Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale

Come Fly With Me Gala held on October 3, 2009 raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the Museum of Discovery & Science

Kim L. Cavendish, President/CEO of Museum of Discovery and Science, announced November 19, 2009 that the Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale Come Fly With Me Gala held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the Museum. Cavendish said, “We are grateful that even in a difficult economy, the community extends its resources to support the Museum and to acknowledge the value and importance of the science education that we deliver. We are especially grateful to our dynamic event co-chairs and generous sponsors.”"

The aviation themed gala coincided with the opening of the Museum’s newly expanded exhibit, Aviation Station Phase Two, which opened to the public on October 10, 2009. The expanded exhibit features three cockpit replicas with flight simulators, real aircraft engines and a MaxFlight Simulator with full motion, 360 degree pitch, roll and spin that will immerse guests in the world of aviation. The Aviation Station Phase Two opening is a major milestone in the Museum’s $25 million expansion project.

Nearly 500 guests reveled in an elegant evening of fine dining, aviation exhibit interaction and Las Vegas style casino games. The event included both silent and live auctions that featured first-class prizes including: roundtrip airfare on a private jet and four tickets to the University of Florida vs. Florida State University football game; a six-day, Mediterranean cruise aboard The Yachts of Seabourn; an African photo safari; and a day of driving at the Palm Beach International Raceway, just to name a few

Inspired by the song Come Fly With Me made famous by Frank Sinatra, this year’s gala brought back the trend of the quintessential black-tie and vintage 50’s dress. The evening commenced with the Wachovia Admiral’s Club Cocktail Reception set amidst the Museum’s new expanded exhibit, Aviation Station Phase Two. Southern Wine & Spirits, the exclusive beverage sponsor for the event, served up four signature cocktails including: the Ultimate Blueberry Freeze, Patron Pineapple Martini, Pyrat Reserve Cosmo and the Ultimate Espresso Martini.

Thierry’s Catering impressed guests with an unforgettable menu that included: Anjou pear and duck confit with baby mixed greens and frisee garnished with Roquefort and pecans, followed by seared filet mignon with melted leek, pinot essence and Chanterelle fontina Potatoes and a chocolate trio to end the meal. A highlight of the evening took place after the live auction when guests were invited to spend the rest of the evening trying their luck at Las Vegas style casino games.

The host for this year’s gala was award winning journalist Louis Aguirre of WSVN Channel 7. The Come Fly With Me Gala co-chairs included: Dara and Jarett Levan, and Rebecca and Steven Stoll. Sponsors for tables at the $10,000 level were AutoNation; the Stoll and Tanner Families; Law offices of Richard A. Ivers, P.A. and Kirschbaum, Birnbaum, Lippman & Gregoire, PLLC; Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, PA; Crowe Horwath; and Tenet, South Florida.

Sponsors for the Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale Come Fly With Me Gala included: Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale (presenting sponsor); Wachovia (cocktail reception sponsor); Southern Wine & Spirits (exclusive beverage sponsor); Lochrie & Chakas (Amelia Earhart auction sponsor); BankAtlantic (Charles Lindbergh gift bag sponsor); Nova Southeastern University (Tuskegee Airmen program sponsor); R.I.C. Corporation (Captain Sully animal encounter sponsor); and Cundy, Inc. (Chuck Yeager valet sponsor).

About the Museum of Discovery and Science

The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide experiential pathway to lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, program and films. Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility serves over 400,000 visitors annually. Major operational support for the Museum is provided through generous support by Leadership Guild members including City Furniture, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun-Sentinel and Wachovia. the Museum of Discovery and Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, visitors should call 954-467.MODS (6637) or visit our web site at www.mods.org

About the AutoNation IMAX   Theater
The AutoNation   IMAX  Theater, owned and operated by the Museum of Discovery and Science, opened in 1992. The 300-seat theater is a showcase of state-of-the-art motion picture technology. The AutoNation   IMAX   Theater features a 60ft X 80ft screen and a 15,000 watt digital sound system that delivers six discrete channels of clear sound through 42 speakers. The IMAX   projector's 15,000 watt Xenon bulb projects images of unsurpassed brilliance and clarity onto the five-story-high screen. Both 2D and 3D films are shown in the theater. 3D films are viewed using our lightweight XR 3D glasses, the latest technology in 3D film viewing. The IMAX experience is an unparalleled fusion of sight and sound. For show times, call 954-463-IMAX (4629) or visit www.mods.org