Irvine, Calif., Oct 28, 2016 WHAT: The Taste of Math, the signature fundraising event supporting the social impact nonprofit MIND Research Institute’s Math Fair, will gather renowned chefs and local restaurants to host an estimated 300 guests on November 4, 2016, at the OC Fair & Event Center.
The evening will feature best-selling author and mathematician, Dr. Eugenia Cheng, who will entertain guests by introducing mathematics as powered by cooking. A University of Cambridge graduate, Dr. Cheng has been featured on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. Additionally, chefs from Campbell Soup Company will be on hand to demonstrate cooking through the lens of food ratios.
"Beautiful mathematical concepts can be found in the culinary arts," said Dr. Matthew Peterson, CEO and co-founder of the MIND Research Institute. "It was a natural fit that the fundraising event for our annual Math Fair would allow people to not only experience these fascinating mathematical concepts through food, food sciences and the culinary arts, but also be able to taste them!" Culinary partners include Villa Roma, Tacos & Co, Fuddruckers, The Dirty Cookie, Cielito Lindo, Le Petite Spoon, Crazy Rock’n Sushi, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Campbell Soup Company, Zapien’s Salsa Grill & Taqueria, Spectra, Citizen Kitchen, SubZero, Cress Restaurant, High School Inc. and Pizzeria Mozza.
Guests will enjoy an exclusive preview of the Math Fair exhibits, which will be open to the public on Saturday, November 5th, from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Activities include Math Mystery Theater performances that integrate audience participation and technology to problem-solve, 3D printed mathematical curiosities, a laser game that lets players use mirrors to discover symmetry and angles, and much more.
“We wanted those who are supporting the Math Fair to get a “behind the scenes” glimpse of the incredible learning experiences we’re bringing to children and families in Orange County,” said Janet M. Ray, community philanthropist and Taste of Math co-chair. “Taste of Math attendees will experience a culinary adventure unlike anything they’ve experienced before, and they’ll be learning while eating,” continued Sandra Cervantes, real estate business owner and Taste of Math co-chair.
Taste of Math will also honor community leaders who have made a significant impact in math education. Honorees include Lisa Gonzales-Solomon, Principal of Madison Elementary in Santa Ana, and 2015 National Distinguished Principal; Fountain Valley-based Hyundai Motor America; and Marian Bergeson, the late former California Secretary of Education and MIND Research board member.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our community partners, who help us move the needle on math education locally and nationally,” said John Phelan, Chairman, MIND Research Institute. “It takes the support of our education champions, corporate partners and sponsors and community leaders to create crucial learning opportunities for families like the Math Fair.”
Lead Taste of Math and Math Fair sponsors and partners include Hyundai Motor America, James “Walkie” and Janet M. Ray, OC Fair & Event Center, OneWest and Microsemi. For a list of all sponsors, visit www.mindresearch.org/mathfair/sponsors/.
WHEN:
Friday, November 5, 2016
Reception: 6:30 p.m.
Eugenia Cheng demonstrations: 6:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Program: 7:30 p.m.
Chef’s Panel: 8:15 p.m.
WHERE:
OC Fair & Event Center | Media RSVP to adaniels@mindresearch.org for press credentials
WHO: Confirmed program speakers:
• Maria Hall-Brown, Executive Producer, Arts & Cultural Programming, PBS SoCal KOCE-TV
• Al Mijares, Ph.D., Superintendent, OCDE
• Mike O’Brien, VP, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America
• Sandra Cervantes, owner, Miniondas & Taste of Math co-chair
• Janet M. Ray, community philanthropist & Taste of Math co-chair
• Matthew Peterson, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of MIND Research Institute
• John Phelan, Chairman, MIND Research Institute
About MIND Research Institute
MIND Research Institute is a neuroscience and education social impact organization, dedicated to ensuring that all students are mathematically equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems. MIND's distinctive visual approach to math and problem-solving is the basis of its innovative, research-proven ST Math® programs for elementary and secondary schools. The visually-based ST Math program has been shown to double or triple schools’ growth rates in math proficiency. Through its MathMINDs movement, MIND engages the community in hands-on mathematical experiences outside of the classroom in an effort to shift the cultural perception of math from being scary and frustrating to exciting and essential. MIND's programs currently reach more than one million students and 44,000 teachers at 3,200 schools in 45 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.mindresearch.org.
For more information contact:
Abby Daniels
MIND Research Institute
949-345-8637
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