by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
For the past seven years the Museum of Science and History has hosted the X Benefit as a way to help fund MOSH’s educational programs. But this year, with looming budget cuts, this fundraiser is especially important to MOSH.
This year’s X-Benefit, the museum’s primary fundraising event, is called “Viva MOSH Vegas.” The event is from 7-11 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the museum.
“Our fundraisers are always a crucial part of our success, but they are even more crucial this year with the budget cuts, because we don’t know what is going to happen yet,” said Kristi Ballinger, public relations manager for Museum of Science and History.
The museum hosts a variety of events, but its two largest fundraisers are the X Benefit that is geared towards adults and the One & Only Genuine Original MOSH Party that is for families.
Ballinger said they are expecting around 300 people to attend this year’s X Benefit. Last year the X Benefit grossed approximately $65,000 and netted about $40,000 for the museum. She added that a lot of the guests at the X Benefit are donors, board members, corporate and community sponsors.
“It is important that we have public and corporate support so the museum can be here for the community and we can continue to educate Jacksonville,” said Ballinger.
Ballinger said the latest news from the Cultural Council is that the museum will see about a 10 percent cut in its budget.
“We originally didn’t know if it was going to be 50 percent or 20 percent,” she said. “We have fared pretty well, but it’s not over yet. We also saw a slight decrease in state funding as well.”
The X Benefit was designed to help fund MOSH’s educational programs, but it is also a way to enjoy a night out for a good cause.
“This is the most fun (event) from our standpoint to put on,” said Ballinger. “This year will feature more gambling, cocktails, food and entertainment.”
At the 2006 X Benefit, MOSH had a riverboat that featured a little bit of gambling, and the museum has decided to expand on that this year with “Viva MOSH Vegas.”
“It’s something different and exciting. The games will be set up in the Prehistoric Casino,” she said.
The Prehistoric Casino will be in the Museum’s “Dinosaurs & Ice Age Mammals” exhibit. Some of the games will include Sabertooth Slots, Jurassic Blackjack and T. Rex Texas Hold ‘Em.
“We’ll also have an Elvis impersonator,” she added.
Instead of winning money, guests will win raffle tickets. Guests will have a chance to win the packages they choose at the end of the night.
Tickets are $70 for adults ages 35 and under. If guests would like to donate more money, tickets are also as high as $150-$250. The cost includes tokens for the games, food, drinks and entertainment. For more information or to purchase tickets call 396-7062, ext. 223.