Over 40 Restaurants Set for 2015 Bank of America Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration Today

Fort Lauderdale, FL -- The Museum of Discovery and Science will host its 20th Annual Bank of America Wine, Spirits and Culinary Celebration today, March 13, 2015. Bank of America has sponsored the event for all 20 years, including 18 years at the Presenting level. All proceeds of the event benefit the Museum.

"We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Museum of Discovery and Science including support of this event which we have seen grow and evolve over the years," said Lori Chevy, Bank of America market president for Broward County. "The Museum is an important economic engine in our community and we are pleased to contribute to its impact."

This year's co-chairs, John Magee, Anthony Bland and Michelle Cibene, are hoping to top last year's record breaking attendance of 2,000 guests. Event highlights include tastings from South Florida's leading restaurants and a vast array of wines and spirits from around the world, courtesy of beverage sponsor Southern Wine and Spirits. There will also be an assortment of craft beers to taste, amazing prizes in the silent auction and a complimentary Riedel wine glass for every guest.

The evening begins with an exclusive Platinum reception on the Museum's terrace that overlooks the New River. Platinum guests will enjoy premium cuisine provided by Platinum restaurant partners The Capital Grille, Hyatt Pier 66 and Lobster Bar Sea Grille. The Platinum experience also includes complimentary valet, access to Platinum Lounge and early access to the Grand Tasting. Doors open for the Platinum experience at 5:30 p.m. and the Grand Tasting begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Grand Tasting will be feature over 40 of South Florida's top restaurants and a sampling of over 200 wine, spirits, and craft beers. This will be followed by the ultra-chic Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort After-Party Lounge where all guests can continue to enjoy additional culinary delights from the After-Party restaurant partners and dance under the stars. The After-Party will take place from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the MODS atrium.

Tickets are $250 for the Platinum experience (only 500 tickets available at this level) and $150 for the Grand Tasting. Parties of ten receive a reduced rate of $2,250 Platinum and $1,350 for Grand Tasting Host packages. For advance tickets, call 954-712-1159 or email Nicole Rodriguez at nrodriguez@mods.net.

Guests are encouraged to share in excitement of the event through social media by posting pictures of the event on Museum of Discovery and Science Facebook Page, Tweeting @IMAXSOFL, and utilizing Instagram to upload their event photos by tagging the Museum's IG page: @m0ds with the hashtag: #MODSWCC.

One of the distinguishing features of the Wine, Spirits, and Culinary Celebration is the quality of the restaurants. This year's list includes the following, with many more to come: 3030 Ocean, A Thierry's Catering and Event Design, Adena Grill & Wine Bar, Apeiro, (Platinum Ticket Only) Beauty & The Feast, Bravo Ristorante Italiano, Cafe ala Carte, Crepemaker, Dapur Asian Tapas & Lounge,vents By Grateful Palate, Fork and Balls Restaurant, Gino's Italian Market & Bakery, Grille 401, Himmarshee Public House, Hoffman's Chocolate, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, (Platinum) Restaurant, Keurig, Kitchen 305, Lobster Bar Sea Grille (Platinum), Publix Aprons Cooking School, ROK:BRGR, S3 Restaurant, Sea Level Restaurant & Ocean Bar, Sky Thai Sushi, Susie's Scrumptious Sweets, Sweet Nectar, The Capital Grille (Platinum), The Chimney House, Timpanos, Truluck's Yolo Restaurant and Shooters Waterfront.

Major sponsors of the 20th Annual Wine & Culinary Celebration include: Bank of America; Southern Wine & Spirits; Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Zimmerman Partners Advertising, City Furniture and My Velocity.

Other sponsors include, ADT, BBandT, Centuric, Moss Foundation, M. Austin & Christine Forman, Republic Services, Inc., AutoNation, Inc., Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants, Ellis Diversified, Gray Robinson, Grant Thornton, LLP, Greenberg Traurig, KPMG, Steven & Rebecca Stoll, Stiles Corporation, Sun Trust Bank, NA, TD Bank, UBS, W. Mack and Associates, Inc., Wells Fargo, , Advanced Roofing, American Express, Angelo & Banta, P.A., BankUnited, Cherry, Bekaert, L.L.P, Coral Ridge Country Club, Cundy, Ernst and Young, Farlie & Turner, Iberia Wealth Advisors, Phi Delta Theta, WSVN, Yellow Cab Magazine, Fort Lauderdale Magazine, Print Dynamics, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, Paramount Coffee Service and radio partners are HITS 97-3, EASY 93.1 and HOT 105.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE - The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, programs and films. Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility serves approximately 400,000 visitors annually. Major operational support for the Museum is provided through generous support by Leadership Guild members including: JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Wells Fargo, Broward Health and Sun Sentinel.

The Museum is open seven days a week, 365 days a year; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. with extended IMAX hours on most evenings. The Museum of Discovery and Science is at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information call 954.467.MODS (6637) or visit our web site at www.mods.org

BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - Bank of America's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Our CSR efforts guide how we operate in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients and employees. Our goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with our stakeholders, we create value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of our business. We have several core areas of focus for our CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing, hunger and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and culture. As part of these efforts, employee volunteers across the company contribute their time, passion and expertise to address issues in communities where they live and work. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about and follow us on Twitter at @BofA_Community.