GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Travel to the “Pollen Nation” and join the Florida Museum of Natural History for its annual “Passport” gala fundraiser Feb. 8 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. to support pre-K through 12th grade education programs.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste honey samples at a special station, explore the Florida Museum’s Lepidoptera collections with curatorial staff or take a picture at the Pollinator Photo Op. Organized by the Florida Museum Associates Board, “Passport to Pollen Nation” proceeds will help fund education initiatives including admission assistance for Title I schools, outreach to elementary classrooms and after-school programs, and the junior volunteer program.

“Field trip experiences to science-rich cultural institutions like the Florida Museum provide opportunities that help develop important skills such as problem solving, collaboration and information literacy,” said Dianne Behringer, Florida Museum school programs coordinator. “Unfortunately, the emphasis on testing and major budget reductions have had an enormous impact on the ability of schools to provide students with field trip or outreach opportunities. This impact is even more profound in schools with students from low-income families who cannot help schools with much needed funding.”

Proceeds from “Passport” events have brought more than 10,000 students and teachers to the museum for free programs in the last five years — some for the first time. The Florida Museum Associates Board grant covered all program expenses, including bus transportation, exhibit admission, teacher training and classroom resources.

“Funding from these events allow us to inspire children to be curious about life on Earth through unique science experiences and real-world opportunities,” Behringer said. “A new part of the program is the pre-visit classroom component. It gives students a foundation to build their knowledge so that during the field trip they are better able to make observations, ask effective questions and improve critical thinking.”

The fundraiser is called “Passport” because it takes attendees to another time, era or locale with a different theme each year. Guests this year are encouraged to bring their antennae and wings and dress in their best pollinator-themed attire. Individual tickets for the Pollen Nation Party are $100. Sponsorships and gala dinner tickets are available starting at $250.

In addition to the Pollen Nation Party from 8 to 11 p.m., sponsor-level guests can also explore the “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit and dine with Florida Museum Director Doug Jones from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Keith Watson Events will transform the museum into the “pollen nation” while attendees enjoy cuisine from Taste and Sweetwater Catering Co., and dance to the rhythms of Gosia & Ali.

For more information on tickets and sponsorships, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/passport or call 352-273-2047.

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Writer: Nikhil Srinivasan, 352-273-2034, nsrinivasan@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: Dianne Behringer, 352-273-2036, dbehringer@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, APR, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu