The Cox Science Center and Aquarium (CSCA) in West Palm Beach, Florida, has announced three gifts totaling $18 million in support of capital projects.

Part of the organization’s capital campaign, which recently was expanded to an $85 million goal, the latest gifts include $8 million from Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth Griffin and $5 million each from Leonard Lauder and the David H. Koch Foundation. Griffin’s gift is earmarked for CSCA’s new 200,000-gallon aquarium, which will feature habitats similar to the Everglades, Florida’s inland rivers, and the Gulf Stream.

Lauder’s commitment will support the Coral Reefs exhibit in the new aquarium—showcasing the colorful variety of reef fish alongside propagated coral “frags,” which will tell the story of coral research happening in Palm Beach County. The funding from the Koch Foundation will honor the late David Koch’s philanthropy regarding science, education, and the arts with an interactive fountain to greet visitors. 

“Just one year ago, we launched a hugely significant campaign for the Science Center,” said CSCA board chairman and capital campaign chairman Lew Crampton, “and thanks to tremendous support, we are confident in expanding our original plans with a new goal of $85 million. We know Palm Beach County deserves a new, cutting-edge science center and our supporters agree.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/damircudic)