Once upon a time, there was a museum that connected everyone across the land to inspiring science. This museum opened its doors to all and believed in happily ever after beyond our wildest imaginations.
Once upon a time is now! The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) welcomed supporters and guests to its enchanted Storybook Science Gala on Saturday, October 22. This year’s event raised funds for the Museum’s accessibility programs to help bring essential STEM learning to children across the community.
Bottom (left to right): Oriana Mullai, Kathryn Roberts, Brooke Lochrie (Courtesy of MODS)
The area’s business and civic leaders came together to help support the Museum’s free STEMobile outreach programs. The Museum’s STEMobile is a traveling makerspace on wheels that delivers science experiences to the lowest-income zip codes. The STEMobile allows participants to engage with unique, immersive and hands-on STEM programming, led by MODS educators.
“We are honored and truly grateful to have so many generous MODS supporters and partners come together to celebrate Juliet alongside MODS Museum’s impact on the community,” said Joseph P. Cox, president & CEO of MODS. “Our champions help propel MODS’ important work of connecting people to inspiring science for today’s children and well into the future.”
The Gala honored MODS’ trustee and one of South Florida’s finest leaders, Juliet Roulhac, J.D. of Florida Power & Light (FPL), with the 2022 Community Leadership Award. “Juliet Roulhac serves on our board as a trustee representing FPL. She and FPL are outstanding partners of MODS. In addition to Juliet’s giving of her time, energy and resources, hundreds of thousands of Museum guests visit FPL’s innovative spaces here including Storm Center featuring the Power On and Sunny solar exhibits and our very own power-generating solar tree and solar array,” shared Rick Burgess, Esq., chairman of MODS’ board of trustees. “Thank you, Juliet, on behalf of the community.”
Bottom (left to right): Oriana Mullai, Kathryn Roberts, Brooke Lochrie (Courtesy of MODS)
Gala sponsors included Stiles Corporation; Florida Power & Light; Hudson Capital; Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation; Doubletime Digital; M. Austin & Christine Forman; BECON TV; Centuric; Lochrie & Chakas PA; Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk; Berkowitz Pollak Brant; Citrix; City Furniture; Gunster; Legacy Heights Advisors; JM Family Enterprises; Grant Thornton; Greenberg Traurig; M&T Bank; Northern Trust; Publix Super Markets Charities; R-Squared Charitable Fund; RV Retailer; Truist and Wells Fargo.
About the Museum of Discovery and Science:
Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades (only 3% of science museums are accredited for excellence and leadership in the field). In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 12 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and was selected as one of 15 finalists for the prestigious 2022 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.
The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).
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