For years, the Discovery Center in Springfield showed school kids that science is pretty cool.
But during the 2020 pandemic, its importance has become more magnified as the Discovery Center serves as a childcare facility for local medical professionals. After all, schools are shut down.
“As your local, non-profit science center, we only exist because of community support,” Discovery Center Executive Director Rob Blevins said. “But now, more than ever, we need the community’s help to continue helping the helpers by providing free childcare for our heroes on the front lines.”
The Discovery Center, sensing a need, went through all the proper channels at the state level to secure its childcare license.
“We want to make sure that childcare is one item — one big, stressful item — that your nurse, doctor, surgeon, pharmacist or any other healthcare professional isn’t have to think about so that they can concentrate on critical care,” Blevins added.
The Discovery Center was the idea of the Junior League of Springfield. Partnered with Greene County Medical Society Alliance, it was incorporated in 1991 as a 501c-3 governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
In 1992, the Discovery Center purchased three 1920s-era buildings in downtown Springfield, and those were combined into one 25,000 square-foot science center. The idea was for it be filled with interactive exhibits, labs and programs to spark the imagination of people of all ages. After more funding was raised and exhibits brought in, the Discovery Center opened to the public in 1998.
The Discovery Center joined the PGA Korn Ferry Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper in 2019, with the tournament helping fund its mission.
It’s mission statement: The Discovery Center of Springfield inspires curiosity and a life-long love of learning through memorable and engaging hands-on experiences in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education by delivering a world-class experience through cutting edge science.
TO SUPPORT THE DISCOVERY CENTER …
$25 — TLC PROPERTIES CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES
A $25 ticket in the TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes enters you to win one of two grand prizes — either a 2020 Toyota Tundra (pictured) or $10,000. We have 8,000 tickets, and each is also good for a four-day grounds pass to the tournament, plus enters to win you into one of 125 daily prizes during the tournament.
GOLF TOURNAMENTS
Play with a pro & enjoy top courses such as Highland Springs, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, LedgeStone Country Club, Millwood Golf & Racquet Club & Fremont Hills Country Club. Includes a great golfer gift package, continental breakfast, lunch, on-course beverages, team photos & trophies. Check out our list of golf experiences
GOLF BALL & CHARITY AUCTION
Sponsored by Copy Products Inc. and University Plaza, this event is on Tuesday, July 21 at University Plaza Convention Center. We’ll also have electronic bidding at bidpal.net!
THE ULTIMATE presented by Custom Metalcraft & Ridewell Suspensions
Win a 2020 Corvette Stingray, as a $1,200 buy-in guarantees a 1-in-100 chance of winning the car and a 1-in-10 chance of winning $1,000. You’ll also receive many other perks, including air-conditioned seating on the 18th green during the PCCC along with clubhouse parking, a luxurious dinner on Friday, July 17 at Highland Springs Country Club as well as breakfast and lunch in the clubhouse daily during the PCCC, plus his and her shirts.
NAMI NEON 5K RUN
Join us Saturday, Aug. 22 for the inaugural NAMI Neon Night 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention. It’s at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park in west Springfield. This event will in part benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Southwest Missouri. Register here.
ROCKIN’ ROLL BIKE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Turn out on Saturday, October 10 at the Riff. Not only ride in the afternoon on rides of 40, 20 or 10 miles but stay for the dinner and concert! All supporting Music Therapy of the Ozarks.
FOR ANY SPONSORSHIP, CALL 417-887-3400