The Crowd:

In the grand tradition of the intellectual round table, the Discovery Science Center gathered supporters known as “The Innovators” for an inaugural event at the Corona del Mar residence of Lydia and Ken HimesLydia and Ken Himes. The midweek dinner gathering was fronted by special guest of honor Michael Ramirez, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist.

The syndicated political commentator, whose work is seen by millions in more than 450 magazines and newspapers worldwide, had come to the Himes residence to speak about his newly released book, “Everyone Has The Right To My Opinion.” The book is a compilation of many of his most recognized cartoons.

It was an evening of intellectual exchange and sparkling conversation. The crowd, which included VIP guests Mary and Jack Norberg, Laurie and Dick Rodnick, Joyce and Tom Tucker, Linda and Bob Yellin, Shelly and Steve Hupp, and Marta and Raj Bhathal, immersed itself in Ramirez’s talk and exchanged plenty of opinions on complex events affecting the local community and the world at-large.

Dinner was catered by the much-appreciated Turnip Rose Elite Catering. Sampling the dinner buffet were Brenda and Bob Currie, Andrea and Jeff Reeves, Carleen and Chuck Haggerty, and community activists Maralou and Jerry Harrington. The Innovators is a sophisticated support wing of the Discovery Science Center. It is composed of passionate community leaders who steadfastly believe in the importance of science education as being vital to the future growth and prosperity of the United States and the world.

Discovery Science Center leaders in the crowd were Joe Adams, Debbie and Don Bolar, and Ross and Linda White-Peters. Also participating were the very philanthropic Harriett and Sandy Sandhu, of Pelican Point, Anne Nutt, Pam Horowitz, Rolf Uitzetter, Karla Kraft, Anderee Berengian, Leah Beal, Chatom Arkin, Emily Horowitz, Malcom Niles and Pattie and Rex Jones.

The Innovators will commit themselves to raising funds in support of science education for Orange County school children. The Discovery Science Center’s Education Fund provides scholarships to the center for thousands of school children each and every year. Also supporting the Innovators are Sheila and Jay Witzling, Janet and Peter Tong, Bonnie and David Rofsky, and Janet and Walkie Ray.

In six months since the Innovators were organized, the small but powerful group has already raised more than $178,000, which will support bus trips, science field trip scholarships, and teacher training supervised by the Discovery Science Center.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.