Orlando Science Center hosting the neanderthals among us

Orlando Sentinel (FL)

Oct. 28--It's an event that is, quite literally, designed for the real Neanderthals among us -- or at least, as Jeff Stanford pointed out, the ones that would enjoy being able to act like a caveman for a single night.

To assist them, "People are encouraged to dress in cave attire," Stanford said, while adding that one fine example is to try wearing a pair of "bone earrings."

Stanford, the public relations director at the Orlando Science Center, is inviting the public to visit the center at 777 E. Princeton St. on Saturday, Nov. 7, when they will be hosting the 9th Annual Neanderthal Ball.

It's an evening bash featuring wine and dinner with the dinosaurs.

"It's a lot of fun," Stanford said. "It's our fall gala."

It runs from 7 -- 10 p.m., and the evening will include an opportunity to enjoy a dinner provided by John Michael Catering and Events.

In addition, guests can get a view of the downtown Orlando skyline while dining on the fourth-floor terrace.

As Stanford pointed out, this is also an opportunity for guests to show off their best Neanderthal-inspired costume, since the ball include the Harriett Lake Caveman Couture Costume Contest.

"We'll give out prizes for the best costumes," Stanford said.

There will also be a silent auction, music, and themed entertainment.

"It all supports the Orlando Science Center's mission," he said.

The Orlando Science Center hosts several fundraisers a year, and Stanford said the inspiration for this one came from a crucial aspect of what they do -- which is to make science fun.

"There's a lot of charity events in the community," Stanford said. "What makes them stand out?"

In organizing a new fall fundraiser nearly a decade ago, Stanford said the OSC team was looking for an idea that would make this fundraiser fun and unique, and one that also helped to highlight their mission.

"What makes us unique and special," Stanford said. "We were sitting around the table tossing out ideas, and then we thought about one thing -- we make science fun. We have a great location -- and we have a dinosaur exhibit."

It was around the same time, Stanford noted, when the auto insurance company GEICO was starting to air a series of television commercials featuring Neanderthal-like cavemen in a modern setting, with the tag line, "so easy, a caveman could do it."

That provided some inspiration, too, he said.

"It was at the time when the GEICO cavemen were such a big deal," Stantford said.

The bash will also include appearances by the Florida Fossil Hunters, who meet monthly at OSC to learn more about Florida fossils and enhance a cooperative spirit between amateur and professional paleontologists.

"Then we also have silent auctions and raffles and themed entertainment," Stanford said.

Tickets for the general public are $150, while OSC members pay $100.

Jennine Miller, the OSC public relations specialist, said that the admission includes the ability to see "Mummies of the World," the touring exhibit that is now at OSC, and will be there through Nov. 29.

" 'Mummies' will be open for the first hour of the Neanderthal Ball," Miller noted.

To learn more, visit www.osc.org, or call 407-514-2027.

mwfreeman@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5290

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