By Libby Hopkins
Albert Einstein once said, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” This statement could also be said about the Museum of Science and Industry’s (MOSI) development team behind their annual fundraiser, Einstein on Food and Wine. The event will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday, January 17 and MOSI’s development team plans on making this year’s event its best yet. It will be held at MOSI from 8 p.m.-12 Midnight. Tickets cost $75 for general admission and $125 for VIP, which includes early access at 7 p.m. The theme for this year will be a winter wonderland.
“We have been ramping up the activities the past two years to add more on-going stimulation and entertainment for all of your senses throughout the evening,” said MOSI’s Interim President/CEO Molly Demeulenaere.
The very first Einstein on Food and Wine was spearheaded by a few young professionals from South Tampa who wanted to get more people involved with MOSI. They thought the best way to do this was by hosting a wine tasting. Fast forward 20 years, the event has now become a celebration of the senses that showcases the delicious and diverse cuisine of Tampa Bay alongside the palate pleasers of winemakers from around the country. This year’s event will feature a tremendous variety of wine, a beer garden, celebration of the senses throughout the science center, samplings from top local restaurants, a restaurant competition, live entertainment, and a charity auction all for a significant cause, the education programs at MOSI. “All of the proceeds from all our events, including Einstein, have been used to fund all of MOSI’s education programs,” said Demeulenaere. “Currently, $2.2 million has been raised by Einstein.”
Demeulenaere and MOSI hope to raise $200,000 at this year’s event and further their mission, which is to make a difference in people’s lives by making science real for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“My hope is that we can raise more money than we’ve ever raised for education,” said Demeulenaere. “It’s all about educating the kids in Tampa Bay and making science real to them.”
To learn more about MOSI’s Einstein on Food and Wine or to purchase tickets to the event, visit www.mosi.org/einstein or call 987-6000. MOSI is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa.
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