For the past 16 years, friends of Elachee Nature Science Center have gathered on a casual evening to show their love and support of the center and its mission. This year is no different.

The Elachee Nature Science Center will host its annual Flights of Fancy spring benefit and auction from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, May 6, at 2125 Elachee Drive in Gainesville.

“The great thing about Flights is that it’s like Elachee — all about the outdoors and celebrating creativity,” event co-chairwoman and Elachee trustee Dr. Jane White said. “It’s so different from other fundraising events. You can come out to support nature education and as a bonus, find a perfect Mother’s Day gift!”

The evening will feature a chef-prepared, “fresh local” dinner on the patio and balcony at Elachee’s visitor center. The event’s silent and live auctions will showcase an eclectic lineup of one-of-a-kind treasures for outdoor entertaining along with garden and nature pieces crafted by community members ranging from high school students to acclaimed artists.

“I enjoy Flights of Fancy because it feels good to be able to support Elachee and bid on the types of items that really appeal to me,” explains Robbie McCormac, who has for years served on the Flights committee and is an Elachee Advisory Board member. “The fact that guests attend and support the event year after year is a testament to the incredible effort of the volunteers who give so much time to make this an event that’s not stuffy, but fun and different.”

Rounding out the evening, guests may open their wallets for this year’s Fund the Need initiative to support an education program expansion to be revealed at the event. While at Elachee, guests may also visit the traveling bat exhibit, tour the Elachee Nature Preschool and walk the grounds.

Flights of Fancy tickets are $65 and include dinner and the beverage bar. Limited reserved seating sponsorships are still available and range from $750 up to $2,500.

To purchase tickets, visit www.elachee.org/flights-of-fancy or call 770-535-1976. The committee recommends making a reservation or buying tickets ahead of time.

Parking is free and courtesy shuttles will assist guests to and from their vehicles.

For more information, visit www.elachee.org or call 770-535-1976.