For Immediate Release

May, 2024

Contact

Jennifer McCormick/Marketing Specialist

Jennifer.McCormick@sbcm.sbcounty.gov

(909) 798-8603

9th Annual Bucky Ball Celebrates the County Museum’s Mission of Public Service and Education

The San Bernardino County Museum Foundation announces its ninth annual Bucky Ball Gala taking place on the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2024. The in-person gala will feature the opening of the exhibit, Holding History: 50 Years in Redlands.

This exhibit explores the evolution of the County Museum from its founding to now, with a special emphasis on the relationship between the institution and its community partners over the last 50 years.

The Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands and its branches, including the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. The fundraising event supports the Museum’s mission of developing appreciation and sparking curiosity in regional cultural arts, history, and natural and earth sciences through exhibits and educational programming.

This year, the lively event will be held in the outdoor courtyard of the San Bernardino County Museum where guests will be able to connect and engage in conversations celebrating the Museum’s service to Inland Empire families and support for increasing the number of youths pursuing art and science education and careers. As in the past, the event will include a social and live auction of unique items including jewelry, excursions, and more.

The 2024 Bucky Ball will also honor three regional partners with the Good Egg Award: Jennifer Reynolds, SoCalGas, and High Desert Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. These awardees have been exceptional partners of the Foundation by supporting its efforts to assist the Museum in increasing their impact in our region.

As the largest cultural and natural history center in the region, the San Bernardino County Museum plays a vital role in our children’s education. Named in honor of the science innovation of Buckminster Fuller, an engineer, poet, and environmentalist, the Foundation’s Bucky Ball event highlights the mission of the museum, as well as the museum’s iconic architectural dome, inspired by Fuller’s geodesic domes, and visible from Interstate 10 since 1974.

“This is our most important event of the year. The support the Foundation raises at the Bucky Ball provides vital resources for the Museum and ensures they can meet the educational needs of our region,” shared Brandon Mulder, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

Museum Director, David Myers said, “We are grateful to benefit from the fundraising efforts of the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation. This long-standing partnership is a key part of the Museum’s ability to develop excellent exhibits and programming. I look forward to a successful 2024 Bucky Ball and thank all the donors that appreciate the meaningful service the Museum provides the community.”

Guests are encouraged to fill out an interest form if they would like to attend. Tickets will be $150 per person, $125 for members. A non-member table for ten can be purchased for $1,500 or $1,250 for members. Guests who are unable to attend are encouraged to consider donating or becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities include a $15,000 Presenting Sponsor, $10,000 Titanium Sponsor, $5,000 Platinum Sponsor, $2,500 Gold Sponsor, $1,000 Silver Sponsor, and $500 Copper Sponsor. For more information on attending, donating or sponsoring, visit the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation's website or call (909) 798-8626.

About San Bernardino County Museum: The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural, and natural history and the Museum’s 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.

About San Bernardino County Museum Foundation: Established in 1952, the San Bernardino County Museum Foundation solicits, manages, and distributes funds, engages in programs, and advocates for the benefit of the San Bernardino County Museum and its mission. The SBCM Foundation achieves its mission by conducting fund development efforts on behalf of the Museum, including individual, corporate, and foundation contributions. Further, the Foundation partners with the Museum to assist with developing deeper visitor engagement, enhancing stewardship and utilization of its collection, refreshing its facilities, diversifying sources of revenue, and building its organizational capacity.

About San Bernardino County: San Bernardino County is a diverse public service organization serving America’s largest county that for two consecutive years has led the nation in awards for innovation, efficiency, and outstanding public service. We are governed by an elected Board of Supervisors and dedicated to creating a community where nearly 2.2 million residents can prosper and achieve well-being in fulfillment of the Countywide Vision. It is comprised of 42 departments and agencies, which are staffed by more than 23,000 public service professionals who provide a wide range of vital services in the areas of public safety, health care, social services, economic and community development and revitalization, fiscal services, infrastructure, recreation and culture, and internal support. For more information, visit sbcounty.gov.