Frost Museum announces $1 million gift from Badia Spices

Weeks after a county rescue of its under-funding construction project, the Frost Science Museum announced a $1 million gift to its capital campaign from Badia Spices.

The announcement was particularly encouraging for Frost management, which had said an infusion of $45 million in county money for the beleaguered construction effort would bolster confidence and attract private dollars. The independent non-profit fell short on the private donations needed to finish a $305 million new home on the Miami waterfront, which had already received $165 million in county money. With the $45 million county rescue approved April 5, museum officials said they’re on track to finish the project by the end of the year and complete the non-profit’s move from its longtime home on the Vizcaya estate in Coconut Grove.

A key requirement of the county bailout was that Frost not seek any more financial assistance until Miami-Dade retires the money it is borrowing to fund the rescue. The Frost had been slated to receive $4 million a year from the county in operating assistance, and the scrapped subsidy increased pressure on fund-raising efforts to make up the gap.

“The science around nutrition and personal wellbeing coupled to the museum’s commitment to education in Miami-Dade County represents a wonderful opportunity for Badia Spices to give back to our community,” Joseph “Pepé” Badia, president of the Doral-based spice maker, said in a statement. “Our three daughters grew up going to the museum’s location in Coconut Grove. It is an honor to be able to pay it forward!”

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Frost Museum announces $1 million gift from Badia Spices."