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Bank of America Charitable Foundation contributes $1 million toward Museum of Discovery and Science Capital Campaign

Grant enables Museum to move forward on first phase of renewal project,
helps create Visitor Pavilion at Museum’s entrance 

February 27, 2008 Fort Lauderdale – The Museum of Discovery and Science today received a $1 million grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation in support of the $20 million “Building New Pathways to Discovery” capital campaign. Ken Lewis, the Chairman and CEO of Bank of America, announced the grant during a reception and capital campaign update, which included the unveiling of plans for the new Visitor Pavilion in the Museum’s Grand Atrium.

The first phase of the new expansion project will open up the existing lobby area for programming and expand the popular “Discovery Center” children’s area with new interactive water play exhibits. The new Bank of America Visitor Pavilion is expected to be completed in late 2008, enabling visitors to purchase tickets, obtain program and membership information, and make reservations for future events before entering the renovated lobby.

During the reception, Kim L. Cavendish, Museum President/CEO, thanked the foundation for its contribution to the Museum’s capital campaign. Joining her in expressing their appreciation were Jonathan Ferrando, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Discovery and Science; Jack Seiler, Florida State Representative and Museum Board Member; Mark Maller, Broward Market President for Bank of America; and various community leaders and Museum supporters.

Cavendish said, “I am extremely pleased that Bank of America is supporting our capital expansion and renewal project with this generous gift. The new Bank of America Visitor Pavilion will assure easy access to visitor services and create space for science demonstrations that will enhance our visitor experience. This wonderful gift also meets the terms of the $1 million challenge issued to us by JM Family Enterprises recently, and actually generates $2 million dollars for our campaign.”

This grant is a great boost to the Museum’s three-year, $20 million capital campaign to fund an expansion of the Museum that will effectively double its public space. The expansion plan includes a 27,000-square-foot EcoDiscovery Center wing. This new wing will offer exhibits that will be dedicated primarily to Florida’s environment, including interpretation of its unique ecology, the Everglades, and the impact of humankind, hurricanes, and climate change.

“Organizations like The Museum of Discovery and Science play a critical role in helping create a vibrant community.” said Ken Lewis. “Not only does the museum serve as an economic engine, attracting tourists and other businesses to the area, but each year the organization engages thousands of young people in interactive environmental, science and engineering education. At Bank of America, we recognize that the future Ft. Lauderdale and Florida’s economic flexibility and adaptability, particularly in high-paying industries such as biotechnology, space exploration, and information technology, benefit from institutions like this, which is why we are so pleased to support this community treasure.”

Today’s grant announcement is the latest chapter in the Museum’s 25-year partnership with Bank of America and its predecessor banks. Through philanthropic and sponsorship support, the bank and foundation have contributed more than $820,000 to the museum since 1983. Bank of America established the Hammock Theatre at the museum, providing a multi-functional space for meetings, lectures, video screenings, and birthday parties. Additionally, the bank is entering its thirteenth year as the title sponsor of the museum’s Bank of America Wine and Culinary Celebration, an evening of progressive wine and food pairings from 30 of South Florida’s top restaurants and chefs. This annual event helps raise funds for the museum’s educational programming.

The Museum’s “Building New Pathways to Discovery” campaign is being jointly chaired by the following distinguished community leaders: Jon Ferrando, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Discovery and Science; Tom Angelo, Esq. of Angelo and Banta, P.A.; Keith Koenig, President of City Furniture; Terry Stiles, Chairman/CEO of Stiles Corporation. To date, over $14.5 million has been raised in support of the project.

Since the “new” Museum of Discovery and Science opened in 1992, nearly 7 million people have been entertained and educated with interactive and immersive exhibits, engaging educational programs, larger-than-life films in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater, and a live animal collection. The new EcoDiscovery Center wing will feature interactive exhibits with a special focus on the Everglades’ rich and fragile ecosystem and how global environmental change is affecting Florida, as well as an iconic indoor/outdoor fresh water otter habitat. Other highlights include a simulated airboat ride through the Everglades and a high wire gravity bicycle. The expansion will also include laboratory/classrooms that will increase the Museum’s capacity for classes, camps, and school programs.

BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY

Building on a long-standing tradition of investing in the communities it serves, Bank of America is in its fourth year of achieving an unprecedented 10-year goal to donate $1.5 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the health and vitality of their neighborhoods. Funded by Bank of America, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will give more than $225 million in 2008, making the bank the most generous financial institution in the world and the second largest donor of all U.S. corporations in cash contributions. Bank of America approaches giving through a national strategy called "neighborhood excellence" under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities. Through Team Bank of America, bank associate volunteers contributed more than 650,000 hours in 2007 to enhance the quality of life in their communities nationwide. For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.

Republic Services partners with Museum of Discovery and Science to create a “Recycling Exhibit” as part of the Museum’s $20 million Capital Campaign.

Republic Services, Inc. "Green" Exhibit will be featured in the Museum's expansion.

February 7, 2008 - The Museum of Discovery and Science announced a $1 million gift from Republic Services, Inc. to the Museum’s capital campaign. The gift will fund a new 1,500 square foot recycling “Green” exhibit. The exhibit will help educate visitors on the importance of recycling, waste disposal, and the purpose and science behind landfills.

Kim L. Cavendish, Museum president/CEO said, “I am extremely pleased that Republic Services has committed this generous gift to the Museum’s capital expansion and renewal campaign. The new exhibit will help the Museum promote “Green” during a time when climate change is a global concern.”

This generous commitment is a great boost to the Museum’s three-year, $20 million capital campaign to fund an expansion of the Museum that will effectively double its public space. The expansion plan includes a 27,000-square-foot EcoDiscovery Center wing. This new wing will offer exhibits that will be dedicated primarily to Florida’s environment, including interpretation of its unique ecology, the Everglades, and the impact of humankind, hurricanes, and climate change.

The gift was announced at the Museum on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 by Jim O’Connor, Chairman and CEO of Republic Services, Inc.  Mr. O’Connor said “In 2008 Republic Services is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as a public company.  Our gift is both a way to say ‘thank you’ to the local community and invest in our children and the environment. Our goal with this partnership is to help educate our youngest citizens about recycling and proper solid waste management as a civic and environmental topic.”  The “Green” exhibit will be housed in the popular Discovery Center children’s area located on the first floor of the Museum.

The Museum’s “Building New Pathways to Discovery” campaign is being jointly chaired by the following distinguished community leaders: Tom Angelo, Esq. of Angelo and Banta, P.A.; Keith Koenig, President of City Furniture; Terry Stiles, Chairman/CEO of Stiles Corporation; and Jon Ferrando, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Discovery and Science. To date, over $13.5 million has been raised in support of the project.

Since the “new” Museum of Discovery and Science opened in 1992, nearly 7 million people have been entertained and educated with interactive and immersive exhibits, engaging educational programs, larger-than-life films in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater, and a live animal collection. The new EcoDiscovery Center wing will feature interactive exhibits with a special focus on the Everglades’ rich and fragile ecosystem and how global environmental change is affecting Florida, as well as an iconic indoor/outdoor fresh water otter habitat. Other highlights include a simulated airboat ride through the Everglades and a high wire gravity bicycle. The expansion will also include laboratory/classrooms that will increase the Museum’s capacity for classes, camps, and school programs.

Construction of a new Visitor Pavilion will begin in February 2008, opening up the existing lobby area for programming. The popular “Discovery Center” children’s area will be expanded to make room for new interactive water play exhibits.

ABOUT REPUBLIC SERVICES

Republic Services, Inc. is a leading provider of services in the domestic solid waste industry, providing non-hazardous solid waste collection services for commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential customers through 135 collection companies in 21 states. Republic owns or operates 93 transfer stations, 59 solid waste landfills and 33 recycling facilities. Republic serves millions of residential customers under terms of contracts with more than 1,200 municipalities for waste collection and residential services. Republic also serves some commercial customers throughout our expansive service area. The total number of residential and commercial customers that Republic has is approximately 5.5 million.

