Event raises more than $200,000 for Orange County science education programs
SANTA ANA, Calif. - Oct. 9, 2006 - More than 360 science and technology supporters came together at Discovery Science Center's ninth annual gala Saturday, raising more than $200,000 for science education. Proceeds from the Oct. 7 event, Quest Discovery Gala 2006, will help fund the Center's operations and many programs that provide science education to 350,000 students, teachers and other visitors each year.
Featuring an elegant prehistoric theme - to fit with Discovery Science Center's newest exhibit, Dino Quest - the evening celebrated the generosity of Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), the world's largest technology distributor, whose global headquarters is located in Orange County.
"Ingram Micro is proud to be associated with the Discovery Science Center and all that it does to educate, entertain and inspire young people, teachers and adults in our community on the wonders of science and technology," said Brian Wiser, senior vice president of sales for Ingram Micro North America. Ingram Micro, with the help of its vendors, donated nearly $100,000 in computer equipment to add the interactive element to Dino Quest.
Upon arrival, guests made their way around the perimeter of the Science Center as Orange County High School of the Arts students danced in reptilian costumes to set the tone of the evening. Once inside the gates of the Dino Quest exhibit, guests enjoyed cocktails and an interactive game set among the giants of the Mesozoic Era in the 10,000-sq.-ft. simulated dig site.
After being seated for dinner inside the Science Center, guests enjoyed a live auction, featuring prizes such as a "Behind-the-Ropes" experience of the Toshiba Senior Classic, a trip to the Galapagos Islands, a dinner party catered by Turnip Rose, a boat cruise with Janet and James "Walkie" Ray, and a puppy from Orange County Animal Care Services. A year's supply of food and puppy accessories comes courtesy of Anaheim Feed and Pet Supply.
Afterward, Turnip Rose provided their famed silver dome service for dinner, which pleased carnivorous and herbivorous appetites alike.
Private and corporate sponsors who showed their support for Discovery Science Center by helping to underwrite the gala included: Ingram Micro, The Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation, Bank of America, The Boeing Company, Conexant, Janet and James "Walkie" Ray, Wells Fargo Bank, Edison International and Beckman Coulter, Inc.
"We are fortunate to have the support of our local business community year round, but most importantly during our annual gala," Joe Adams, president of Discovery Science Center said. "The money received at this event is an investment in the education programs we offer to Orange County."
About the Discovery Science Center
Discovery Science Center has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors, including more than 650,000 school children on educational field trips, since opening its doors in December of 1998. Inside Discovery Science Center, guests will encounter more than 100 hands-on exhibits in eight themed areas. The Center's newest exhibit is unique to the West Coast and gives guests the opportunity to feel the fury of a Category 1 hurricane. Also inside the Science Center are a showcase gallery for traveling exhibits and special events and a store filled with creatively clever gift ideas for all ages.
Located off of Interstate Five at Main Street in Santa Ana, Discovery Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding and appreciation of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. For more information, visit www.discoverycube.org
About Ingram Micro Inc.
As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves more than 140 countries and is the only global broadline IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com.
2006 Ingram Micro Inc. All rights reserved. Ingram Micro and the registered Ingram Micro logo are trademarks used under license by Ingram Micro Inc.
Press contact: Nicole Trombly Ingram Micro Inc. (714) 382-5581 nicole.trombly@ingrammicro.com