OMSI 2023 Gala Raises Over $1 Million to Support Science Education

OMSI 2023 Gala Raises Over $1 Million to Support Science Education

by | Sep 19, 2023 | Events, Features, Fundraisers, News, nonprofit

Portland, OR. The annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Gala garnered significant support for science education initiatives across the Pacific Northwest. With more than 350 attendees, the gala on May 6th, hosted within OMSI’s historic Turbine Hall, achieved a remarkable milestone by raising over $1 million through various avenues, including sponsorships, ticket sales, paddle raises, and an auction. Above, Presenting Sponsor, Jordan Schnitzer, and Renata Baranow posed for a photo at the Gala’s cocktail hour. The theme of this year’s gala, aptly titled ‘Kaleidoscope,’ embraced the vibrant colors and playful spirit of OMSI’s recently revitalized brand.

Portland Garment Factory created a photo lounge backdrop in the theme of Kaleidoscope for guests to enjoy. Presenting Sponsors Christine and David Vernier, and Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua, get their photos taken by KLiK Concepts.

Portland Garment Factory created a photo lounge backdrop in the theme of Kaleidoscope for guests to enjoy at the May 6th event Here, Presenting Sponsors Christine and David Vernier, and Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua, get their photos taken by KLiK Concepts.

Joe Bingold, OMSI’s incoming Board Chair, kicks off the Gala program with an inspiring story.

Guests generously express their commitments to science education through the Gala’s paddle raise. Included at the table in the foreground are Mike and Karie Richardson and their guests, Mike Erickson, David Lucas, Jeff Heatherington, Ruslan Kamalov, Jimmie Herrod, Michael and Marietta Harrison, Cheri Cooley-Hick, and Ken Hick.

OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham

Erin Graham, President and CEO of OMSI, expressed, “For OMSI, this year represents a period of exciting growth, rejuvenation, and the sowing of seeds for the future. OMSI plays a unique role in our community by uniting individuals in envisioning and cultivating a greener, more equitable future. The funds generated from the gala will further OMSI’s mission to ignite a passion for discovery in people of all ages.”

Founded in 1944 by a dedicated group of volunteers, OMSI has been a pillar of science education for over 75 years, offering innovative and high-quality learning experiences. As a privately funded nonprofit, OMSI heavily relies on the support of its members and donors to make a lasting impact. The gala underscores the belief that everyone can become a successful science learner, and the funds raised during the event will be channeled into enhancing OMSI’s diverse range of programs and making them more accessible to children and adults from various communities across the region.

The gala’s Presenting Sponsors included Jordan Schnitzer/The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Vernier Science Education, and the Jon V. Jaqua and Kimberly B. Cooper Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. Attendees were treated to delectable cuisine and cocktails provided by Devil’s Food Catering, enjoyed a performance by Jimmie Herrod, a local singer-songwriter and finalist from America’s Got Talent, and were moved by a heartwarming story highlighting OMSI’s impact through inclusive and accessible bilingual Play Labs for young children and their families. The event also featured eleven live auction packages, ranging from local experiences to international travel.

Love Centerwall, Vice President of Development at OMSI, shared, “The OMSI Gala embodies a celebration of science, community, and curiosity, and this year our supporters truly stepped up, contributing over $1 million! The enthusiasm for our mission and our vision for the future was palpable—tonight, we witnessed an extraordinary commitment to OMSI and our mission to deepen and expand our programs throughout the region.”

About OMSI: 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 that relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to sustain its educational mission, programs, and exhibits. You too can join OMSI in its ongoing mission to promote science education across Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. Visit [www.omsi.edu/donate](www.omsi.edu/donate) or contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for more information.

OMSI’s ‘Celebrate Science’ Benefit Raises over $700,000

OMSI’s ‘Celebrate Science’ Benefit Raises over $700,000

by | May 14, 2021 | Events, Features, News

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/