Going, going, gone! The RBC Innovators’ Ball, the Ontario Science Centre’s signature fundraising event, has extended its reach beyond the gala walls with an eAuction that offers exciting, experiential packages — from a tour of the Galapagos Islands to a private dinner with astronaut Chris Hadfield to platinum seats at a Toronto Maple Leafs game. This year’s eAuction provides science lovers who are unable to attend the sold-out event with an opportunity to support the Science Centre’s community access programs with the click of a button. Packages can be viewed at BidsfortheBall.ca. Bidding opens on November 1 at 9 a.m. EST and closes on November 15 at 9:30 p.m. EST, the evening of the 2018 RBC Innovators’ Ball.
“The support of our sponsors and donors at the RBC Innovators’ Ball, and throughout the year, is vital to ensure that a Science Centre experience is accessible to all members of the community, particularly youth from Ontario’s underserved neighbourhoods,” said Maurice Bitran, PhD, CEO and Chief Science Officer, Ontario Science Centre. “Early exposure to inspiring experiences can ignite a lifelong interest in science and technology, encourage the innovators of the future, and foster a more science-literate population.”
In the past 10 years, this event has raised more than $4.5 million to provide critical funding for the Ontario Science Centre’s community access programs, which serves 78,000 children and adults annually. These industry-leading community access programs include Adopt-a-Class, a vital program that provides students with the opportunity for learning and discovery, regardless of financial means.
“We’re proud to support the Ontario Science Centre in achieving their purpose of using technology and innovation to help shape a better future for tomorrow,” said Martin Wildberger, Executive Vice-President, Innovation & Technology, RBC. “The world is changing faster than ever before, and giving youth access to early science learning fosters critical thinking, collaboration and communication; skills that are essential to help young people and their communities thrive in the future.”
Now in its 11th year, the 500-person event explores how innovation is transforming our daily lives by celebrating Canadian visionaries, presenting fresh ideas and uncovering the journey from inception to invention. This year’s presenters are Ryan Janzen, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, TransPod; Harleen Kaur, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ground News; and Mina Mitry, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kepler Communications.
For more information about the RBC Innovators’ Ball, including its eAuction, please visit RBCInnovatorsBall.ca. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre’s community access programs, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca.
