“NINE AND WINE” FUNDRAISER SERVES AS KICKOFF FOR ANNUAL CONSERVATION CUP
Funds raised from both tournaments go to support the Science Center’s new Conservation Course
(Palm Beach, Fla.) More than 50 golfers were treated to nine holes and a “wine” down at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s “Nine and Wine” benefit on September 30. The sold-out benefit took place at the Palm Beach Par 3. The scramble-style competition served as a fundraiser and kickoff for the Center’s annual Conservation Cup tournament. The Conservation Cup will be held at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club on Monday, October 26.
Both benefits are raising awareness and funds for the Science Center’s new Everglades-themed 18-hole mini-golf course, The Conservation Course. The highly anticipated course, a collaboration between Jim Fazio and Gary Nicklaus, sons of two of the most well-known design icons in the golf community, is scheduled to break ground in 2016. The course will educate visitors and locals alike about natural Florida habitats, especially the Everglades. Each hole represents a naming opportunity and will include plaques explaining plants and animals indigenous to South Florida.
“There is one more hole up for grabs,” shared Science Center CEO Lew Crampton. “Hole sponsorships are $10,000, but there are also other opportunities to support the course and improvements to our outdoor science trail. We are excited to share that the Batchelor Foundation has issued us a $250,000 challenge grant for the upgrades and expansion plans. We have until July 2016 to complete this challenge, and we know with your help we can meet and exceed this goal.”
The Batchelor Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Miami, has agreed to support the Science Center’s outdoor improvements with a $250,000 donation – if the Science Center can raise $250,000 from new and existing supporters. The Science Center has until July 2016 to complete the challenge.
Led by chairwomen Cari Rentas and Carolyn Broadhead Sasso, “Nine and Wine” began with a special women’s golf clinic hosted by committee members and golf professionals Kelly Stenzel and Maria Marino. The 9-hole scramble included teams of five, with a combination of men and women on each team. Set to a picturesque Palm Beach backdrop, the event ended with an awards ceremony and evening reception at Al Fresco. Additional committee members included Nadine Fite, Christina Monacelli, Rebecca Seelig, Brandy Lowe, Kathleen Crampton, Page Lee Hufty, Kristy Pressly, Carrie Perry, Lisa Smith, Alice Randolph, Karly Randolph and Liza Smith.
Sponsors for the event included First Republic Bank, Brandy Lowe, EDS Air Conditioning, Life Fitness & Hammer Strength and Fite Shavell & Associates.
Named the 2014 Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ Nonprofit of the Year, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center” and an interactive Everglades exhibit. The Science Center’s fall blockbuster exhibition, Dinosaurs Around the World, will feature more than a dozen life-size and life-like animatronic dinosaurs when it opens to the public on November 1. All exhibits will be on display during Dinosaurs Around the World’s special showing, which runs through April 16, 2016.
The 4th annual Conservation Cup is a fun “better ball” competition. The 18-hole tournament includes a post-tournament reception, an awards ceremony and silent auction. For sponsorship information, or to register a twosome or a foursome, please call Marcy Hoffman, the Science Center’s director of institutional development, at 561-370-7738 or email mhoffman@sfsciencecenter.org.