Save as PDF and/or PrintDiving in to Make a Difference
Bubbles, ripples, rivers and waves — with all their allure and power. It’s little wonder that Leonardo da Vinci said that: “Water is the driving force of nature.” That’s the idea behind the H2O theme of this year’s Green Gala.
On October 20, Science Alley will be transformed into a grand water-themed oasis, celebrating both the driving force of water, and the organizations whose generosity is the driving force behind the Connecticut Science Center’s work. More than 40 area companies, including top sponsors UTC, UnitedHealthcare and Travelers, have stepped forward so far to sponsor the Science Center’s showpiece fundraiser this year, promising to make it the grandest yet for the 700 expected guests.
The gala theme each year highlights a critical subject area in the world of science. Exhibits such as River of Life, Planet Earth and the wet and wild fun of KidSpace’s Waterplay allow Science Center visitors to learn about water’s properties and the life that depends on it. Science Center films like Wild Ocean 3D and outreach workshops and labs on erosion, weather and states of matter allow us to teach adults and children alike about the need for human beings to protect the quality and availability of water for all species. Meanwhile, pre-gala communications such as Green Kudos posted on our facebook page help to showcase the many ways our sponsors are working to protect the natural environment.
Helping the Science Center to further its work and bring science education to even more people is the reason for the gala. So gala guests, for instance, will be purchasing twinkling, ocean-themed charms, with the $20 cost dedicated to funding a visit for a deserving student from a priority school district. Each $20 purchase will be matched by TicketNetwork and Trustee Lizabeth Zlatkus, multiplying the total number of field trips awarded.
While enjoying the exhibits, gala guests also can gain some hands-on experience with a new bit of technology right in their own pockets. The H2O-inspired auction will be riding its own high-tech wave this year. Instead of hovering around auction items and handwriting their names on bid sheets, bidders will be upping the ante wirelessly on smartphones. This BidPal system will let guests check auction progress throughout the evening from anywhere at the event; they won’t have to choose between winning their favorite items and enjoying the exhibits, food, and conversations with friends. Guests without smartphones will be loaned an iPod Touch for the evening.
The spectacular evening also features delicious tapas dining on every floor, full bars and dancing. More important, sponsors will make it possible for more children and families to dive a little deeper into science, technology, engineering and math by experiencing the Connecticut Science Center’s programs firsthand.
The Green Gala will be held at the Connecticut Science Center on Saturday, Oct. 20, 7-11PM. Benefactor ticketholders are invited to an exclusive pre-event President’s Champagne Reception 6-7PM. Tickets and information are available on the Gala page of the website or by calling (860) 520-2154.
