The Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale 21st Century MODS Gala

The Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale
21st Century MODS Gala held Saturday, November 8, 2014 raises over $450,000 to benefit the Museum of Discovery and Science

Museum President and CEO, Kim Cavendish, announced today that the sold-out 21st Century MODS Gala held Saturday, November 8, 2014 netted over $450,000 to benefit the Museum of Discovery and Science. The celebration was a tribute to Mr. Terry Stiles for his more than 30 year involvement on the Museum’s Board of Trustees as well as his contributions to the greater Fort Lauderdale community.

Kim Cavendish said, “The Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale 21st Century MODS Gala was an amazing and successful evening. I am so grateful for the leadership from the Co-Chairs Rick J. Burgess, Jim Ellis, Tony Giordano and Kenneth Stiles and for the outstanding support and sponsorships from our Board and others that have made this event such a big success and such an important source of support for MODS.”

The festivities began at 6:00 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 Sports Director, Steve Shapiro, welcomed more than 675 guests to an elegant wine pairing dinner held in a beautifully decorated tent.

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 expansion that began with the EcoDiscovery Center opening in November of 2011. This new phase will also include some essential capital renovations to the current 22-year-old building as well as the recently completed renovation of the AutoNation ® IMAX theater.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the Museum of Discovery and Science at this amazing event,” said Mr. Stiles. “My involvement with the Museum spans more than 30 years and included the leadership of the fundraising, design and construction of the building you see today. MODS continues to be an integral part of our community, contributing to our culture as well as the ultimate success of Greater Fort Lauderdale, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

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 400,000 visitors each year and is the primary destination for school field trips in Broward County.

Sponsors and benefactors were recognized at the exclusive Underwriters’ Party on October 9, 2014 sponsored by ADT and hosted by S3.

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: Broward Health, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun Sentinel 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. Children under 2 are free. 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 Terry Stiles
Terry Stiles is the Chairman and CEO of Stiles Corporation, a multi-faceted organization formed in 1951. Headquartered in his hometown of Fort Lauderdale, he has grown the full-service real estate company to one of the largest in the Southeast. With over 37 million square feet completed, Terry and his 300-person strong organization have garnered numerous awards for development and construction projects, including office, mixed-use residential, retail shopping centers, build-to-suit facilities, and master-planned, mixed-use corporate parks.

Well-respected by his peers within the industry, Terry has a history of being at the forefront of real estate trends, such as building the first master-planned corporate park in Broward County or building the first speculative office building in an urban downtown area in the nation in five years. Stiles Corporation has a presence in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Myers, Florida.

Beautifying and revitalizing the town where he grew up isn’t the only difference he has made within the community. Terry has been an aggressive community worker, using his position and the great resources of Stiles to help make a positive difference for today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders. Terry donates his time, getting personally involved with organizations that support children, education and family.