Make a Difference at the 2025 Ignite Luncheon

April 25, 2025

Shannon Lindgren

On May 13, 2025, Pacific Science Center (PacSci) will bring together Seattle’s business, community, and civic leaders for the Ignite Luncheon — a dynamic event designed to spark support, energy, and enthusiasm for PacSci’s exciting future.

Last year’s event raised an impressive $518,000 and the team has an ambitious goal to exceed last year’s total.

The Ignite Luncheon celebrates the power of curiosity while helping to ensure that learners from all backgrounds can access and experience the wonder of discovery with PacSci. Essential support secured during the luncheon impacts the future of science education in our region!

Funds go to PacSci’s operations and programs that collaborate with educators and schools across Washington to give learners the STEM skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Learn more, register to attend, and commit your support today!

SEATTLE MAYOR BRUCE HARRELL TO DELIVER KEYNOTE

The Ignite Luncheon brings together Pacific Science Center’s friends and supporters who are dedicated to ensuring that PacSci remains a vibrant hub of innovation for generations to come.

This year, we are excited to continue that spirit of momentum and community with our keynote speaker, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.

As a civic leader in the Pacific Northwest, Mayor Harrell is committed to uniting diverse communities around shared priorities and addressing the region’s most pressing challenges. His goals align closely with PacSci’s own mission and vision for the future.

In a time of revitalization and growth at Seattle Center, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, attendees will gain valuable insights from Mayor Harrell on what lies ahead for our city and how institutions like PacSci will play a pivotal role in shaping that future.

ENERGIZING THE COMMUNITY AROUND SCIENCE!

The Ignite Luncheon will feature live-science demonstrations, giving attendees a ringside seat to the same informal learning experiences PacSci educators employ every day to activate critical thinking and get kids excited about science.

In addition to hearing from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, we’ll be joined by PacSci President and CEO, Will Daugherty, who will share his bold vision for the future of PacSci. You’ll be among the first to hear about PacSci’s groundbreaking new partnership with Seattle Center, the removal of the north gates, and how PacSci is positioning itself as a dynamic gateway to downtown Seattle.

As Daugherty says, “This city deserves a world-class science center,” and he, along with PacSci’s leadership team, is passionate about making that a reality. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the excitement and see how PacSci is shaping the future of science, learning, and community in Seattle!

SEATTLE’S PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY EXPANDS ACCESS

Pacific Science Center is an independent, not-for-profit institution dedicated to inspiring a lifelong interest in science, technology, and innovation.

Each year, we welcome over 500,000 visitors onsite and reach an additional 100,000+ individuals through outreach programs, bringing hands-on learning experiences to communities across Washington state.

view a map of our 2024 visits

Our ability to deliver impactful educational programming and maintain our operations relies on generous philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources. This vital support allows us to serve both our local community and visitors from around the world with meaningful science education experiences going forward.

While the Ignite Luncheon is free to attend, guests are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution to help reach event fundraising goals. PacSci is grateful to those that have already pledged their support.

Now more than ever, children need to know that the community is committed to their bright futures and uphold a belief in their ability to thrive. Philanthropy makes this work possible.

CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE LUNCHEON? YOU CAN STILL HELP!

If you cannot attend but would like to support our Ignite Luncheon goals, please consider making a donation. Your gift will be counted in our Challenge Pool of matching gifts and help inspire others to extend their support on May 13.

Donations of $500 or greater will be recognized through inclusion in PacSci’s most passionate group of supporters, the Igniter Donor Society for one year.

donate to the Challenge Pool

Thank you to our Generous Sponsors:

Additional support provided by The Baldwin Group, Battelle – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Charlie’s Produce, NWPS, Puget Sound Energy, Sellen Construction, Umpqua Bank, Climate Pledge Arena and Kaspars Catering & Events.

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About the Author

Shannon Lindgren is a Major Gifts Officer at Pacific Science Center, bringing over 13 years of fundraising experience in museums and science centers. Passionate about expanding access to informal science education, she finds joy in her role connecting generous donors to high-impact funding needs that help fulfill PacSci’s mission to ignite curiosity in every child. As a recent Seattle transplant, when she isn’t working, Shannon enjoys discovering the region’s natural beauty alongside her husband and their two young children.

Email Shannon to learn how you can support the mission of Pacific Science Center.