Light up the Future Gala

Nov 02, 2025 5:00PM—9:30PM

Location

Wang Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY followed Concert: Staller Center

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Light up the Future Campaign 2025

Join Us As A Legacy Partner

Complete our Gala Interest Form to be kept up to date on news and ticket sale dates.

20th Anniversary LI Explorium 2025 white lettering - smaller

20 years of Innovation

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact

An unforgettable evening of elegance, inspiration, and Broadway entertainment, featuring Tony Award–winning Kelli O’Hara.

Spark a Lifetime of Discovery

Help Us Empower the Next Generation of Innovators

Your support fuels hands-on STEM experiences that inspire curious minds, ignite creativity, and build brighter futures for every child who walks through our doors.

Every child deserves a chance to shine.

You Are Invited to2025

Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 - 5:00 - 9:30 PM

We are thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable evening of elegance, inspiration, and Broadway entertainment, featuring Tony Award–winning Kelli O’Hara in a celebration of impact and a catalyst for what's next.

5 PM Cocktails & Dinner:
Wang Center, Stony Brook University
followed Concert: Staller Center at 8 PM

Dress Code: Cocktail Attire / Festive Formal
Celebrate in style! We invite guests to dress elegantly for the evening

Enjoy cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and a private concert by  Tony Award–winning Broadway Star Kelli O’Hara

Broadway Star Kelli O’Hara

Celebrate our 20th anniversary surrounded by fellow visionaries, community leaders, and supporters who believe in sparking innovation and creativity across Long Island.

Reserve Your Seats Reserve Your Seats

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, fine dining, and world-class entertainment. Choose from the ticket options below to secure your place at the Light Up the Future Gala 2025.

Secure a premier table for ten guests and enjoy the Dreamers Gala in style. Celebrate 20 years of impact with your community while supporting the Explorium’s mission to light up the future.

$3,500

Reserve a full table for eight guests to share an inspiring evening of celebration, dining, and Broadway entertainment. Perfect for friends, family, or colleagues who want to experience the Gala together.

$2,800

Enjoy the Gala together! This ticket package admits two guests for a night of elegance, community, and entertainment, including cocktails, dinner, and the Kelli O’Hara concert.

$700

Join us for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, dinner, and celebration at the Wang Center, followed by a Broadway concert experience at the Staller Center. Your ticket supports the Long Island Explorium’s mission of empowering young minds through STEM

$375

Silent Auction Corporate Sponsorship & Journal Opportunities

Sponsorship

Partner with the Long Island Explorium as a Gala Sponsor and join a community of visionaries shaping the next generation of STEM innovators.

Empower the next generation of innovators, scientists, and problem-solvers while connecting your organization with families, educators, and community leaders and shaping the future of children’s learning and exploration.

Your sponsorship provides vital support for our year-round educational programs and ensures that children from all backgrounds can discover the joy of exploration and discovery.

Journal Advertisments

Showcase your organization in our Light Up the Future Gala Journal, distributed to all attendees, including community leaders, educators, families, and supporters of STEM education. This is a unique opportunity to reach an engaged audience who values innovation, learning, and community impact.

Deadline for Print Journal September 17th

Sponsorship and journal opportunities available.

Please contact Katie at katieb@longislandexplorium.org to inquire.

Our Silent Auction will officially open on the evening of our Gala — Sunday, November 2nd — and will remain live through 11:59 PM on November 8th.

Guests can look forward to an exciting selection of exclusive online bidding opportunities, including:

  • Fine dining experiences
  • Memorable nights out
  • High-quality goods
  • One-of-a-kind offerings you will not find anywhere else

Bid, win, and make an impact! Every winning bid directly supports the Long Island Explorium’s mission to inspire creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of STEM learning.

 

Celebrating

For two decades, the Long Island Explorium has been at the heart of hands-on STEM learning on Long Island — inspiring creativity, curiosity, and confidence in children, families, and educators.

Every ticket sold, every sponsorship pledged, and every auction bid helps us continue creating opportunities that light the way toward a brighter, more innovative future.

DREAMS TO DISCOVER: UNLEASHING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF STEM

transformative power of stem

Unlock potential in high-needs districts through over 150 STEM workshops and access to Maker Faire Long Island 2024. Transform education and open doors to future opportunities for students lacking access to quality resources.

MUSEUM ON THE GO: STEM BEYOND WALLS

President's Council Page Image

Take STEM directly to communities with 18-24 mobile exhibits aligned with NYS Science Learning Standards. Bridge the educational gap for underserved students, making learning accessible and engaging.

BYTE-SIZED BRILLIANCE: A DIGITAL RENAISSANCE

President's Council Page Image

Revitalize our space with interactive digital learning experiences. Support schools’ evolving needs in computer science and digital fluency, and keep our museum at the forefront of educational innovation.

REIMAGINING OUR SPACE FOR THE FUTURE

President's Council Page Image

Capital improvements to the Explorium to create up to functional space for learning and discovery.

Long Island Explorium
Highlights 2024

Join us as we reflect on an incredible year at the Long Island Explorium! Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve empowered 10,000+ students and families through transformative STEM education. Together, we’re sparking curiosity, inspiring innovation, and creating a brighter future!

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You Can Count on My Support

WHAT GUESTS SAY

SOME OF OUR REVIEWS

"The Long Island Explorium is an extraordinary place that sparks curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in visitors of all ages. Located on Long Island, New York, this hands-on science center is a true gem in the world of interactive education.

One of the standout features of the Explorium is its diverse range of exhibits. From STEM-based activities and physics experiments to environmental science and engineering challenges, there's something to engage and inspire everyone. The exhibits are designed to be both fun and educational, making learning an enjoyable adventure.

The hands-on nature of the Explorium encourages visitors to actively participate and explore. Whether it's building structures, conducting science experiments, or exploring the wonders of technology, it's a place where you can roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of discovery.

The staff at the Explorium are not only knowledgeable but also enthusiastic about sharing their passion for science and learning. Their guidance and willingness to engage with visitors add to the overall experience, creating an environment where questions are encouraged, and curiosity is celebrated.

The Explorium is not just a place for children; it's a space where families can bond over shared experiences and where adults can reignite their own fascination with science. It's also an ideal destination for school groups and field trips, offering valuable educational opportunities.

In summary, the Long Island Explorium is a place where the thrill of discovery comes to life. It's a fantastic resource for promoting STEM education and fostering a love for learning in a dynamic and interactive way. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who enjoys the wonders of science, the Explorium is a must-visit destination that leaves you with a sense of wonder and excitement."

— RICHARD MCSORLEY
Google Review

"My 4 and 7 year olds loved the place. Very interesting “engineering” and puzzle stations that keeps them busy for hours
We’ve been two hours here and not enough to explore all of the stations"

— ANDREI ROSIANU
Google Review

"donation-basedWhat a wonderful educational experience you can get visiting this unique place. We need more places like this. We were able to learn about science and create digital images. This place is donation-based. We enjoyed the rice boat the kids played in. Outside has the port to hang out amd walk around."

— ANONYMOUS
Google Review