Since incorporation, Republic Services has been committed to the essential components of integrated solid waste management services: collection, recycling, composting, transfer and disposal. Each division of Republic Services is dedicated to preserving the environment while providing the most cost-effective programs for solid waste collection and disposal.

JM Family Enterprises generously donates $2 million to the Museum of Discovery and Science Capital Campaign

JM Family Great Hall of Science will be featured in the Museum’s expansion

November 8, 2007 - The Museum of Discovery and Science announced a $2 million gift from JM Family Enterprises, Inc. (JM Family) to the Museum’s capital campaign. The second million will be a dollar-for-dollar match for any new or increased capital gift donations up to $1 million, bringing the total sum to $3 million. To show appreciation, the Museum’s expansion plan now includes a featured area that will be named the JM Family Great Hall of Science.

Kim L. Cavendish, Museum president/CEO said, “I am extremely pleased that JM Family has committed this generous gift to the Museum’s capital expansion and renewal campaign. The company has always been a strong supporter of the Museum. From being a longtime Leadership Guild member - to donating the JM Family Enterprises/Jim and Jan Moran Great Gravity Clock, the iconic feature in our Museum’s Grand Atrium – JM Family has created a lasting partnership with us and we are very grateful to them for all that they have done.”

This generous commitment is a wonderful boost to the Museum’s three-year, $20 million capital campaign to fund an expansion of the Museum that will effectively double its public space. The expansion plan includes a 27,000-square-foot EcoDiscovery Center wing.  This new wing will offer exhibits that will be dedicated primarily to Florida’s environment, including interpretation of its unique ecology, the Everglades, and the impact of humankind, hurricanes, and climate change.

The gift was announced at the Museum’s spectacular annual gala on Saturday, November 3, 2007 by Colin Brown, president and CEO of diversified automotive company JM Family Enterprises and its subsidiaries Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC and JM Lexus, to the delight and applause of the nearly 700 guests. 

“An important part of our culture at JM Family is giving back to the community, which began with our late founder Jim Moran nearly 40 years ago,” said Brown.  “Supporting the Museum through this gift to their capital campaign is our way of helping to ensure that they will be able to continue bringing innovative educational enhancements to Broward County for many years to come.  We encourage other companies and community members to help make this campaign a success as well.  Together, we can make a difference and have a lasting impact.”

The Museum’s “Building New Pathways to Discovery” campaign is being jointly chaired by the following distinguished community leaders: Tom Angelo, Esq. of Angelo and Banta, P.A.; Keith Koenig, President of City Furniture; Terry Stiles, Chairman/CEO of Stiles Corporation; and Jon Ferrando, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Discovery and Science. To date, over $12.5 million has been raised in support of the project.

Since the “new” Museum of Discovery and Science opened in 1992, nearly 7 million people have been entertained and educated with interactive and immersive exhibits, engaging educational programs, larger-than-life films in the IMAX® Theater, and a live animal collection. The new EcoDiscovery Center wing will feature interactive exhibits with a special focus on the Everglades’ rich and fragile ecosystem and how global environmental change is affecting Florida, as well as an iconic indoor/outdoor fresh water otter habitat. Other highlights include a simulated airboat ride through the Everglades and a high wire gravity bicycle.  The expansion will also include laboratory/classrooms that will increase the Museum’s capacity for classes, camps, and school programs.

Construction of a new Visitor Pavilion will begin in January 2008, opening up the existing lobby area for programming. The popular “Discovery Center” children’s area will be expanded to make room for new interactive water play exhibits.

ABOUT JM FAMILY ENTERPRISES, INC.

