LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Friday, May 16, 2014, California Science Center Discovery Ball guests will experience an ancient city at the height of the Roman Empire as they preview the west coast premiere of Pompeii: The Exhibition. Gala attendees will be the first Science Center guests to see more than 150 artifacts from the unparalleled collection of the Naples National Archaeological Museum in Italy, including full body casts of the volcano's victims, wall-sized frescos, marble and bronze sculptures, jewelry, and ancient Roman coins. These treasures provide extraordinary detail and insight into the daily life of Pompeii, including a reproduced bordello, before it was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago.
The theme and décor of the 16th Annual Discovery Ball will immerse guests in the gardens and villas of Pompeii to experience a sumptuous cocktail reception and Italian feast, with dinner entertainment and a live auction hosted by Fritz Coleman, NBC4 weathercaster. A highlight of the evening will be the transformation of the Samuel Oschin Pavilion into an out-of-this-world night club with Space Shuttle Endeavour as the centerpiece. Guests will also be treated to a private IMAX Screening of the film "Forces of Nature."
Gala co-chairs are Anne Shen Smith, past Chairman and CEO of Southern California Gas Company and Robert S. Carter, Senior Vice President - Automotive Operations of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The annual black-tie gala, a stellar philanthropic event in Los Angeles, raises funds to benefit the California Science Center Foundation through table sponsorships, live auction, and a raffle for a Lexus RC F performance coupe. Science Center President, Jeffrey Rudolph notes that, "The proceeds from this fundraiser enable us to continue providing exceptional science learning and education opportunities for our community."
The Science Center's annual gala has been recognized as a "virtual who's who of the Los Angeles business community" by the Los Angeles Business Journal and ranked 3rd among Southern California's Top 100 Benefits according to BizBash three years running. For more details and to reserve a table or purchase raffle tickets, please contact the Development Office at (213) 744-2035 or galainfo@cscmail.org or go to http://goto.californiasciencecenter.org/gala .
Located just south of downtown Los Angeles in Exposition Park, the California Science Center is one of Southern California's premier family destinations. The Science Center's mission is to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences and has welcomed over 24 million visitors since its grand opening in February of 1998.
Media contact:
Shell Amega
California Science Center Foundation
213-744-7496
samega@cscmail.org
SOURCE California Science Center Foundation
