Conversations
A Conversation with Catherine Horne, President and CEO of EdVenture Children's Museum
The mission of EdVenture is to inspire children to experience the joy of learning. EdVenture is dedicated to lifelong learning through its 92,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor interactive exhibit space and in its educational outreach programs and after school programs. The museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries, creating shared experiences and memories for families learning together.
The Museum will present The EdVenture Gala on May 21 at 7 p.m. The museum's largest fundraiser and one of Columbia's premier charity events will feature the presentation of the South Carolina Great Friend to Kids Award and the Unsung Hero Award honoring individuals and organizations across SC who have made a significant contribution to strengthen and advance the interests of children.
The 2011 SC Great Friend to Kids honoree is Dr. Stuart Hamilton, the founder and chief executive officer of the Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers. Dr. Hamilton's primary health care center was first to respond to the emerging health care needs of children in the Eau Claire community. The centers provide medical care in the spirit of the good Samaritan and are among the largest community health centers in the state. The Unsung Hero Award honoree is The Children's Trust of SC, an organization that prevents child abuse, neglect and unintentional injuries by promoting healthy, nurturing relationships between children and adults.
The black-tie gala will celebrate the delight, imagination and wonder of children and the museum's mission to inspire children to experience the joy of learning. Dancing, dining, music and a live and silent auction will be held on EdVenture's newest event venue, a 12,000 square-foot terrace overlooking The Congaree River.
"Support of The EdVenture Gala will allow the museum to continue to enhance the educational programs and community outreach that help bring 21st century learning skills to the children of SC," said Catherine Wilson Horne, president and chief executive officer of EdVenture.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased by phone at 803-400-1152 or online at www.edventure.org.
