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Record-Breaking OMSI Gala Raises Over $1 Million in Support of Science Education

Traci Wheeler, OMSI Trustee John Wheeler, CEO of Vernier Software & Technology, and OMSI Board Chair Penny Serrurier of Stoel Rives

Portland, OR. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) hosted its annual gala on May 12th, where 500 donors joined together to support OMSI’s special brand of hands-on science education across the region. OMSI President and CEO Nancy Stueber and OMSI Emeritus Trustee and Gala Co-Chair Kimberly Cooper helped highlight the meaning of “Industry” in OMSI by honoring longtime industry partners who are helping inspire the next generation of technology leaders to take on the challenges of tomorrow. (Photo credit, Erin Riddle and Kate Horton of KLiK Concepts)

Traci Wheeler, OMSI Trustee John Wheeler, CEO of Vernier Software & Technology, and OMSI Board Chair Penny Serrurier of Stoel Rives

Piper Park and Jim and Cathy Rudd

The event was co-chaired by Christopher and Jill Hall and Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua, and presented by Vernier Software & Technology. Gala attendees were treated to fine food and cocktails provided by Bon Appetit and a performance by award-winning blues artist Curtis Salgado. The evening ended with the Moonstruck Chocolate Lounge where dusted truffles and after-dinner cocktails were served to guests in the Planetarium beneath a twilight display of falling stars. Eleven live auction packages were sold at the event, including a trip to Hawaii’s Big Island with an exclusive telescope tour on Mauna Kea. It was certainly an electric celebration.

At dinner, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, OMSI Emeritus Trustee David Vernier, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, and Christine Vernier

Auctioneer Johnna Wells and Emcee Dale Johannes

Greg Chaillé, Co-Chair of the OMSI Strategic Priorities Campaign

Award winning blues artist Curtis Salgado topped off the evening with a stellar performance

OMSI Trustee Claudia Valderrama of Wieden+Kennedy and Graciani Valderrama enjoying cocktail hour with friends

Toni Stevens, from family of OMSI founder J.C. Stevens, and her special guests take a selfie

About OMSI:

Today, the museum serves over 1 million visitors at the museum and through off-site education programs. OMSI is ranked as one of the top science centers in the United States and has an international reputation for its innovative exhibits and educational programs.

More info at: www.omsi.edu

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.