JM Family Enterprises, Inc. (JM Family) (www.jmfamily.com) is an $11.1 billion diversified automotive company ranked by Forbes as the 18^th-largest privately held company in the U.S.  It is currently ranked by FORTUNE® as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, its ninth consecutive year on the list.  It has also appeared on the InformationWeek 500 list of leading technology innovators for five consecutive years [2007-2003].  The company’s primary subsidiaries and divisions include: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyota and Scion vehicles; World Omni Financial Corp., a diversified financial services company; JM&A Group, one of the largest independent insurance and extended warranty groups of companies in the U.S; JM Service Center LLC, the company’s internal shared services center; JM Lexus, the largest volume Lexus dealership in the world; and JMsolutions, a dealer-focused technology products and services division.  Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Fla., JM Family has major operations in Jacksonville and Margate, Fla.; Commerce and Alpharetta, Ga.; Mobile, Ala.; and St. Louis, Mo.

AutoNation, Inc. Commits $3 Million to the Museum of Discovery and Science to Name IMAX® Theater

Museum Also Announces $20 Million Capital Campaign to Fund World-Class Expansion of Museum

August 15, 2007 Fort Lauderdale – The Museum of Discovery and Science announced today that AutoNation, Inc. has committed $3 million to name the Museum's IMAX® Theater the AutoNation IMAX® Theater. The Museum also announced today that it has embarked on a three-year, $20 million capital campaign to fund an expansion of the Museum that will effectively double the Museum's public space. The expansion plan includes a new 27,000 square foot EcoDiscovery Center wing with exhibits that will be dedicated primarily to the environment of Florida, including interpretation of its unique ecology, the Everglades, and the impact of hurricanes and climate change.

Kim L. Cavendish, President / CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science, said, "We are extremely pleased that AutoNation will be taking a leadership position in supporting the Museum and our expansion project. To date, we have raised over $10 million in support of the project, which will result in a greatly expanded world-class science museum."

"AutoNation is excited to support the Museum of Discovery and Science and to do our part to ensure a successful expansion of this important institution in our community," said Mike Jackson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AutoNation.

Since the 'new' Museum of Discovery and Science opened in 1992, nearly seven million people have been entertained and educated with interactive and immersive exhibits, engaging educational programs, larger-than-life films in the IMAX® Theater, and a live animal collection. The new EcoDiscovery Center wing will feature interactive exhibits with a special focus on the Everglades' rich and fragile ecosystem and how global environmental change is affecting Florida, as well as an iconic indoor/outdoor fresh water otter habitat. Other highlights include a simulated airboat ride through the Everglades and a high wire gravity bicycle. The expansion will also include laboratory / classrooms that will increase the Museum's capacity for classes, camps, and school programs.

Construction of a new Visitor Pavilion will begin this fall, opening up the existing lobby area for programming. The popular Discovery Center children's area will be expanded to make room for new interactive water play exhibits.

The Museum's campaign, called Building New Pathways to Discovery is being jointly chaired by the following community leaders: Tom Angelo, Esq. of Angelo and Banta, P.A.; Keith Koenig, President of City Furniture; Terry Stiles, Chairman/CEO of Stiles Corporation; and Jon Ferrando, Executive Vice President of AutoNation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Discovery and Science.

ABOUT AUTONATION, INC.

AutoNation, Inc., headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is America's largest automotive retailer and has been named America's Most Admired Automotive Retailer by FORTUNE magazine in five of the last six years. A component of the Standard and Poor's 500 Index, AutoNation owns and operates 321 new vehicle franchises in 16 states. For additional information, please visit http://corp.AutoNation.com  or www.AutoNation.com,  where more than 80,000 vehicles are available for sale along with AutoNation's E-Vehicle program.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE

The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, programs and films. Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility serves approximately 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 is open seven days a week, 365 days a year; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with extended IMAX® hours most evenings. General Admission prices are $15 for adults; $14 for seniors; $12 for children 2 to 12. Children under 2 are free. A General Admission Ticket includes admission to the Museum exhibits and one classic IMAX® film. 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).

ABOUT THE ® IMAX® THEATER

The 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 IMAX®Theater features a 60 ft. x 80 ft. 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 new lightweight XR 3D glasses. The IMAX® experience is an unparalleled fusion of sight and sound. For show times, visitors should call 954.463.IMAX (4629).

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Theresa Waldron 954.713.0901 email