Tenth Annual RBC Innovators' Ball brings together Canadian visionaries to celebrate science in Canada
New eAuction features unique experiential science-themed prizes
TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Featuring three remarkable innovators, the sold-out 10th anniversary RBC Innovators' Ball on November 7 celebrates science and curiosity to raise funds for the Ontario Science Centre and its vital community access programs. Guests will learn how Canadian visionaries are combining artificial intelligence with emerging technologies to transform what's possible for human health – from an app that will tackle the spread of global epidemics, to machine learning that's unlocking new treatments at the genetic level, to a combination of wearable tech and monitoring to support those with developmental and neurological disorders.
"The RBC Innovators' Ball fosters the curiosity that powers innovation," said Maurice Bitran, Ph.D., CEO and Chief Science Officer, Ontario Science Centre. "Our signature fundraising event brings together Canadian visionaries to celebrate new ideas, inspire new perspectives, and raises funds to ensure access to the wonder of science for everyone with a thirst for knowledge and discovery."
Led by event co-chairs Brett Marchand, Executive Chairman, Cossette and President of Vision 7 International, and Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada, one of Canada's foremost fundraisers -- named last year by BizBash as one of the top 100 events in Toronto -- builds on its track record of championing integral community access initiatives by bringing together key influencers to explore how innovation is transforming our world, every day.
"The Ontario Science Centre nurtures wonder, rewards curiosity and inspires learning. It is a place where innovation is celebrated, answers are collaboratively discussed and most importantly, questions are not only asked, but welcomed," said Marchand.
Added Smith, "We are proud to foster curiosity as a way to innovate for the future in support of industry-leading community access programs, which provide more than 90,000 children and adults each year with the opportunity to explore their curiosity and experience the excitement of an Ontario Science Centre visit. This is a critical investment in our shared future."
In the past nine years, this event has raised more than 4 million dollars to provide critical funding for the Ontario Science Centre's community access programs, including Adopt-a-Class, a vital program that provides students with the opportunity for learning and discovery, regardless of financial means.
"This year we're proud to announce the RBC Innovators' Ball is set to raise more than $525,000," said Bruce Ross, Group Head, Technology & Operations RBC. "By providing early access to science-based learning, the Ontario Science Centre and RBC are able to ensure children develop, from a very young age, the 21st century skill sets they need to succeed."
New this year, the RBC Innovator's Ball will feature an eAuction with unique science-themed experiential packages. Anyone can bid – guests in attendance as well as people at home. The prizes include:
- A nine night educational journey for two to the Antarctic Peninsula, with a stay in the exclusive Owner's Cabin and behind-the-scenes access to the Scientific Research Centre (weather and sea conditions permitting), donated by G Adventures
- An exclusive exhilarating two-hour experience in Air Canada's world-class full flight simulator - used to train pilots, donated by Air Canada
- An out-of-this-world private dinner (for up to 8 people) with Canada's first spacewalker, Commander Chris Hadfield!
The eAuction will be available for bidding before the event at www.rbcinnovatorsball.ca/auction
Celebrating science and curiosity, the 10th annual RBC Innovators' Ball also offers guests the opportunity to experience VR, see AI robots in action and be inspired by the journey of innovators while enjoying exceptional cuisine, provocative dialogue, as well as an eAuction with exclusive prizes.
For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit: www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca
About our Sponsors:
The RBC Innovators' Ball is supported by Title sponsor RBC. Diamond sponsors:
Air Canada, Amadeus IT Group, Cossette and IBM, additional sponsors include: Accenture, Barrick Gold Corporation, G Adventures, Google, Interad, Samsung Canada, TELUS and The&Partnership
About the Ontario Science Centre:
The Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 51 million visitors since it opened in 1969, pioneering an interactive approach adopted by science centres around the world. Today, the Science Centre is a leader in free-choice science learning and a key player in Ontario's innovation ecosystem, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. It is also a venue for the public dialogue about science, technology and society. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca
About RBC:
Royal Bank of Canada is Canada's largest bank, and one of the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor services and capital markets products and services on a global basis. We have approximately 81,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 16 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 35 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.
RBC helps communities prosper, supporting a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. For more information please see: http://www.rbc.com/community-sustainability/.
SOURCE Ontario Science Centre
Anna Relyea, Director, Strategic Communications, Ontario Science Centre, 416-696-3273 Cell: 416-668-1967, [email protected]
Share this article