Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale MAD for MODS Gala held Saturday, November 16, 2013, raises nearly $400,000 to benefit the Museum of Discovery and Science
Museum President and CEO, Kim Cavendish, announced today that the MAD for MODS Gala held Saturday, November 16, 2013, raised nearly $400,000 to benefit the Museum of Discovery and Science. The celebration was a tribute to the community’s appreciation a
nd support for the Museum. Kim Cavendish said, “I am so grateful for the leadership from the Co-Chairs and Honorary Co-Chairs, and for the outstanding support and sponsorships from our Board and others that have made this event such a big succes
s and such an important source of support for MODS.”
Trading on the success of last year’s MAD for MODS theme, the MAD for MODS Gala: the Sequel theme was chosen to reflect the popular television series, Mad Men, and the Gala celebrated the good times in South Florida, circa 1960. Guests ventured
back to the chic styles of that time for an elegant evening of dining and dancing at the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Chairman of the Board Jon F
errando stated, “The Gala was a tremendous success and wonderful evening, but what impresses me the most is the generous support for the Museum shown by our community, led by the business community along with prominent foundations and individuals.
We provide science and discovery experiences to over 450,000 visitors per year, and it’s very rewarding to see how much the community appreciates and supports a great resource.”
The festivities began at 6:0
0 p.m. with the Wells Fargo Cocktail Reception that included luscious hors d’oeuvres and an open bar generously provided by Southern Wine & Spirits, which was accompanied by a unique and impressive Silent Auction. After cocktails, WSVN’s Chief Meteorologist, Phil Ferro, welcomed more than 600 guests to an elegant wine pairing dinner held in a tent beautifully decorated to reflect the period with logos floating across the New York C
ity skyline pulled by Pan Am jets.
A brief live auction followed, allowing bidders to vie for prizes of ultimate luxury including a 2014 Mercedes-Be
nz E 350 Cabriolet L.C., a seven-night stay in a lifestyle suite at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, a long weekend on a 100’ private yacht, a Seabourn Cruise, a trip to the Galapagos, and an exclusive party at a waterfront estate.
Exciting surprises included “Pan-Am” stewardesses interacting with guests, and a special performance by “Elvis,” which gave guests an unforgettable early “60s” experience. Finally, partygoers grooved at a rockin’ dance party that capped off the evening.
The dinner and dancing portion of the gala was held in a tent set up in the Museum’s future Science Park. The approximately 30,000-square-foot Science Park facing Broward Boulevard will complete the Museum’s second and final phase of expa
nsion that began with the EcoDiscovery Center opening in November of 2011. This new phase will also include some essential capital renovations to the current 20-year-old building as well as a digital upgrade of the AutoNation® IMAX Theater.
All proceeds benefitted the Museum of Discovery and Science. Since 1977, the Museum of Discovery and Science has been a vital educational resource for the South Florida community. Through hands-on exhibits, engaging educational programs, films and a live animal collection, the Museum serves over 450,000 visitors each year and is the primary destination for school field trips in Broward County.
The 2013 MAD for MODS Gala Committee Co-chairs were Rick J. Burgess, Esq. of Gunster and Jason Williams, Regional Managing Director, of Wells Fargo, and honorary co-chairmen are Jon Ferrando, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for AutoNation, and Tom Angelo, Esq. of Angelo and Banta. Janet Buhl was this year’s silent auction chairperson and Robert Roselli chaired the Wine Auction. Over 600 guests were in attendance representing over 50
of the leading South Florida corporations, foundations and individual Museum supporters.
The presenting sponsor was Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale. Major sponsors included: Southern Wine & Spirits and Wells Fargo. Additional sponsors and event partners included ADT, Aaxon, BB&T, Bimini Boatyard, Coventry, Edmunds.com, Farlie & Turner, Florida Blue, Florida Panthers, The Fritch Foundation, KPMG, S
ayfie Law, Carnival and Lochrie & Chakas,. In-kind sponsors included: Neiman Marcus, City and Shore Magazine, Panache Party Rentals, Intercontinental Hotels, South Florida Business Journal, Sun-Sentinel, MOR Printing is the official print
er, and American Airlines is the official airline. Katia and Tom Bates hosted the Underwriters Reception on October 24th for major sponsors and table purchasers.
VIP Table sponsors included: Akerman Senterfitt, Angelo & Banta, AutoNation, Berkowitz, Pollack, & Brant, City Furniture, City National Bank, Ellis Diversified, Inc., Erica Stowers-Thaler Remax Preferred, Ernst & Young, Christine and M. Austin Forman
, Great Health Works, Inc., Gunster Law Firm, Manny Kadre/Ronald L. Book, Mariano Fnd., Nipro Diagnostics, Republic Services, Richard Ivers, PA/KBLG, Roselli & Associates, Stiles Corporation, and Zimmerman Partners Advertising.
