Community, business and philanthropic leaders will guide Golden Moments. Infinite Discovery., celebrating five decades of impact and the Museum’s next era
The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) today announced the leadership committee and signature events that will anchor Golden Moments. Infinite Discovery., its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration beginning with the Annual State of MODS 30th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.
The celebration will honor the people, partnerships and defining moments that have shaped MODS since its founding while setting a bold course for the Museum’s next 50 years of community impact, innovation and discovery.
“This anniversary is about far more than looking back. It is about recognizing the community leaders, families, educators, supporters and partners who helped shape the Museum of Discovery and Science and inviting them to help define what comes next,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “We are deeply grateful to Eileen and Chip LaMarca, Stacy Ritter and Russ Klenet, Brittany and Ken Stiles, Katy and Jon Ferrando and every member of our anniversary committee for generously sharing their leadership, passion and vision as we celebrate this milestone and build for the future.”
Serving as co-chairs of the MODS 50th anniversary celebration are Eileen and Charles “Chip” LaMarca; Stacy Ritter and Russ Klenet; Brittany and Ken Stiles; and Katy and Jon Ferrando. Together, they will lead a distinguished committee of civic, philanthropic and business leaders who will help champion the anniversary, strengthen community engagement and advance support for the Museum’s future.
The committee includes Mimi Bauer; Diane and Rick Burgess; Linda Carter; Kim Cavendish; M. Austin Forman; Julia and Robert Huebner; Alice and Mike Jackson; Stephanie and Derek Javarone; Anne Joyner; Katie and Joseph Masucci; Ginny and Tom Miller; Brooke and Robert Lochrie; Brandon Singer; Caitlin and Todd Stella; Leslie and Thomas Tworoger; and Julie and Bill Zito.
“Strong institutions are built over time by people who dream big and believe in something larger than themselves,” said Caitlin Stella, chair of the MODS Board of Trustees. “Five decades of discovery have been made possible through extraordinary community support, and our Board is committed to building on that foundation for generations to come.”
The co-chairs and committee members will serve as ambassadors for the anniversary, helping MODS celebrate its legacy, expand awareness of its impact and build momentum for its next 50 years. Their collective leadership represents a broad cross-section of the community and reflects the strong civic and philanthropic partnerships that have supported the Museum for five decades.
The anniversary year will feature signature events, community celebrations and storytelling initiatives designed to recognize MODS’ legacy and invite the community to help shape its future.
“The Museum of Discovery and Science’s 50th anniversary is both a celebration of legacy and a call to action for the future,” said Florida Rep. Chip LaMarca, co-chair of the MODS 50th Anniversary Committee and member of the MODS Board of Trustees. “Throughout the anniversary year, we will unite the community and inspire continued support for the Museum’s mission.”
30th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration
Oct. 23, 2026
Presented by Bank of America, the 30th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration will mark its pearl anniversary on Oct. 23, 2026, honoring founders Steve Halmos and Keith Koenig. The evening will feature the Honoree Pearl Reserve Cocktail Hour, VIP and Grand Tasting experiences, Beer Garden, a Food Truck Experience and an after-party under MODS’ Great Gravity Clock. Proceeds will benefit MODS’ STEMobile outreach programs. The 30th Anniversary Wine Event Committee includes Kim Bokamper; Darin and Ryan Cronin; Alan Hooper; John Magee; Tim Petrillo; Eric Spann; and Caitlin and Todd Stella.
4th Annual Visit Lauderdale Science Festival
Jan. 16, 2027
The 4th Annual Visit Lauderdale Science Festival, which welcomed more than 15,000 guests in 2026, will transform MODS’ indoor and outdoor spaces into a high-energy celebration of science, technology, engineering and math during the Museum’s 50th anniversary year. Families can explore hands-on experiments, live demonstrations, meet scientists and innovators and take part in interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity at every age. The Festival will celebrate MODS’ legacy while inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators and problem-solvers.
Golden Luncheon: Celebrating 50 Years
May 21, 2027
The 50th Anniversary Luncheon will bring together 500 guests to honor the people and partnerships that shaped MODS over the past five decades while inviting support for the next 50 years. The event will celebrate the Museum’s impact, recognize key supporters and connect its legacy with future growth.
“This milestone gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people and partnerships that built the Museum of Discovery and Science while also investing in the innovation, access and educational experiences that will carry it forward,” said Stacy Ritter, co-chair of the MODS 50th Anniversary Committee and president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale.
Summer Community and Family Celebrations
Summer through Fall 2027
A series of joyful, hands-on experiences will invite families and the community to celebrate five decades of discovery. Interactive STEM activities, community storytelling and anniversary surprises will create new golden moments while encouraging participation throughout the anniversary year.
The celebrations will connect with anniversary initiatives such as the Golden Ticket Hunt and 50 Stories, which are designed to spotlight community voices, encourage repeat engagement and capture memories from MODS’ first five decades.
“The Museum of Discovery and Science has long been a place where families come together to learn, explore and imagine what is possible,” said Ken Stiles, co-chair of the MODS 50th Anniversary Committee, member of the MODS Board of Trustees and CEO of Stiles. “Helping lead this milestone celebration is an opportunity to honor everything the Museum has accomplished while ensuring even more families discover it in the years ahead.”
A Golden Finale Dinner: The Next 50 Years Begins with You
November 13, 2027
Hosted at the home of Katy and Jon Ferrando, the intimate closing celebration will bring together major donors, board members, legacy partners and supporters to reflect on MODS’ golden anniversary year, celebrate five decades of impact and inspire continued investment in the Museum’s future.
“MODS has enriched our community for 50 years by inspiring curiosity, expanding access to science education and creating unforgettable experiences for generations of families,” said Jon Ferrando, co-chair of the MODS 50th Anniversary Committee and Founder, President and CEO of Blue Compass RV. “Katy and I are excited to welcome everyone into our home for this milestone celebration and to honor MODS’ extraordinary legacy. Together, we can help ensure the Museum continues to inspire and impact our community for generations to come.”
Additional anniversary programs, community initiatives and participation opportunities will be announced throughout the year.
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Distributed: August 10, 2026
