More than 160 people in attendance at A Night at the Museum, the inaugural signature event of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation raised more than $60,000 to support the Foundation’s efforts to operate Keys History and Discovery Center.
The event, held Friday, Nov. 10, was co-chaired by Foundation Board Members Bob Lodge and Erin Muir, and featured a reception and silent auction, surf-and-turf dinner and live auction.
“The incredible outpouring of support this event garnered is a testament to the value the Keys History & Discovery Center brings to our community,” said Muir. “Our first signature fundraiser exceeded all expectations and generated resources that will help sustain the Discovery Center throughout the year.”
During the reception, guests mingled with historical characters, including a pirate, a wrecker, Henry Flagler, and ladies of the 1940s. A delicious menu was expertly prepared by the Islander Resort’s Chef Andy Niedenthal and his team. During the live auction the piece de resistance was a trip for eight to Cabo San Lucas which went for $9,000.
“It was a fantastic success,” said Lodge, “better than we expected and we look forward to next year!” The 2018 event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10, at Keys History & Discovery Center.
The Foundation operates the Keys History and Discovery Center, a world-class museum facility that preserves and shares the incredible history of our Upper Keys community and explores the unique ecology of the region. In addition to permanent exhibits on subjects such as Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railway, Legends of the Line, and First People. The Discovery Center offers a successful lecture series, educating the general public through presentations from a variety of expert speakers. The museum’s second floor features a state-of-the-art theater showing documentaries on topics like the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane as well as the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library.
The Discovery Center, located at MM 82 on the property of the Islander Resort, is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $12. Admission for seniors is $10 and children 13-under are free. Annual memberships with a range of benefits are available. For more information, call 305-922-2237 or visit our website at www.keysdiscovery.com.
—
Historical characters came to life at A Night at the Museum, the inaugural fundraising event to support the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which operates Keys History & Discovery Center. Pictured, from left, Brad Bertelli, Jerry Wilkinson, Heather Potter, Bryanna Schafer, Roger Young and Mary Lou Wilkinson.
