MELBOURNE, Fla. – Officials with the Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) today announced Cisco Systems, Inc. has signed on as the platinum sponsor of the Apollo 50th Gala. The event, which takes place July 16 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, will gather space legends, celebrities and enthusiasts from around the world, to celebrate the historic milestone while raising funds to support STEAM-based educational programs of the AFF and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
“The Apollo 50th Gala is all about showcasing legends in this historic moment in time,” said Andrew Aldrin, president of the AFF. “Cisco is a tech industry powerhouse and a legend in its own right. Their technology is the wave of the future, and is going to be used at the event to helping us connect the gala to audiences on a grander scale than we ever have before. We are honored to have them on board as a partner.”
Cisco will feature its WebEx software at the event during the Apollo astronaut panel presentation. Their telepresence technology will allow space legends who are unable to travel to the event to feel connected, to participate in the festivities and share in this historic celebration. Participants include Australian tracking station engineers who helped transmit the signal to the world of the first steps on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission.
“We’re passionate about connecting teams to get great work done,” said Aruna Ravichandran, Cisco’s vice president of marketing for collaboration. “What better way to celebrate teamwork than to celebrate the Apollo legends who made this moment happen? In celebrating the accomplishments of the Apollo era, we hope to inspire a new generation to make something amazing possible.”
The Apollo 50th Gala, presented by Northrop Grumman, will be hosted on the date that Apollo 11 launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla. in 1969. More than 500 guests will attend the celebration, which will feature a panel discussion with space legends of Apollo, live and silent auctions with one-of-a-kind space memorabilia, and awards to recognize individuals who are pioneering space. All proceeds raised from the event will support multiple initiatives by the AFF to mold the next-generation of explorers – from K-12 through working professionals – as well as go towards an endowment for the Aldrin Scholarship fund with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
For more information, visit www.apollo50thgala.com.
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About the Aldrin Family Foundation
The Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) strives to cultivate the next generation of space leaders, entrepreneurs and explorers who will extend human habitation beyond the Earth to the Moon and Mars. AFF’s STEAM-based educational tools, curriculum and programs span from a child’s first classroom experience through graduate school and professional programs. This vertical pathway unites explorers at all levels to learn from each other’s vision for space, ultimately creating the first generation of Martians. For more information, visit www.aldrinfoundation.org.
About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides annually more than 50 scholarships to the brightest and most talented college students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It was formed in 1984 by heroes from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs. Their goal was simple – to use their experience and credibility to encourage student pursuit of advanced education and scientific endeavors to keep America on the leading edge of technology. Today, these heroes, along with top industry leaders, educational institutions and individuals, have joined
the cause. ASF Scholars not only honor the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts, but continue their passion for knowledge, discovery and progress in multiple industries. For more information, visit www.astronautscholarship.org.