EXPLORIT SCIENCE CENTER - Special Events

Created and founded in 1991, the Corporate Science Challenge is a fund-raising event held each fall to benefit Explorit. This event, which traditionally takes place on a Thursday evening early in October, begins with cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction before moving on to the main event: a science quiz program that pits as many as 40 teams against each other in live, lightning-quick play to answer multiple-choice questions that range from layperson-simple to expert-tough.

Teams may choose to compete in one of two divisions: "The Serious Scientists" or "Just for Fun."

Team members

"This is not the typical fundraiser. It is also an evening of networking and team-building," says Beth Gabor, a former 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.

"It is fun, competitive, and you do not have to be a science genius to participate," said Tim Magill, whose enthusiastic Waste Management team took home the 2005 best-dressed prize. "The Corporate Science Challenge has become tradition for Waste Management. We have participated in the event for a number of years, and now have employees that look forward to this fun way to raise money for Explorit Science Center."

Local and regional businesses sponsor the Corporate Science Challenge either by being a table sponsor that allow them to participate in the quiz or by becoming Silver or Gold sponsor, a level of support that offers some extra perks for the sponsor. The Challenge provides an opportunity for these businesses to not only strut their science stuff, but also mingle and network with colleagues and competitors alike.

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 also go to such categories as "The Best Dressed" or "The Most Enthusiastic" teams.

Tim Magill of Waste Management emphasized that while the Corporate Science Challenge is fun, the event supports a much more serious, high-stakes project.

"It is critical to encourage our youth to become involved in science-our future depends on it," said Magill. "We are fortunate to have this unique science center resource in our area and we must assure its continuation. Science is one area where one human being, given the opportunity, can take one idea and change the world for the better."