of many of the art projects made by children attending Discovery World’s summer camps and a private fireworks display. The event raised money for the museum and for all of the children’s programs it offers, with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Business executives and community leaders in attendance included Joe and Jennifer Bartolotta of The Bartolotta Restaurants, Jim Kanter of MillerCoorsGrady Crosby of Johnson Controls Inc., Gov. Scott Walker, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Jayne Hladio of U.S. Bank, Milwaukee Public Museum president Dennis Kois, Milwaukee attorney Randall Crocker and Tracy Johnson of Commercial Association of Realtors of Wisconsin.

Discovery World is in the midst of a fundraising campaign for a major expansion and renovation project. The project, which is being funded through private contributions, will add 20,000 square feet of public space to the science and technology museum.

Click on the headlines below to read details about the project.

• Discovery World planning $18 million expansion, renovation

• Exclusive: Discovery World and Medical College to partner on ‘BodyMindMe’ exhibit

• Q&A: CEO Joel Brennan looks ahead for Discovery World