Miami Science Museum’s 10th Anniversary Galaxy Gala and Big Bang

An “Out of This World” Experience!

More than 800 of Miami’s science-savvy socialites gathered in support of the Miami Science Museum’s annual Galaxy Gala & Big Bang events to kickoff a weeklong celebration of groundbreaking festivities for the new waterfront museum project. Founded in 2003 by Board Chairs Trish and Dan Bell, the museum’s signature events, held at the JW Marriott Marquis & Hotel Beaux Arts in Downtown Miami, raised over $500,000 and featured galactic-themed décor, a seated three-course dinner, live music, dancing, performance artists and a laser entertainment experience—all to benefit the new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.

Chaired by Nancy & Jonathan Batchelor, and Nicole & Edgar Lozano, this year’s Gala honored important community leaders including: David Lawrence who received the Vanguard Award; Walter Revell who received the Miami Science Museum Award; and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation who was presented with the Visionary Award. This is also the first time the Big Bang, a high-energy

dance party designed to integrate young professionals into the event, merged with the Museum’s Galaxy Gala, which is celebrating its 10th year. The 10th Anniversary Honorary Chair was the Batchelor Foundation and the Philanthropic Chairs were Trish and Dan Bell. The Big Bang was chaired by Izzy Havenick.

Evening highlights included emcee Natalie Allen from CNN, live entertainment by Soul Survivors & DJ Mark Leventhal, a silent auction, including a Tiffany Wall, live animal interactions, a digital time capsule lounge sponsored by Lincoln, and an open bar compliments of Bacardi. Major event sponsors were Suffolk Construction, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Magic City Casino, Saks 5th Avenue, Southern Wine & Spirits and Azucar Bakery.