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.

Date: June 27, 2003
Author: Vanessa Gregory
Contact: Tom Wickersham

SIGN UP NOW FOR AREA'S MOST CHALLENGING FUND RAISER

It is time to sign up for Explorit Science Center's 12th annual Corporate Science Challenge, the fundraising event for science trivia experts and amateurs alike. Teams will face off in Freeborn Hall on Thursday, Sept. 25 to compete in this fun, fast-paced science quiz game benefiting the children and families that enjoy Explorit's programs every day.

"It's a night of team building, networking, and fundraising for science education," says Explorit Trustee Beth Gabor. "This is an easy, fun way to support science education."

The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. with no-host cocktails, a silent auction, and dinner. The challenge follows with questions on subjects ranging from chemistry to science fiction. Teams can compete as "Serious Scientists" or in the "Just for Fun" division. For those companies or organizations that want to increase the mind power of their team, there will be a chance to bid on science experts. Past experts have included science whizzes with advanced degrees in subjects like biophysical chemistry and epidemiology.

In addition to awards for the two highest scoring teams in both divisions, this year's Challenge will award prizes to the team that shows the most spirit.

For science and technology companies in particular, the dinner and competition provide a great opportunity to mingle with colleagues and engage in a bit of friendly competition. Companies that have already signed up as Silver Sponsors include: Intel Corporation; Monsanto, Calgene Campus; Novozymes Biotech; Renessen; Stephen C. Bick, CPA,CFP; UC Davis Office of Research; and Wells Fargo.

Space is limited, so interested organizations and companies should sign up now to ensure that their team gets a chance to compete. Gold Sponsorships are $5,000 and Silver Sponsorships are $2,500. Sponsorships offer a variety of publicity benefits and are an investment in quality science education for the Greater Sacramento Region. Early confirmation is recommended to maximize benefits.

Basic playing tables are also available for $1,000.

To secure a sponsorship or table, please call Suzanne at (530) 756-0191 or email suzanne@explorit.org. For more information on Explorit Science Center, or to view Corporate Science Challenge photos and sample questions, log on to www.explorit.org.

All proceeds from the Corporate Science Challenge benefit Explorit Science Center programs. Each year, Explorit makes science come alive for children and families with hands-on programs at its Davis center and traveling programs that reach into Yolo, Sacramento, Solano, and surrounding counties. Through travel, Explorit reaches into many communities that might not otherwise have access to the educational and cultural resources of a science center.

If you cannot attend the Corporate Science Challenge this year, please consider supporting science literacy by making a contribution to Explorit Science Center.

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Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is "Count on It: Numbers in Nature," which continues through Sept. 27. Public hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday from 1 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.