Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Fernbank Museum’s Lost Oasis Benefit Celebrates Record-Setting Year

There were no signs of a tough economy at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Lost Oasis benefit on June 14, as the event posted a record-setting year. Hosted by Fernbank’s Artemis guild of young professionals, Tango on the Tundra: Lost Oasis 2008 raised $175,000 for BONES for Kids (Building on Experiences in Science), a fund that supports children’s programming at Fernbank.

Tango on the Tundra: Lost Oasis 2008 featured live music by Limelight, which got partygoers on the dance floor to work off some of the delicious cuisine from Proof of the Pudding, including Macadamia Nut Encrusted Grouper Bites Over Tropical Fruit Orzo, “Fire and Ice” Shooters of She Crab Soup and Cucumber Dill Soup, Prime Beef Encrusted with Peppercorns, Flaming Bananas Foster with Vanilla Ice Cream and many other delicious bites.

While water helped quench patrons’ thirst after their display of impressive dance moves, visitors also caught some refreshment at the open bar, which served up specialty Tango-tinis and Cha-Cha Chills. At the end of the evening, many partygoers headed home with a little something extra—including dinners, clothing, memberships, artwork, jewelry, wines, cooking classes, and even a vacation to Italy—after placing winning bids at the silent auction.

The event honored Adrienne and Kevin Maxim, who have been long-time supporters of Fernbank Museum and the Artemis guild. Co-hosts for Lost Oasis were Ryan and Sam Dunlap and Tracey and Darren Moore.

“It is incredibly rewarding to know that, even in this economy, Darren and I were able to help Fernbank raise a record amount for future children's programming,” said Tracey Moore.

Lost Oasis was not only a success in terms of fundraising, it also kept attendees entertained, well-fed and in good social company throughout the evening.

“Fernbank's 2008 Lost Oasis event proved yet again to be the most exciting party of the summer. It was the culmination of many months of extraordinary effort by our planning committee and the Museum staff,” said Honorary Chair Kevin Maxim. “Adrienne and I were simply in awe of the generosity shown by the event's financial and in-kind donors. Their support will pay long-lasting dividends in the form of Fernbank's future programs for Georgia's children.”

Lost Oasis was sponsored by Coca-Cola and the silent auction was sponsored by The Five Smiths Foundation, The Home Depot, The Isdell Family Foundation, and Adrienne and Kevin Maxim.

Fernbank’s other major fundraiser, the black-tie A Timeless Affair gala hosted by the Museum’s Board of Trustees, will be held Saturday, October 4, 2008.

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