Shell museum’s annual fundraiser to feature comedian, actor Nealon
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will hold its annual benefit gala, titled “Still Standing” this year, on April 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers.
The fundraiser will feature comedian and actor Kevin Nealon for the second year in a row. Attendees will enjoy dinner and drinks, along with a live auction and an unforgettable performance by Nealon.
As one of the longest-running cast members on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” from 1986-1995, Nealon created some of the show’s most memorable characters. His recurring role as an anchor on “Weekend Update” helped make the sketch a show staple. In 1988, Nealon earned an Emmy nomination as part of the SNL writing team.
The gala proceeds will support the museum’s recovery and rebuilding from Hurricane Ian.
The ground floor, which houses the museum’s Living Gallery of aquariums and marine life, flooded with over 5 feet of water, causing extensive damage throughout. The storm also tore a hole in the brand-new roof, exposing the second and third floors — which include The Great Hall of Shells and storage for the shell collection — to water damage and the elements. The museum’s priorities for rebuilding are to reconstruct the exhibits and aquariums as quickly as possible and to safeguard its irreplaceable scientific collection of over 550,000 specimens that it has amassed in the last 40 years.
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is the presenting sponsor for the gala.
“It’s an honor for our firm to partner with the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum for almost two decades,” founder and Chairman Al Hanser said. “It’s a special place, and we are honored to help the museum restore its facility after Hurricane Ian so it may once again provide a unique educational experience to its visitors.”
“The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company continues to be an incredibly important supporter of the museum,” Executive Director Sam Ankerson added. “Their invaluable support and the proceeds of Still Standing will also enable the museum to continue its educational outreach throughout Southwest Florida while the facility is restored.”
For more information or tickets, visit ShellMuseum.org/gala.
The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is at 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.
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IF YOU GO
Who
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
What
“Still Standing” annual benefit gala
When
April 24 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Where
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers
Why
To support storm recovery and rebuilding