Press Release
Polar Lights on a Southern Night: A Timeless Affair 2008
Offers Evening of Elegance at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
July 21, 2008—ATLANTA—Fernbank Museum of Natural History will host its annual black-tie fundraising gala Polar Lights on a Southern Night: A Timeless Affair 2008 on Saturday, October 4 from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Taking its cue from the snow, ice and spectacular vistas of the polar regions featured in Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins (Fernbank’s special exhibition on view through January 2, 2009), Polar Lights on a Southern Night will feature the dramatic ambiance of nature’s magnificence. Tony Brewer of Tony Brewer & Co. will transform the Museum’s Great Hall atrium into a vision of glacier-inspired décor, aurora-lit skies and Southern charm.
The evening will feature a cocktail reception, a three-course seated dinner by Affairs to Remember, live music by the Class Act Band, dancing, a private viewing of Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins, and an incredible prize drawing.
A Timeless Affair is Fernbank’s largest annual fundraiser, which helps fund special exhibitions, educational programs, scholarships for underserved children, and other essential needs. This year’s galais expected to raise more than $400,000 in support of the Museum’s mission to inspire life-long learning of natural history through dynamic programming that encourages a greater appreciation of our planet and its people.
Sarah & Scott Goodman and Dabney & Sam Hollis will serve as Co-Chairs of Polar Lights on a Southern Night: A Timeless Affair 2008, and the event will honor Dorothy “Wawa” Smith Hines and Richard K. Hines V, who have continued a family legacy of Fernbank support dating back to the founding of Fernbank, Inc. in 1938.
“Fernbank is a special place to my family,” Mrs. Hines said. “The Museum offers a unique combination of education and entertainment making the Museum the premier cultural institution in the area for families, students and visitors of all ages.”
John W. Somerhalder II, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, AGL Resources, will serve as the Corporate Chair and last year’s Co-Chairs, Jack Sawyer and Bill Torres, will serve as Patron Party hosts on September 23 to recognize the event’s biggest supporters with a private reception at their home.
“A Timeless Affair is a wonderful way for Atlanta’s business and community leaders to experience all that Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers to the community,” said Fernbank Museum President and CEO, Susan Neugent. “But it’s also an opportunity for Fernbank to show appreciation to all those who steadfastly support our expansive programs, educational mission, and sustained growth so we can continue to serve schools, families, tourists and so many other visitors.”
Tickets are $350 per person and patron levels begin at $1,500. Please call Ms. Chris Comfort at 404.929.6404 for additional information.
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