Two Northwest Software Families Make Major Gifts to OMSI

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) has recently benefited from two major donations. A $450,000 gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was recently awarded toward OMSI's general operation costs. Additionally, local Portland success story, Vernier Software, led by Dave and Christine Vernier, has provided a $250,000 donation. Dave's interest in science education started with his first career as a local high school physics teacher; he started Vernier Software, which provides educational software for teachers in his garage! OMSI will be unveiling the new Vernier Technology Lab on November 17, 1999.

"The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation only donates to institutions that have been invited to apply for funding, which makes their contribution to OMSI even more significant," says Leann Standish-Holm, vice president of development. "We are honored just to have been asked to apply."

"These are very important gifts for OMSI," states Standish-Holm. "They enable us to uphold a tradition of quality science and technology education for kids and families." Both donations will help support a variety of OMSI programs and also general operating costs. "Finding support for the general operating budget is often difficult because donors like to know specifically where their money will be used, but without an operation budget OMSI cannot function. These gifts demonstrate the confidence both the local community and other corporations have in OMSI."

OMSI is an independent, educational and cultural resource dedicated to improving the public's understanding of science and technology through hands-on exhibits, programs and experiences that emphasize interactive participation. For more information, including show times and prices, call (503) 797-4000, or check the OMSI website.