|
Ft. Lauderdale – Kim L. Cavendish, Museum of Discovery and Science
President/CEO, announced today that the Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale The Sky’s The Limit Gala on November 18,
2006, raised over $500,000 benefiting the Museum and the Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund. Cavendish said, "The gala's
success is due to its outstanding leadership committed to making this year the best event ever! Thanks go to Gala
Event Co-Chairs Tom and Kari Angelo, Jim Ellis, Jon and Katy Ferrando, Keith and Doreen Koenig, and John Magee and
to Cecily Conklin, Peggy Marker, and Lisa Zwick for co-chairing the Gala Committee."
Proceeds of The Sky's The Limit Gala will benefit the Museum of Discovery and Science and Sun-Sentinel Children's
Fund, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. The McCormick Tribune Foundation will match Sun-Sentinel
Children’s Fund’s share of the event revenue at a significant percentage, increasing the amount of money available
to support community agencies. In 2005, the Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund awarded more than $4.3 million in grants
to 148 organizations in South Florida that provide services to low-income children and families.
More than 700 guests reveled in an elegant evening of fine dining, live music and dancing, with silent and live
auctions. Guests also experienced the IMAX® film – Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag with special guest Major
Robert G. Novotny who stars in the film, and explored the new 4,000-square-foot exhibit Aviation Station. The new
exhibit was made possible by a generous gift from the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust. Trustees of the Emil Buehler
Perpetual Trust, represented by George Weaver and Barbara Payne, were honored on the night of the gala for their
dedication to the world of aviation and their long-time support of the Museum.
The evening commenced at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, silent auction and open bars. The dinner and live
auction followed in a fabulous block-long tent in the front of the Museum. Guests had the opportunity to bid on a
wide variety of exciting silent and live auction items to fit any taste, from exotic travel destinations, to
family outings, to unique and priceless "experiences." A few of the live auction items featured were a one-week
siesta at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona which included a private hacienda, dinner and spa privileges; exquisite
one-of-a-kind jewelry from Daoud’s Fine Jewelry; an Exclusive Resorts Dream Package for a one-week vacation at a
luxurious premium destination; a VIP Go Gators! package for four on a private jet to the Tennessee or Florida
State University game in 2007; and vacations to Grand Cayman, California and the Florida Keys.
The Sky’s The Limit Presenting Sponsor was Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale. The Wright Brothers Cocktail
Reception Sponsor was Wachovia and the Exclusive Beverage Sponsor was Southern Wine & Spirits. The Charles
Lindbergh Entertainment Sponsor was Huizenga Holdings, Inc., the Red Baron Film Sponsor was Banyan Air Service,
and Blosser & Sayfie and Aaxon were the Amelia Earhart Décor Sponsors. Other sponsors were BankAtlantic, Republic
Services Inc., the Findeiss Family, Holy Cross Hospital, EDI, Show Management, Gordon Latz and MOR Printing, Inc.
VIP table sponsors included Akerman Senterfitt; Angelo & Banta, P.A.; AutoNation, Inc.; City Furniture; Cushman &
Wakefield; Ellis Diversified; North Broward Hospital District; Publix Super Markets Charities; and Q-Med
Corporation.
The Gala Co-chairs were Tom and Kari Angelo, Jim Ellis, Jon and Katy Ferrando, Keith and Doreen Koenig, and John
Magee. Gala Committee co-chairs were Cecily Conklin, Peggy Marker and Lisa Zwick. The Gala was hosted by S.P.A.R.K.
(Science Patrons to Advance Research and Knowledge), the Museum’s fundraising auxiliary.
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 450,000 visitors each year. 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.
Media Contacts: Jody Ligas 954.713.0904 email
Theresa Waldron 954.713.0901 email
Back to
press release index |
