Support lifelong learning at SCI's 13th Annual Fundraising Event & Auction

For Immediate Release — Tuesday, August 23, 2011

DES MOINES, IA: The Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater (SCI) will host its 13th Annual Fundraising Event & Auction on Friday, August 26 from 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.

The event, held each year at the Science Center, features live music, cocktails, exceptional cuisine and live and silent auctions to benefit the Science Center of Iowa's programs, exhibits and commitment to informal science learning for all ages.

The evening's Live auction will feature 25 amazing packages, including:

·         Trip for two to Beijing, China, and tour of the Terracotta Army in Xi’an

·         Travel to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA

·         Seven-night stay in a four-bedroom condo at Bear Creek Lodge in Telluride, CO

·         Tickets to Saturday Night Live in New York City

·         Gourmet dinner at Terrace Hill with Governor Terry and First Lady Chris Branstad

·         Whiskey and beer tasting with Scott Bush of Templeton Rye and Scott Carlson of Court Avenue Brewing Company

·         John Deere riding lawn tractor

·         Laser vision correction from Wolfe Eye Clinic

In addition, the premier and silent auctions will feature more than 200 packages up for bid. For more auction details, visit sciowa.org/annualevent.

The evening’s entertainment will feature Iowa native Del “Saxman” Jones and local bands Downstairs Mix-Up and Onyx2. SCI’s exclusive caterer Taste! To Go Catering and Events will present gourmet cuisine stations, including flaming risotto, a vegetable garden and a “scientific torch” station, where lab coat and goggle-clad chefs will prepare crème brulee spoons, carmelized bananas and sugared pineapple.

Admission is $100 per person, and admission for young professional attendees ages 30 and younger is available for $50. Reservations can be made in advance by calling (515) 274-6868 ext. 223 or by emailing development@sciowa.org. Tickets will also be available Friday at the door.

This year’s Annual Fundraising Event leadership includes Event Chairs Scott and Kristin Carlson, 36 event committee volunteers from the Central Iowa community and Honorary Event Chair Priscilla Dickinson Sayeed, a longtime supporter of SCI and founding chair of SCI’s first Annual Fundraising Event.

To schedule an interview with the 2011 Event Chairs Scott and Kristin Carlson, SCI Vice President of Development Chris Kramer or SCI Director of Development Susan Kloewer, contact 515-274-6868 ext. 233 or emilee.richardson@sciowa.org.

The Science Center of Iowa’s 13th Annual Fundraising Event & Auction

Elemental Sponsors: Bridgestone Americas, Monsanto Company and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.

Presenting Sponsors: Faegre & Benson, LLP, Iowa State University, John Deere Des Moines Operations, Kemin Industries Inc., Nationwide and Katie Meredith, in honor of Priscilla Dickinson Sayeed.

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About the Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater

The Science Center of Iowa is a 110,000-sq. ft facility devoted to lifelong learning, featuring dynamic experience platforms and daily interactive demonstrations with SCI staff for visitors to explore and experiment.  By placing the power of learning in the hands of the visitor, the programmatic emphasis is not on "what" to learn, but "how" to learn.  SCI also features the 175-seat John Deere Adventure Theater for live performances, the 50-foot domed Star Theater for planetarium shows and the 216-seat Blank IMAX Dome Theater for engaging films.  SCI’s Iowa Learning Center cultivates ties to formal education through educational resources for educators and students, the NAEYC-accredited SCI Preschool, as well as a statewide outreach program.