LG Innovators' Ball Soared to New Heights in 2012

New format to recognize Canadian innovators is an award winner

TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Last Thursday night, more than 500 guests "flew to the moon" at the 2012 LG Innovators' Ball.  Along with event co-chairs Eric Agius and Mitch Frazer, guests celebrated innovation at the Ontario Science Centre. This year's theme was "Fly me to the Moon" to tie in with the Science Centre's newest exhibition Beyond Planet Earth: The Future of Space Exploration.

Funds raised will help to support the Science Centre's community access programs for children, youth and families who would not otherwise be able to visit the Centre. "We are delighted again this year by the generous support of our sponsors and donors. Since the event started six years ago, we have raised nearly $2.5 million in net proceeds to help open our doors so everyone in the community can experience the benefits of a Science Centre visit and the wonder, excitement and inspiration for learning.  At this year's Ball, we also raised $100,000 for the Adopt-a-Class program, which will provide class visits for children from Toronto's priority neighbourhood schools to visit," said Ontario Science Centre CEO Lesley Lewis.

This year's LG Innovators' Ball also introduced the first Ontario Science Centre Innovator Awards, which recognize Canadian leaders and innovators in business, science and the broader community who have inspired others to embark on a journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for Canadians. This year's Award recipients were The Honourable William G. Davis, the 18th Premier of Ontario, and Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS.

The Honourable William G. Davis, the 18^th Premier of Ontario, served from 1971 to 1985 and throughout his term was often called "The Education Premier." As an early champion for establishing the Ontario Science Centre, he was recognized with this year's Innovator Award for his work as a remarkable contributor to Ontario and Canada as both Minister of Education and Premier.

Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS was honoured with an Innovator Award this year for making a world of difference to telecommunications globally and for TELUS' dedication to educating, empowering and inspiring youth.

During the dinner and awards, Canadian crooner Matt Dusk entertained guests. "This year's Ball was a truly inspiring evening," noted Ms. Lewis. "Our guests and honorees embraced this year's event and demonstrated their commitment to making a change in our communities. The LG Innovators Ball was once again a tremendous success."

About Our Sponsors
The LG Innovators' Ball is supported by title sponsor LG Electronics Canada. Other sponsors include: TELUS (Event & Adopt-a-Class Challenge), TAXI (Event & Adopt-a-Class Challenge), Cisco Systems (Guest Welcome), Symcor Inc. (Dinner), Empire Life Investments (Cocktail Reception), Google Canada (After Dinner Reception), Scotiabank (Event), The Globe and Mail (Media), HELLO! Canada (Media), Cossette Media (Media Agency), CV Studios (Print), High Road Communications (Communications), Chair-man Mills (Rentals), McNabb Roick Events (Decor), Stratus Vineyards (Wine) and Iceberg Vodka (Spirits).

About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed over 46 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for science centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Please visit us at Ontariosciencecentre.ca.  www.Facebook.com/OntarioScienceCentre  Twitter: @OntScienceCtr.
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OntarioScienceCentre.

About LG Electronics, Inc.
The LG brand was established in 1995. The company is a global leader in electronics, information and communications products, with more than 82,000 employees working in 77 countries around the world, and annual worldwide revenues of more than US $40 billion. LG Electronics Canada is comprised of five business units - Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Home Entertainment, Business Solutions and Commercial Air Conditioning. The company has offices in Toronto and Vancouver. LG Electronics Canada is focused on delivering award-winning products known for blending style and technology. These innovative products include cell phones, flat screen TVs, laptop computers and home appliances. For more information please visit www.lg.com.

Image with caption: "2012 LG Innovators' Ball - From left to right: Ontario Science Centre Vice-Chair Brian Chu, CEO Lesley Lewis, Mitch Frazer, Partner, Torys LLP (event co-chair), former Premier of Ontario William G. Davis, Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS and Eric Agius, CEO, LG Electronics Canada (event co-chair). Mr. Davis and Mr. Entwistle were honoured with the inaugural Ontario Science Centre Innovator Awards. (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121029_C2955_PHOTO_EN_19811.jpg

SOURCE: Ontario Science Centre

Anna Relyea
Director, Strategic Communications
Ontario Science Centre
416-696-3273
[email protected]