A SLICE OF LIFE
The folks at The California Science Center are known for their innovation. They have a knack after all for making education fun. That being said, it should come as no surprise that they put on one of the most creative fundraisers in town. In years past, the annual Discovery Ball has hosted Marvel comic book superheroes and the cast of Star Wars, but this year’s bash was perhaps the most reveling ever. It was a mix of cocktails and cadavers as we got VIP sneak peak of Body Worlds 3. The exhibit features 200 preserved human bodies called plastinates.
Although not for the faint of heart, the exhibit is filled with insight to the human body, health and disease. “Sure it’s controversial,” said California Science Center and Exposition Park Chairman Bill Chadwick, “but if you can show a kid the lungs of a smoker versus the lungs of a non-smoker or the liver of a drinker versus the liver of a non-drinker, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Bill and his wife Cheryl were joined by pals Blake and Brooke Davenport Cheryl wore a stunning jade green beaded chiffon gown with dazzling emerald bling. Brooke sported a dramatic off the shoulder number while the guys played safe in classic black tie.
After getting a tour of phase two of the Center’s new expansion project, science lovers made their way upstairs for a posh cocktail party. A five piece jazz band played snappy selections like “Killer Jones” while servers made the rounds with caviar bellinis and tomato tartlets. For even better body appreciation, acrobats and contortionists were on hand twisting and turning their fine forms.
In keeping with tradition, the center went all out with its Body Worlds theme. Champagne flutes were held up by skeleton hands and napkins were clipped with silver ears.
Blood red was the color of the evening with tables dressed up in Type O satin drapery, cranberry chargers and crimson chairs. Guests tucked into a gourmet spread featuring eggplant, leek and feta cheese tower; California sea bass with fennel, and white chocolate and pistachio ice cream.
Science Center board members spoke about the progress the Center has made over the years, the ground breaking exhibits as well as the simple joy of seeing a nine-year old get turned on by a subject like science. “The journey of discovery begins here,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “We’ve built a world-class science center for a world class city.”
Over the past 10 years, the Discovery Ball has raised more than $12 million to give kids of all ages a look at life that’s fresh, informative and fun.