SWFL Museum of History Foundation’s signature fundraising event returns with the Fab Four, exquisite food and much more!
Get ready for a rockin’ blast from the past! On Saturday, February 8, The Southwest Florida Museum of History invites you to occupy Harborside Event Center in Downtown Fort Myers in preparation for a second British Invasion at its “USO-Inspired Rockin’ the 60s” Gala.
The BeatleManiax will take center stage, delighting attendees with the mop-top good looks and iconic rock sound of the original Fab Four. It’s all part of the always fabulous annual fundraising gala presented by the SWFL Museum of History, styled after a historic USO dance and dinner show. Stepping it up from the 1940s WWII-era, expect an energetic celebration of the confluence of cultures that came about during the colorful and sometimes chaotic 1960s.
Guests will be warmly welcomed with a Cuba Libre and a Cubanito sandwich in recognition of the significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the local connection to the Bay of Pigs training grounds on Useppa Island. From there, a progressive dinner will offer a delicious culinary tour of The Sixties.
A stroll through the silent auction area opens up into a M.A.S.H. tent straight out of the Korean War. There, attendees will be invited to sample a tasty stir fry before proceeding into the Vietnam display, which will offer an epicurean introduction to Southeast Asia in the form of a delectable Pad Thai. Then, Uncle Sam wants YOU to indulge in homey comfort food like meatloaf sliders and pigs in a blanket at the Patriot corner against a nostalgic backdrop of vintage 60s cars. Finally, enjoy a savory nod to our allies across the pond with fish and chip cones, all while the BeatleManiax serenade you with the tunes that warmed Americans’ hearts as the Cold War took hold.
Military memorabilia will be set up in each area, including vehicles and a helicopter for photo opportunities.
It is surely an event you won’t want to miss! Tickets will be $75 per person in advance or $100 at the door. Reserved tables for 6 will be available for $400 or tables for 8 for $550. Corporate sponsorships for this premiere event represent tremendous marketing and public relations opportunities for your company, and start at $750 for a sponsor table. Special recognition packages range from $1,500 to $5,000. Donations are tax-deductible and benefit a great local cause!
While the British Invasion infiltrates the USO Gala, the Beatles will also take over the Museum of History with the special exhibition, BEATLES: Backstage & Behind the Scenes. It’s a multipronged attack of fun, food and cultural delights. Relive the excitement!
About the SWFL Museum of History Foundation and the USO Gala
The SWFL Museum of History Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 that assists the Museum with fundraising and other support. As such, all contributions are tax-deductible.
‘USO’ and the USO logo are registered trademarks of the United Services Organizations, Inc., and permission to use the name for this event is granted. No funds will be raised to benefit the USO, but some proceeds will benefit local military support organizations.
The Southwest Florida Museum of History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of history and traditions, with particular emphasis on Fort Myers and Southwest Florida. The Southwest Florida Museum of History is located at 2031 Jackson Street just one block south of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in historic downtown Fort Myers. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information visit www.MUSEUMofHISTORY.org or call (239) 321-7430.
