Museum of Discovery and Science held its MODS Masquerade-A Venetian Fantasy

Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale
MODS Masquerade – A Venetian Fantasy Gala
held on October 29, 2016 raised $500,000 to benefit
Museum of Discovery and Science

 The Museum of Discovery and Science held its MODS Masquerade-A Venetian Fantasy presented by Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, October 29. The event raised $500,000 to support the Museum’s mission of providing science education to over 450,000 visitors annually and offering needed programs to the underserved.

This year’s gala honored Jon Ferrando, Executive Vice President of AutoNation and Chairman of the Board of MODS, with the prestigious Community Leadership Award for his leadership of the Museum and his impact on the community. Jon Ferrando has served as Chairman of the Board of the Museum of Discovery and Science for the past ten years. During that time, he led the charge for the Museum’s successful $34 million dollar capital campaign that expanded the Museum, doubling the exhibit space with the addition of the EcoDiscovery Center, and developing the Science Park, to open in 2018. Mr. Ferrando has co-chaired several of our successful galas and has been a major museum donor. His commitment has been outstanding and its positive effects will be felt for years to come.  Past recipients of the Community Leadership Award are Mike Jackson of AutoNation, Keith and Doreen Koenig of City Furniture, and Terry Stiles of Stiles Corporation.

Museum Chairman and honoree Jon Ferrando stated, “This is a world-class Museum, this is a great community that I live and work in, and I am thrilled, honored and humbled to be recognized by the Museum for community leadership.”

President/CEO Kim Cavendish added, “The Mercedes Benz Fort Lauderdale MODS Masquerade Gala was a wonderful evening honoring our esteemed Board Chairman Jon Ferrando, who has been instrumental in moving the Museum forward with his vision and leadership. Special thanks to our co-chairs Tom Angelo of Angelo and Banta, Joe Atkinson of Wells Fargo and Ken Stiles of Stiles Corporation for their support and leadership in making this year’s Gala incredibly successful.”

Guests who attended the event were treated to a Venetian inspired evening that included a live auction with bidders vying for trips to Greece, Italy, South America, and Costa Rica, and other great items such as a 24 month lease on a new 2017 Mercedes SLC300.

The Museum was fortunate to have Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale as the Presenting Sponsor for the 15th consecutive year, Southern Glazers as the Exclusive Beverage Sponsor, and Wells Fargo as the Cocktail Party Sponsor. Additional major sponsors included: BB&T – Grand Arrival sponsor, Align1 Solutions – Dinner and Wine sponsor, Zimmerman Advertising – Entertainment sponsor. Other sponsors included AonHewitt, AutoNation, City National Bank of Florida, Ernst & Young, GL Homes.com, Skadden Arps, Stiles Corporation, Sun Sentinel, Tower Club, Williams & Connolly LLP.  Julie Guy of 101.5 Lite FM was the emcee.

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 450,000 visitors annually. Major operational support for the Museum is provided through generous support by Leadership Guild members including: Broward Health, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Jet Blue and Wells Fargo.

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. The AutoNation IMAX Theater is open most evenings as well. 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