Experience a sizzling hot Valentine celebration at Love in the Tropics, Saturday, Feb. 11
February 3 , 2006
For calendar and entertainment writers/editors.
RALEIGH --Sizzle on a midwinter's Saturday with
a spicy tropical party! Come to the 10th annual Love in the Tropics,
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, 7:30-10:30 p.m., at the North Carolina
Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. The event supports
the Friends of the Museum of Natural Sciences' Educators of Excellence
Fund, which helps provide educational adventures for outstanding
teachers across the state.
This fun-filled evening transforms the Museum into a musical and romantic tropical
paradise for adults. Dance to the jammin' music of Saludos Compay and learn the
Latin salsa from professional dance instructors of the Mad About Dance studio.
Indulge in delightful treats at the chocolate fondue fountain or enjoy festive
libations at the cash bar.
You can also go wild and bid on one-of-a-kind items at the annual silent auction. "Each
year we find exotic items to tempt even the most discriminating valentine," said
Lisa Williamson, silent auction co-chair. "This year's auction includes two expeditions
to the Peruvian Amazon donated by EcoQuest Travel Inc., romantic getaways from
the mountains to the sea, tickets to area sporting events, and a kayak provided
by Great Outdoor Provision Co."
Pamper your valentine with many other hot auction items, such as handmade crafts,
jewelry, art objects, personal services, or tickets to performing arts events.
Attendees are encouraged to come "dressed to compete" in the loud Hawaiian shirt
contest.
"The Love in the Tropics fundraiser was inspired by a chance seating next to
artist Jon Morgan Matyas on a 1995 plane ride to the Amazon," said Mary Ann
Brittain, director of the Museum's Prairie Ridge Ecostation. "Along with presenting
at the first Love in Tropics, Matyas created a painting to help us raise money."
The Museum's Educators of Excellence program includes teacher institutes in Belize,
Ecuador, and Yellowstone National Park. "Through the Museum, many outstanding
educators get to experience the natural world first-hand," said director of school
programs Liz Baird. "Since it was established in 1987, the Educators of Excellence
program has inspired more than 250 teachers from North Carolina, helping them
gain new knowledge about the natural world, and discover ways to use outdoor
experiences in their teaching. The Educators of Excellence Fund allows the Museum
to offer the Institutes at a reasonable cost.
Tickets to Love in the Tropics are $20 for the general public, and $15 for Friends
of the Museum. Festive or tropical attire is suggested; must be 21 or older to
attend. Reservations suggested; for tickets call Elizabeth Iaquinta at 919-733-7450,
ext. 352.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 am to 5 pm, and Sun., noon to 5 pm. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the Web at naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
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