This page contains the material submitted to the local paper - The Davis Enterprise - for Explorit Science Center's news column published in that paper on Fridays.

Article for: The Davis Enterprise
Date: July 1, 2005
Author: Pamela Emery

FUND-RAISER GOES TO THE MOVIES

Familiar with the visual effects of "Batman Begins?" Looking forward to "War of the Worlds?" Enjoy the effects of surround sound at the theaters? Or just a science know-it all? If so, area companies and interested groups are encouraged to form exciting teams of eight. It's time to "take the challenge" and sign up for the area's most challenging fundraiser-the Corporate Science Challenge.

The Corporate Science Challenge is quite an academic brain-stretcher for science trivia experts and amateurs alike. On September 22, at Freeborn Hall on the UC Davis campus, up to forty teams will enjoy an evening of fine dining, a silent auction, and a live science quiz game. This year's theme is "Explorit Goes to the Movies!"

"This is not the typical fundraiser. It is also an evening of networking and team-building," says Beth Gabor, Corporate Science Challenge chair and Explorit trustee. Many organizations spend lots of money on special team-building seminars and programs. Gabor says, "The Challenge has unique team-building experiences built right into this annual fundraiser."

The event supports the programs Explorit offers to youth and adults. It is Explorit's largest fundraiser of the year.

The line-up for this year's Challenge is looking strong with seventeen teams already in place. These companies not only value Explorit, but they realize that the dinner and competition provide great opportunities to mingle with colleagues and engage in a bit of friendly competition.

"Seats are limited and the stakes are high," says Tom Wickersham of Explorit who has been involved with this fundraiser for years. Teams may choose to compete in one of two divisions: "The Serious Scientists" or "Just for Fun." Each division winner will take home a trophy. The perpetual trophy, designed by Sacramento artist David Rible, will be awarded to the team with the highest overall score. Awards will also go to "The Best Dressed" and "The Most Enthusiastic" teams.

Twists and turns make this an exciting event for all. "Science Experts" are auctioned off, noisy competitions between teams arise, and the questions themselves create healthy discussions among teammates, that is as healthy as they can get during the twenty-second time period.

This is the Corporate Science Challenge's fourteenth year. For details on how to sign up, to read about this year's evening program, or to view the Corporate Science Challenge photo gallery, go to www.explorit.org or contact Explorit at (530) 756-0191.


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Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th St. in East Davis. The current exhibition "Construction Zone: Can You Build It?" runs through September 11, 2005. Public hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.explorit.org or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.