The Museum of Discovery and Science has received a $1 million grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation in support of the $20 million “Building New Pathways to Discovery” capital campaign.
Ken Lewis, the Chairman and CEO of Bank of America, announced the grant during a reception and capital campaign update, which included the unveiling of plans for the new Visitor Pavilion in the Museum’s Grand Atrium.
The first phase of the new expansion project will open up the existing lobby area for programming and expand the popular “Discovery Center” children’s area with new interactive water play exhibits. The new Bank of America Visitor Pavilion is expected to be completed in late 2008, enabling visitors to purchase tickets, obtain program and membership information, and make reservations for future events before entering the renovated lobby.
During the reception, Kim L. Cavendish, Museum president and CEO, thanked the foundation for its contribution to the Museum’s capital campaign. Joining her in expressing their appreciation were Jonathan Ferrando, chairman of the board of trustees of the Museum of Discovery and Science; Jack Seiler, Florida State representative and Museum board member; Mark Maller, Broward Market president for Bank of America; and various community leaders and Museum supporters.
“I am extremely pleased that Bank of America is supporting our capital expansion and renewal project with this generous gift. The new Bank of America Visitor Pavilion will assure easy access to visitor services and create space for science demonstrations that will enhance our visitor experience. This wonderful gift also meets the terms of the $1 million challenge issued to us by JM Family Enterprises recently, and actually generates $2 million for our campaign,” says Cavendish.
This grant is a boost to the Museum’s three-year, $20 million capital campaign to fund an expansion of the Museum that will effectively double its public space. The expansion plan includes a 27,000-square-foot EcoDiscovery Center wing. This new wing will offer exhibits that will be dedicated primarily to Florida’s environment, including interpretation of its unique ecology, the Everglades, and the impact of humankind, hurricanes, and climate change.
“Organisations like the Museum of Discovery and Science play a critical role in helping create a vibrant community. Not only does the museum serve as an economic engine, attracting tourists and other businesses to the area, but each year the organisation engages thousands of young people in interactive environmental, science and engineering education. At Bank of America, we recognise that the future of Ft. Lauderdale and Florida’s economic flexibility and adaptability, particularly in high-paying industries such as biotechnology, space exploration, and information technology, benefit from institutions like this, which is why we are so pleased to support this community treasure,” says Lewis.
Today’s grant announcement is the latest chapter in the Museum’s 25-year partnership with Bank of America and its predecessor banks. Through philanthropic and sponsorship support, the bank and foundation have contributed more than $820,000 to the museum since 1983. Bank of America established the Hammock Theatre at the museum, providing a multi-functional space for meetings, lectures, video screenings, and birthday parties. Additionally, the bank is entering its thirteenth year as the title sponsor of the museum’s Bank of America Wine and Culinary Celebration, an evening of progressive wine and food pairings from 30 of South Florida’s top restaurants and chefs. This annual event helps raise funds for the museum’s educational programming.
The Museum’s “Building New Pathways to Discovery” campaign is being jointly chaired by the following distinguished community leaders: Jon Ferrando, chairman of the board of trustees of the Museum of Discovery and Science; Tom Angelo, Esq. of Angelo and Banta, P.A.; Keith Koenig, president of City Furniture; Terry Stiles, chairman and CEO of Stiles Corporation. To date, over $14.5 million has been raised in support of the project.