California Science Center Celebrates 17th Annual Discovery Ball

News provided by

California Science Center Foundation

Mar 24, 2015, 12:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Science Center Foundation's 17^th Annual Discovery Ball on March 7, 2015, inspired by "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition," raised more than $1.5 million, distinguishing it as the most successful philanthropic event in the history of the Science Center.

Basketball player Amar'e Stoudemire and Science Center President Jeffrey N. Rudolph pose during the 17th Annual Discovery Ball at the California Science Center on Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging)

David DiCristofaro, Wells Fargo, David Siegel, Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, Lynda Oschin, Science Center President Jeffrey N. Rudolph and actor Edward James Olmos pose during the 17th Annual Discovery Ball at the California Science Center on Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging)

More than 800 gala attendees previewed over 600 artifacts from the exhibition, enjoyed cocktails in a setting reminiscent of the caves of Qumran, where the scrolls were discovered, and walked through the "Passage to Jerusalem," to dine amidst the ambiance of the ancient city. As they enjoyed gourmet Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fare, guests were entertained by a procession of traditional dancers representing the Islamic, Christian and Jewish faiths.

The annual black-tie gala, a premier philanthropic event in Los Angeles, raised funds through table sponsorships, a raffle for a 2015 Lexus NX300h hybrid and a live auction conducted by Phillip Palmer, weekday morning anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News. Science Center President, Jeffrey Rudolph noted that, "Proceeds from this fundraiser enable us to continue providing exceptional science learning and education opportunities for our community."

The Science Center's annual gala has been recognized as a "virtual who's who of the Los Angeles business community" by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Discovery Ball 2015 co-chairs were Lynda (Mrs. Samuel) Oschin, and David DiCristofaro, Los Angeles Regional President of Wells Fargo. Among the gala guests were community and business leaders as well as elected officials including: California State Treasurer John Chiang; California State Senator Robert Hertzberg; Los Angeles County Supervisor Tom La Bonge, former Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin; Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson and his wife, Chair of the California Science Center Board of Directors Fabian Wesson; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Tom La Bonge and Curren Price; former NASA astronauts John D. Olivas and Garrett Reisman; actor Edward James Olmos, and NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire.

Top donors to the 2015 Discovery Ball were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel (Lynda) Oschin, Wells Fargo, MUFG Union Bank and Toyota.

A highlight of the evening was a display that illustrated the technology utilized on Endeavour and to interpret Dead Sea Scrolls. Guests were also treated to a private IMAX screening of the film "Jerusalem 3D."

Located just south of downtown Los Angeles in Exposition Park, the California Science Center is one of Southern California's premier family destinations. The Science Center's mission is to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences and has welcomed over 27 million visitors since its grand opening in February of 1998.

Media contact:
Shell Amega
California Science Center Foundation
(213) 744-7496
[email protected]

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SOURCE California Science Center Foundation