Fort Lauderdale, FL - On December 6, 2016, the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Discovery and Science hosted a thank you celebration for major donors to Phase II of its Expansion and Renovation Capital Campaign. Phase One of the $35 million campaign has already funded the EcoDiscovery Center wing that opened in 2011, more than doubling the Museum’s exhibit and classroom space. The campaign’s second phase includes:

• Development of a 27,000-square-foot Science Park facing Broward Boulevard
• Exhibit upgrades and renovations to the 24-year-old original facility
• Renovation of the AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater, adding laser projection systems

Kim Cavendish, President and CEO of the Museum, said, “We are tremendously grateful to our community partners and donors for investing so generously in our vision for the future. It simply would not be possible without your support.”

Jonathan P. Ferrando, Executive Vice President of AutoNation and Chairman of the Board of MODS and co-chair of the campaign recognized the other capital campaign committee co-chairs – Tom Angelo, Keith Koenig and Ken Stiles. The Museum campaign’s second phase has had outstanding community support, with $8 million raised to date towards a $10 million goal. He also recognized Ron Book and Robert Lochrie for their assistance in obtaining support from the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and the State of Florida.

Mike Jackson, Chairman, President and CEO of AutoNation, was recognized for AutoNation’s recent $1.5 Million gift in support of this phase of the capital campaign. AutoNation has been a leading supporter of the Museum ever since its headquarters were founded in Fort Lauderdale by Wayne Huizenga. In 2007, AutoNation, Inc. donated $3 million to name the Museum’s IMAX® Theater the “AutoNation IMAX® 3D Theater.”

Mike Jackson said, “We couldn’t think of a better way to tell the community we care about the future than supporting a museum where children and adults come learn about science. The fact that the Museum each year serves 450,000 school children, families and visitors from South Florida and around the world, is very impressive. We believe in the mission, the leadership and the goals of the Museum and are proud to have our name attached to such a special place.”

Florida Power & Light made a commitment of $500,000 to the campaign. FPL will become the name sponsor of the Storm Center exhibit and of the lighting system for the Science Park. In addition, FPL is providing funds to enhance the Storm Center with a new exhibit experience.

The Rose Miniaci family and Paramount Refreshment Solutions’ gave $400,000. The Beacon of Discovery on the Museum’s second floor has been named in Rose Miniaci’s honor.

Colin Brown, President and CEO of JM Family Enterprises, was thanked for their most recent gift of $250,000, and announced that JM Family Enterprises and the Jim Moran Foundation were providing an additional $300,000 for restoration of the Great Gravity Clock in the Museum’s Atrium.

Herb and Catherine Yardley made a $250,000 donation that will support the campaign plus enable the museum to add a “powerful lung” addition to the health exhibit hall. In the early 1970’s, Catherine Yardley was a leader among a group of women who founded the original Discovery Center, from which this museum has grown. 

Incoming Museum Board Chair Ken Stiles recognized public partners for their support that included Broward County - $2 million; City of Fort Lauderdale - $1 million; and the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs -$1.5 million. He also recognized other major donors who have provided significant support of the campaign:   The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust, Keith Koenig of City Furniture, Christine and M. Austin Forman, SunTrust, BBX Capital, Pepsi, Gunster, Katy and Jon Ferrando, Ron Book, Tom Angelo, and Berkowitz Pollack Brant.