San Diego, CA--This year, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center takes their annual fundraiser in a new direction by hosting their first-ever virtual event: The Non Gala Experiment.

Fleet supporters and science enthusiasts are invited to participate in The Non Gala Experiment without ever having to leave home! Rather than dressing up, getting a sitter and going through the hassle and expense of attending a black-tie event, join in the fun and experiment with the Fleet in a unique online social celebration.

The Fleet will provide eight fun science experiments that participants can try at home. Four are available for the general public to try, and four more experiments will be released solely to supporters of The Non Gala Experiment. Everyone is invited to choose an experiment and share their experience on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #nongala. Those who take a "science selfie" or shoot a short video and submit it to the Fleet can have their imagery shared in the Non Gala gallery.

100% of The Non Gala Experiment proceeds will benefit the Fleet by enabling this nonprofit organization to bring the power of science to more San Diego County students, teachers and visitors. Past supporters and altruistic science enthusiasts alike are asked to help support the annual fundraiser and provide a gift of any amount to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, where innovation and discovery are celebrated, explored and shared every day.

"Science has the power to change lives, fuel economic growth and solve local and global issues. Science sparks us to explore our world... and beyond. It helps us make sense of today while enabling us to develop innovations for tomorrow," said Dr. Steve Snyder, CEO of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

"The Fleet inspires students, visitors and San Diego County residents to become lifelong science learners," Dr. Snyder continued. "Through our exhibitions, films, events, teacher professional development and educational programs, each year more than 400,000 visitors-including more than 110,000 students-experience the wonders of science."

None of the science learning at the Fleet can be done without the support of generous donors that help to keep the doors open and fund the programs that have enriched the science learning experiences of countless students and visitors every year.

Admissions revenue covers only 46% of the Fleet's operating costs. Donor support is fundamental to the success of the Science Center, allowing the Fleet to bring the power of science to more San Diego County students, teachers and residents.

To participate, science enthusiasts are asked to go to www.nongalaexperiment.com, click on the Donate button, and select a level of support to join in the fun of The Non Gala Experiment. The generosity of all participants is greatly appreciated, as is sharing The Non Gala Experiment with friends and family who would also be interested in participating and donating.

All supporters who contribute $10 or more by 4 p.m. PDT on June 6 will automatically be entered into a prize drawing to win a Taylor 524E guitar, an AR.Drone 2.0 by Parrott and many other prizes. Supporters at any level will also have access to special additional VIP Non Gala Experiment videos and experiments.

Experiments for supporters to choose from include a tricky way to walk through a 3x5 index card, a fun science puzzle or--for participants 21 or older--an experiment to make whiskey switch places with water. The Fleet provides the list of ingredients and the instructions... participants provide the at-home "lab" and enthusiasm. Experiments can be done as a solo scientist, or with friends and family to join the science fun.

Join The Non Gala Experiment today!

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The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center has representatives available to talk about the 2015 Non Gala Experiment. Interview representatives include Dr. Steve Snyder, CEO of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, and others.

To schedule an interview or a media appearance, please contact Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Public Relations Manager Nathan Young at 619-685-5743 or nyoung@rhfleet.org.

Additional Links and Information

Website: http://www.nongalaexperiment.com

Gallery: http://www.nongalaexperiment.com/#photos-videos