FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE:

 

San Diego, CA—April 10, 2013—Co-Chairs Lori Fleet-Martin and Nancy Robertson invite you to celebrate the Fleet Science Center’s past, present and future on Saturday, May 11, at 6PM, at an elegant soiree in Balboa Park, as we honor the past leadership of the Fleet and imagine its innovative future. The entertaining and interactive evening will feature swanky lounge areas; a video that celebrates the Fleet’s past, present and future; signature turquoise cocktails, and a sneak peek of our newest upcoming high-tech exhibit. Activities include casino games of chance, dancing to the Fabulous Ultratones, yummy cocktails, a marvelous meal and engaging science. Our Special Guest Emcee will be KFMB Meteorologist Matt Baylow, who will host and encourage guests to "raise the paddle" in a fundraiser benefitting our new Innovation Fund at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

 

The evening will pay tribute to Executive Director Jeffrey Kirsch, retiring after 30 amazing years of stewardship, where he notably changed the face of science education in San Diego.  Kirsch, former chair of the Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA) and founding president of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, is recognized as a pioneer and major contributor to the production and exhibition of IMAX® films in science museums. He will next serve as consulting producer on an upcoming film about the Panama Canal. Many of Dr. Kirsch’s past colleagues are expected to join in the festivities, with a look back at his tenure, a fabulous revisiting of the Fleet’s 40 years of inspiring scientific discovery and a glimpse of what the next few years have in store for science education in San Diego!

 

Please join us for a memorable evening honoring the work and inspiration of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center over these past 40 years. The evening’s schedule: 6PM: cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and interactive fun by the Bea Evenson Fountain; 7:30PM: dinner and presentation in the Fleet’s Main Gallery; 9PM: dessert and dancing to the sounds of The Fabulous Ultratones; 11:30PM: last call. Black-tie or cocktail attire requested.

  Proceeds from this event benefit the Innovation Fund at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. The Fleet’s mission is “inspiring lifelong learning by furthering the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology.” For more information and tickets, visit www.rhfleet.org/bigbanggala or call 619-238-1233, ext. 830.

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The Innovation Fund––What IF you can see cutting-edge robotics and how they affect you and the world around you? What IF you could investigate the elements of the periodic table and explore virtual compounds? What IF you could make your own movie and see it in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater? What IF you could experience a new Live Science event on every visit to the Fleet? Discover dynamic educational experiences, blockbuster scientific exhibitions and new technology demystified. The newly established Innovation Fund is the Fleet’s vital resource for developing, growing and sustaining cutting-edge strategies to inspire lifelong science and technology learning, understanding and enjoyment in San Diego and beyond. IF will ensure that the Fleet expands its critical role in inspiring minds and connecting individuals to science and technology.

 

Matt Baylow is a local favorite on the KFMB TV News 8 team, bringing us up-to-the-minute information regarding San Diego’s versatile weather patterns every night at 5PM, 6:30PM & 11PM. Raised in Minnesota, he graduated from UMN with a degree in Psychology and Climatology and earned the American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval for Television Weathercasting in 1984. From his first job in Rochester, MN, his highly successful career has taken him to Las Vegas and back to Minneapolis/St. Paul before joining the News 8 team. Matt is also a certified Master Gardener.

 

Celebrate the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s 40th Anniversary Year!

Forty years ago, a spark ignited our imaginations!  March 9, 2013, kicked off a year-long celebration of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and its 40 years of success in bringing hands-on science to our San Diego community. Forty years ago, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center opened its doors and brought interactive exhibits and the world’s first IMAX® Dome Theater to San Diego. Today, the Fleet inspires minds and connects individuals to science and technology through more than 100 “do touch” exhibits for all ages and amazing IMAX films and planetarium shows in the recently renovated Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. Enjoy our year-long celebration, featuring a blockbuster exhibition, incredible events and dynamic educational experiences.