The Chrysler Foundation Extends its Partnership with the Detroit Science Center as Lead Founding Sponsor of the 2011 Detroit Science Gala
 

April 3, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Continuing a collaborative education-centric partnership that began in 1999, The Chrysler Foundation will be the 2011 Lead Founding Sponsor of the Detroit Science Center’s 10th annual gala, taking place Friday, May 13.

The Gala celebrates engineering, technology and science and is the Detroit Science Center’s signature annual fundraising event. “Engineers in Motorsports” is the theme of this year’s event with Jack Roush, CEO of Roush Fenway Racing and Chairman of the Board of Roush Enterprises, serving as keynote speaker. Funds raised through the Gala support programming initiatives and help keep the Detroit Science Center’s learning opportunities available to all children.

“The hands-on experience the Detroit Science Center provides is invaluable in keeping young people interested in science, technology and engineering, and in helping build the workforce of tomorrow," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC, and Trustee – The Chrysler Foundation. “Chrysler remains committed to doing what we can to support this educational gem, as it is a true source of pride for the entire region. Investing in the Science Center is also an investment in the future of Michigan and our industry.”

The Chrysler Foundation is a longtime supporter of the Detroit Science Center, donating more than $4 million over the years for exhibitions and operations. Chrysler was the first sponsor to contribute $1.5 million toward the Science Center’s modernization capital campaign in 1999 and was the first automaker to sponsor the Detroit Science Center Gala in 2001. In 2008, The Chrysler Foundation provided funding for the renovation of the then newly named Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre.

“We are thrilled to continue our longtime partnership with Chrysler through their support of the 2011 Detroit Science Gala,” said Francois J. Castaing, Chairman of the Detroit Science Center. “This year’s gala will be the highest attended in the 10-year history of the event, a great testament of Chrysler’s commitment, and that of the auto industry and our community, to support engineering, technology and science learning opportunities for children.”

In addition to supporting the Detroit Science Center, Chrysler has a proud history of furthering science, engineering and technology education. Earlier this year, The Chrysler Foundation awarded nearly $125,000 in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics grants to 17 high school teams in the United States.
 
About the Detroit Science Center

The Detroit Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires its visitors to pursue and support careers in engineering, technology and science. The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan’s only Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre, the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium, the Toyota Engineering Theater, the DTE Energy Sparks Theater and the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,000 square-foot Science Hall for traveling exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; an exhibit gallery just for pint-size scientists; and a Special Events Lobby. The Science Center is the official home of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and FIRST in Michigan, and it operates the Detroit Children’s Museum. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org.

About The Chrysler Foundation

During the past 58 years, The Chrysler Foundation has established a proud legacy of enriching the physical, educational and cultural needs of local communities in which Chrysler Group LLC conducts business. Chrysler employees also have a strong commitment to helping improve their communities by volunteering their time and talents in the places where we live and work.

The Chrysler Foundation embodies the values of the Company and its employees and, since its inception, has awarded more than $500 million in charitable grants.