New Donors Jumpstart Phase II of The Campaign for CuriOdyssey

By CuriOdyssey | Wed January 2, 2019

CuriOdyssey science playground and zoo received three gifts recently to ignite Phase II of The Campaign for CuriOdyssey!

The museum received a $1,000,000 gift from Connie and Robert Lurie in support of The Campaign for CuriOdyssey.

Well-known Bay Area philanthropists, the Luries actively support programs and projects that focus on education and underserved communities. Their gift to CuriOdyssey will help fund the renovation of the organization’s aging facility and the growth and expansion of its signature informal science programs for the community. “Connie and Bob understand CuriOdyssey’s educational importance to our community,” notes Linda Lanier, Campaign Co-Chair. We are delighted they recognize the promise and potential in the approach to education that CuriOdyssey offers families in the Bay Area.”

CuriOdyssey received an equally transformative gift of $1,000,000 from Chris Redlich, in honor of his mother, Jeanne Redlich.

Redlich, whose interests in education and the environment align with CuriOdyssey’s mission, was impressed with the organization’s rich content. Executive Director Rachel Meyer commented, “Chris really appreciates the importance of teaching the process of scientific inquiry to young children. Given his background and experience he knows that this approach to problem solving will serve our kids throughout their lives.”

Finally, the museum received a gift of $250,000 from Silicon Valley venture capitalist John Doerr and his wife Ann in support of the building renovation project.

Signers of the Giving Pledge, the Doerrs support for education is legendary. “John and Ann are keenly aware of projects that move the needle in terms of education and especially science education,” notes Campaign co-chair, Kat Taylor. “CuriOdyssey does just that and we are grateful for their support and vision.”

Designed by Fernau + Hartman, architects in the vanguard of sustainable building practices, the new CuriOdyssey will house twice the number of classrooms and three times the amount of exhibit space. Special features include a natural outdoor playground and an observation deck with views of the bay.

About CuriOdyssey

CuriOdyssey is a serious science playground where more than 100,000 kids each year observe wild animals and experiment with real scientific phenomena. As a science and wildlife center, CuriOdyssey helps children acquire the tools to deeply understand the changing world. We are dedicated to giving more kids the superpower of science and believe that kids learn about science and animals best out in the world and not behind a desk or a screen. CuriOdyssey is located at Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo.

SCIENCE IS A SUPERPOWER!

It’s the strongest force we have to change and shape our world. And with this power, our kids can take on any challenge the future holds.

That’s why launched a campaign to turn CuriOdyssey into the ultimate serious science playground. We will modernize and completely remake our building utilizing the principles of sustainable architecture. We will vastly increase our usable space, allowing for more classrooms, camps, exhibits and school programs. We will offer new experiences such as a wildlife observation deck and outdoor natural play area. These renovations will ultimately take CuriOdyssey from a community treasure to a world-class institution where kids learn how to take on their future.