Record-Breaking OMSI Gala Raises Over $1.1 Million

Portland, OR. More than 350 people attended the annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Gala on May 7th to support OMSI’s efforts to spread science education across the Pacific Northwest. David Lucas and Mike Richardson, seen above, enjoyed the cocktail reception, sponsored by Alliant Insurance. The gala, which took place inside OMSI’s historic Turbine Hall, grossed over $1.1 million through sponsorships, ticket sales, and an auction. This year’s gala, titled ‘Renaissance,’ commemorates a revival of in-person opportunities to gather, learn, and celebrate science, and connects to OMSI’s featured exhibit, The World of Leonardo da Vinci. (Photo credit, KLiK Concepts)

“The need for science literacy has reached new peaks and urgency over the past few years,” said Erin Graham, President and CEO of OMSI. “OMSI has a unique role in our community to bring people together in imagining and creating a better future. All of the money raised at the gala will support OMSI in continuing the exciting, hopeful work we do to ignite a passion for discovery in people of all ages.”

From OMSI:

Founded in 1944 by a group of volunteers, OMSI was built by the community for the community and has provided innovative and high-quality science learning experiences for more than 75 years. The gala celebrates the notion that everyone can be a successful science learner, and that is why funds raised through this event are used to uplift OMSI’s multitude of programs and make them more accessible for kids and kids-at-heart across the region and from diverse communities.

Presenting Sponsors of the gala were Vernier Software & Technology, the Jon V. Jaqua and Kimberly B. Cooper Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation/Jordan Schnitzer. Attendees were treated to fine food and cocktails provided by ChefStable, a performance by Reyna Tropical, one of NPR’s up-and-coming artists, and a heart-warming story of OMSI’s impact through a partnership with Witch Hazel Elementary School, the largest Title I School in Hillsboro. Eleven live auction packages were also sold, from local experiences to international travel.

“After two years of virtual galas the excitement to be back in person was palpable,” said Love Centerwall, Vice President of Development at OMSI. “OMSI is a privately funded nonprofit and OMSI members and donors have a huge impact on our ability to deliver accessible science education at the museum, across Oregon, and throughout the region. Our community has faced many challenges; we were all excited about coming together in support of OMSI’s ambitious, optimistic, and inclusive vision for the future.”

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.