A Night for the Museum: Together From Home participants Kim Bouchard and Cathleen Granger enjoy the gala from the comfort of home on Nov. 14. The event raised more than $66,000 for Keys History & Discovery Center.

Virtual Gala Raises More Than $66,000 to Benefit Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation

Islamorada, FL – The fourth annual signature event, A Night for the Museum: Together From Home was a virtual success! While not together in person, attendees participated from the comfort of home or with a small group of friends. This first-time virtual gala, in support of Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, was held Saturday, Nov. 14. Thanks to the generosity of participants and the contribution of sponsors, this important event raised more than $66,000 to support the operations of Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada.

During the virtual event, participants heard from special guests including James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein, renowned Meteorologist Max Mayfield, legendary guide and IGFA hall-of-fame honoree Stu Apte, and Storm of the Century Author Willie Drye, as well as Foundation partners and museum members. For those who chose it, a gala-to-go kit included a four-course gourmet meal, specialty cocktail, bottle of wine and floral centerpiece.

The event also included an online silent auction as well as a live auction and paddle raise led by Auctioneer Senator Aaron Bean. Micro-fundraisers leading up to the event featured a cocktail class with Islamorada Brewery & Distillery and a wine tasting with Sommelier Tom Smith.

“The planning of a virtual event is significantly different than that of an in-person gala,” said Executive Director Jill Miranda Baker. “It was a herculean undertaking which included the production of 42-minute video with messages of support from celebrity guests, museum partners and members. I’m proud of the dedicated work put in by our Events & Membership Manager Erin Muir and the event committee members.”

About Keys History & Discovery Center:

Keys History & Discovery Center is a world-class museum 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, First People, Indian Key circa 1840, Keys flats fishery, and Coral Reef Exploration, the Discovery Center offers a lecture series, educating the 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 and the building of Flagler’s Railway, as well as traveling exhibits, and the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library. The center, on the property of the Islander Resort, is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

About Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation:

Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation formed in 2013 to develop and operate Keys History & Discovery Center. The not-for-profit organization’s board of directors is comprised of community-minded volunteers with a passion for the mission of preserving and sharing the unique history and environment of the Florida Keys, particularly that of the Upper Keys. More information can be found at www.keysdiscovery.com or by calling 305-922-2237.

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