Record-Breaking “OMSI 2019 Gala: Celebrating 75 Years” Raises Over $1.5 M

Governor Kate Brown, Piper Park, Kathy Rudd and Pat Reser prepare for an evening of fun to support science education.

Portland, OR. More than 500 people attended the annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Gala to support efforts to spread science education across the Pacific Northwest. Governor Kate Brown, Piper Park, Kathy Rudd and Pat Reser were on hand for the May 4th gala. The benefit, which took place at OMSI, grossed more than $1.5 million through sponsorships, ticket sales and an auction, making it the nonprofit museum’s most successful event to date. This year’s gala, titled ‘Diamond Jubilee,’ commemorated OMSI’s 75th anniversary.

Trond Ingvaldsen, Turid Owren, Jon Jaqua, Kimberly Cooper and Wally Van Valkenburg

Marcia Randall and Kristin Rogers

Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle and wife Ann visit with Senator Ron Wyden (center)

Marcus Lintner, Linda Rae Hickey and OMSI Emeritus Board Chair Gary Maffei strike a pose in the Durham and Bates Photo Lounge. Photos by KLiK Concepts (Kenton Waltz and Erin Riddle)

Courtney Cooper, Christine Vernier, OMSI President & CEO Nancy Stueber, Dan Stueber and OMSI Emeritus Trustee David Vernier enjoy the cocktail reception.

Sisters Kathy Deggendorfer and Sally Bany visit with OMSI Emeritus Board Chair Gary Maffei during the cocktail hour.

Guests are showered with confetti as the record-breaking $1,535,000 total is announced.

Governor Brown celebrates the evening with the Starella Sisters.

Guests enjoy the Gala After Dark after-party.

Thomas Lauderdale, China Forbes and the entire Pink Martini collective entertain OMSI’s guests at the Gala After Dark after-party.

OMSI celebrates the notion that everyone can be a successful science learner. Regardless of where they live or how much money they have – everyone has the right to feel the joy of curiosity, the thrill of exploration and the power of innovation and problem solving. This is why funds raised at the gala are used for the museum’s statewide education outreach efforts, financial aid programs and a multitude of learning and development initiatives.

“It’s so important for everyone to have access to science and technology,” said Nancy Stueber, president and CEO of OMSI. “Science learning starts with the spark of curiosity and asking questions. We want to keep the spark alive with hands-on learning experiences. The money we raised at the gala will help us further our goals for science learning, both in the experiences we will create and the access we can provide.”

OMSI has been a part of Oregon’s community for 75 years. Founded in 1944 by a group of volunteers, who wanted to show Oregonians and the world just how special and unique this place is, the museum continues to put the “O” in its name as it serves all of Oregon. From the very beginning, the museum was built by the community for the community.

“This year’s gala was a resounding success because it demonstrates the level of commitment and support we have from the community,” said Love Centerwall, vice president of development at OMSI. “As a private, non-profit organization, about one-third of our annual budget comes from our generous donors. OMSI’s quality experiences, financial aid program, and broad reach would not be possible without them.”

Anyone can get involved and assist OMSI in its ongoing efforts to extend science-learning across Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Visit www.omsi.edu/donate or send an email to donate@omsi.edu for more information.

About OMSI

Our Mission

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) inspires curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, fosters experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulates informed action.

OMSI is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to continue our educational mission, programs, and exhibits.

More information at: https://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.