GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Shake out your snake boots, fasten your trademark fedora and join the Florida Museum of Natural History for a thrilling adventure at the Passport to Discovery: Raiders of the Lost Ark gala April 25 from 7 to 11 p.m.

This year’s annual fundraiser is part of a three-year campaign to create a 2,000-square-foot Discovery Room exhibit for children 8 and under set to open in 2016.

“Our spectacular new Discovery Room is sure to be a family destination,” said Betty Dunckel, director of the museum’s Center for Science Learning. “A vast array of awe-inspiring objects, interactive activities and media resources will provide countless opportunities for shared discovery and fun.”

This year’s event includes dinner catered by Blue Water Bay, dancing with Gosia & Ali and the Indiana Jones experience created by Keith Watson Events. The museum’s campaign is in its last year and organizers hope to raise $1 million.

“It’s very important for the Florida Museum to create a space for the entire family to connect, learn and experience natural history in a whole new way,” said Leslie Ladendorf, assistant director of museum development and membership.

Hosted by the Florida Museum Associates Board, the fundraiser is called “Passport” because it whisks attendees to another time, era or locale with a new theme each year. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume as their favorite explorer from the 1920s to 1940s. Individual tickets for non-reserved seating are $100. Naming opportunities throughout the exhibit will also be available.

For more information, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/passport. Purchase tickets online at http://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/passport/purchase-tickets/ or contact Brittany Snipes, bsnipes@flmnh.ufl.edu or 352-273-2086. To become a sponsor, contact Leslie Ladendorf, llad@flmnh.ufl.edu, at 352-273-2047.

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Writer: Lauren Flannery, llflannery@flmnh.ufl.edu
Sources: Leslie Ladendorf, llad@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu