FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

HEMPHILL, TX – The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum ‘Remembering Columbia’ is proud to announce the 5th annual Galactic Gala on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Organized by Friends of the PHS NASA Museum, the black-tie event will celebrate the museum’s impact in the community and efforts to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) fields.

 

This year’s gala, themed ‘Denim and Diamonds,’ will again feature an evening of cocktails, a catered meal, and an exciting program. Live entertainment, a silent auction, and a special guest will highlight the space-themed formal event, which serves as the museum’s biggest annual fundraiser. An after-party featuring live music and dancing will follow.

 

The Hemphill VFW, located at 3049 State Highway 184, will host the gala.

 

Doors will open at 5 p.m. for a cocktail hour, followed by the meal at 6 p.m.

 

Entertainment will be provided by Jazz musician Jelando Jackson, who composes, arranges, and produces his own music. “Listeners can look forward to a musical journey that will lift their spirits while the groove captures their souls.”

 

The highlight of each year’s gala is the guest of honor. Former NASA flight director Michele Brekke will deliver a keynote about her experience at the Johnson Space Center Mission Control Center. She is notable for having been the first woman selected as a NASA flight director, serving with six Space Shuttle missions. Brekke retired from NASA in 2014 after 37 years at the space agency, before working as a flight manager for the Boeing CST-100 Starliner missions until 2022.

 

Seating for the popular event is limited, so table reservations are encouraged by Sep. 20. Tickets, which are $50 per person or $75 per couple, may be purchased by contacting the museum at (409) 787-4827 or Belinda Gay at (936) 201-8421. Tables are available for $250 and include 8 guests.

Sponsorships and donations of silent auction items are available to businesses and organizations wishing to support this cause. Please contact the museum by emailing ColumbiaMuseum@yahoo.com.

 

All proceeds from the event will directly support the educational facility’s efforts to create science and technology-inspiring learning opportunities for children and adults in East Texas and western Louisiana.

 

The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia' serves as a memorial to the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy and as an educational facility dedicated to creating science and technology-inspiring learning opportunities for children and adults. Learn more at www.NASAColumbiaMuseum.com.

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