Portland, OR. For the second year in a row, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) held its annual fundraiser, Celebrate Science, on KGW-TV. The May 1st benefit raised over $700,000 to support OMSI programs that keep world-class science learning accessible to families, students, educators, and community members.
OMSI President and CEO, Erin Graham, welcomed guests to the program, noting that while many museums and organizations have closed their doors for extended periods, OMSI has operated continuously for the past 15 months; “Through OMSI’s history — from our founding in 1944, we have continually innovated to meet the needs and opportunities of the communities that we serve throughout the State. We’ve been able to do this successfully because of you. As a statewide resource, OMSI is uniquely positioned to bring urban and rural communities together to innovate and create solutions to address our collective challenges and improve long-term outcomes for all our children.”
OMSI Educator Brad Alston engages audiences across the state with OMSI Virtual Classes.
Celebrate Science funds support programs like OMSI Homeroom, which offers daily affordable, high-quality care and school work support.
Long-time OMSI supporters, David and Christine Vernier, co-founders of Vernier Software & Technology shared their belief that thanks to science, things are looking better for everyone. “We believe OMSI plays a critical role in educating and inspiring people of all ages. This event is an opportunity to shine a light on the difference OMSI has made in the lives of children, families, and this community, through the current challenging circumstances.”
In the pre-show, Celebrate Science guests hosted Zoom tables to share the evening and enjoyed Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine from Vibrant Table which paired with the VIP wine packages picked up at OMSI before the event. The complementary treat packages even included crickets to snack on from Portland-owned Cricket Flours. And Senator Ron Wyden shared a special message with guests; “Clearly, organizations like OMSI are vital because they continue to inspire generations of scientists to come.”
The main Celebrate Science event was an hour-long family-friendly program featuring OMSI educators, exhibits, experiments, science demos, and highlighting OMSI programming. OMSI’s hosts, Dale Johannes and OMSI educator Rebecca Reilly, led viewers on the fastest and slowest tour of OMSI, introduced experts who shared fascinating information about COVID, and presented an inspiring segment featuring a single mother and her son. It showed that they shared the profound impact of OMSI Homeroom, an OMSI program begun in the first two weeks of the pandemic, which offers daily affordable, high-quality care and school work support. The evening offered viewers an opportunity to call in to become sustaining members and to purchase never-before-offered OMSI experiences, such as reserving the Empirical Theater for a private movie night. OMSI partnered with KGW, Meyer Pro, and Sisbro Studios to broadcast the Celebrate Science program.
Presenting sponsors were Vernier Software & Technology and the Jon V. Jaqua and Kimberly B. Cooper Fund of OCF. Jordan Schnitzer and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation were Platinum sponsors of Celebrate Science.
About OMSI:
Anyone can get involved and assist OMSI in its ongoing efforts to extend science learning across Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Visit https://omsi.edu/donate or send an email to[email protected] for more information.
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/
