Applying Scientific Method

Enthusiasm was the watchword at a party celebrating the upcoming “Dynamic Dimensions--An Astronomic Affair” benefit for the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana.

Underwriters of the Oct. 28 gala joined the center’s board of directors and members of the gala committee for a recent reception at the home of art collectors Darrel and Marsha Anderson of Newport Beach.

The black-tie gala--which will be held at Discovery Science Center--promises a night of dining, dancing and carefree play amid 100 hands-on exhibits, including the ever-popular bed of nails.

Proceeds from the $250-per-ticket gala will help fund new exhibits for the center as well as its community outreach programs and field trips for schoolchildren.

“We’re celebrating our second year of operations and things are going great,” said Rob Kent, center board chairman. “But we’re looking for opportunities to bring in new exhibits all the time--to keep things fresh.”

Catherine Thyen, gala co-chairwoman with Olivia Johnson, noted that the center is always looking to expose new audiences to its exhibits.

“We’ve been heartened by the success we’ve had since it opened, but we’re still new, so our goal is to keep letting Orange County know that we’re here, we’re fun and educational,” she said.

Johnson said the benefit would be a hands-on experience “in keeping with the spirit of the center.”

“Everyone gets to dress like grown-ups but play like children, “ she said.

During the reception, guests oohed and ahhed over the Andersons’ eclectic art collection as they helped themselves to tasty pasta and cheeses served up on a chandelier-lit buffet table.

Board member James “Walkie” Ray’s involvement with the center stemmed from his interest in youth education. “It’s a place for students, families and teachers, with a demonstrable history of success in enhancing science education,” he said.

Gala committee member Anne Nutt praised the center’s progressive approach to helping people learn about science. “[The center] is really blazing trails in the community,” she said. “It’s about building relationships and friends as well as funds.”

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