“Everyone leaves the Smarty Party knowing a little more than when they walked in the door,” said co-chair and award-winning journalist Deborah Norville, who joined Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. Michael Young for a conversation exploring circadian rhythms and the origins of his sleep research, inspired by a childhood fascination with a night-blooming flower in Florida.The story shaped the evening’s décor, which featured cascading white florals and created a dreamlike atmosphere throughout the space, which was designed by Lewis Miller.
The event was co-chaired by Amanda Cummings, Victoria Hagan, Deborah Norville, and Laing Rogers, and brought together philanthropists, community leaders, and science advocates for cocktails, dinner, and an engaging program focused on science, storytelling, and discovery.
Smarty Party 2026 exceeded its $2.4 million fundraising goal, with proceeds supporting the Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s hands-on exhibits, educational outreach, and STEM programming. The Center is currently in the midst of a major capital expansion, set to open in 2027, which will triple its campus and introduce one of Florida’s largest indoor aquariums, further strengthening CSCA’s impact across the region.
John Paulson and Wendy Cox
Dr. Michael Young and Co-chair Deborah Norville
Howard Cox and Bill Meyer
Susan McCaw and Katharine Eyre
David and Jennifer Fischer
Steve and Joanna Sanders
Tara and Christopher Vecellio
Stefano Tonchi and Kimberly Bluhm
Eric Stonestrom and Laura Lauder
Lynne Wheat and Suzanne Johnson
Brian Simmons and Harvey Jones
Phillippe and Deborah Dauman
Gabrielle Raymond McGee and Luke McGee
Eaddo Kiernan and Langdon Neal
Chip DiPaula and Lorna James
Tom Zacharias and Thomas Peterffy
John and Diane Sculley
Lew Crampton and Dr. David Nicholson
Bob and Christine Stiller
Charlie Crocker and Ali Hanley