Da Vinci Science Center Raises $119,000 to support Access at the 2025 Science Soirée

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tamara Krizek, 917-692-5038, tamara.krizek@davincisciencecenter.org

ALLENTOWN, PA, May 2, 2025 – Da Vinci Science Center is proud to announce the incredible success of its 2025 Science Soirée, which raised more than $119,000 to support Access—ensuring that every child and family has the opportunity to experience the joy of science.

Thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors, and supporters, these funds will open the doors to engaging, hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) experiences for countless children throughout our region.

Held at Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion, the Science Soirée was not just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and community. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable night of immersive entertainment including live animal encounters, a dazzling LED robot, mesmerizing aerialist performances, and nitrogen-chilled ice cream demonstrations that brought science to life in the most delicious way.

The evening also honored the region’s brightest STEAM leaders through our annual STEAM Awards, recognizing outstanding students and teachers who are making a powerful impact in education, innovation, and community engagement.  This year’s winners include:

2025 STEAM Student Award Winners:

• DeAndre Bentinck, Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School
• Jillian Halm, Freedom High School
• Grace Kirby, Northampton High School
• Mia Napolitano, Freedom High School
• Gage Reichard, Louis E. Dieruff High School

2025 STEAM Educator Award Winners:

• Joshua Inman, Catasauqua High School
• Emily Lepore, Steckel Elementary School
• Nicole Leskosky, William Allen High School

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us to make this night such a success,” said Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO. “The energy in the room was electric, and the support from our community means more students will get the chance to explore, experiment, and dream big through science.”

Special thanks to our sponsors and partners, whose support made this night possible. Together, we are building a future where STEAM learning is accessible and inspiring for all.

For more information about  scholarship opportunities, or ways to support Da Vinci Science Center, please visit davincisciencecenter.org.

About Da Vinci Science Center
Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning non-profit science center that has been bringing science to life and lives to science for 30 years. With our exciting new downtown Allentown location, Da Vinci Science Center experiences make science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. To learn more about our programs, visit davincisciencecenter.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

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