The Bucky Ball raises money for the San Bernardino County Museum

Redlands, CA – The San Bernardino County Museum Association announces the third annual Bucky Ball, taking place on Saturday, May 19, at 6 p.m. to benefit the San Bernardino County Museum. The annual fundraising event features a preview of the Museum’s new exhibit, ”Mechanized Magic: 40 Years of Garner Holt Productions in San Bernardino County.” Tickets for the evening are on sale through May 11.

“Mechanized Magic” is a special exhibit that explores the contributions of Garner Holt Productions, Inc. to the field of theme park animatronics. The business was founded in the late 70s after the teenage Garner Holt experimented building a theme park in his backyard, and an animatronic Uncle Sam for the Bicentennial. The company has grown to become the largest animatronics production company in the world.

The Bucky Ball evening under the stars includes the special exhibit preview, no-host cocktails, a gourmet dinner and wine pairings, jazz, a live auction, presentation of the Association’s “Good Egg” awards, and an after-party. James and Terri Ramos are the event’s title sponsors.

“The Association’s fundraising goal this year is an ambitious $100,000 in support of the Museum and admission access to underserved children in the community. Our members and supporters are looking forward to celebrating the opening of this exciting exhibit at what promises to be a lovely – and fun – evening,” said Maggie Latimer, executive director of the Association.

The live auction offers opportunities to bid on outstanding goods and services including a Mt. Baldy Getaway, tour of Garner Holt Productions, and an Exploration Station Birthday Party for 12.

“Good Egg” awards will be presented to Johnnie Ann Ralph, Bank of American, and the Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society. The awards honor outstanding contributions that further the Museum Association’s mission to solicit, manage, and distribute funds, engage in programs, and advocate for the benefit of the San Bernardino County Museum.

Museum Director, Melissa Russo said, “the Museum is grateful for the significant philanthropic dollars raised at the Bucky Ball. The contributions allow the Museum to enhance our exhibits and programs, and to provide greater access to the Museum through our Museums for All program.”

In addition to the Ramos family, other major sponsors of Bucky Ball include Burrtec Waste Industries, Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Bank of America, Beaver Medical Group, Johnnie Ann Ralph, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and a host of other regional businesses, industries, and individuals.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional cultural and natural history and other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Bucky Ball tickets are $125/person; $100/museum member. Visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum for more information, or call Kristina Hernandez, special project coordinator, at (909) 798-8625. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.