CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — They’ve flown together and now Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and celebrity and aviator John Travolta will launch Aldrin’s nonprofit for children together — ShareSpace Foundation (SSF) — while honoring the Apollo 11 mission from the very place it launched 46 years ago — Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
The black-tie affair, set for July 18, at KSC’s Apollo Saturn V Center, will include a number of astronauts, a gala dinner and discussion about the iconic Apollo 11 mission which Travolta will host. Guests will dine under a restored Saturn V rocket from the Apollo program, one of only three still remaining in the world, and have access to an Apollo 11 silent auction to benefit children and education.
“We are honored to have two iconic legends celebrate both the anniversary of Apollo 11 and the launch of ShareSpace Foundation, a non-profit organization which promotes science literacy to children,” said SSF Executive Director Linn LeBlanc. “This is a unique occasion to mark two important events – going to the moon, which enthralled all humankind and inspired children from around the globe; and now, with the launch of SSF, to further inspire and ignite the flame for innovation in our younger generations.”
The gala will officially launch SSF’s new initiative of igniting children’s passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) so that children may develop a lifelong, life-changing love for, and potentially a career in, STEAM.
“Thinking about this upcoming Apollo 11 anniversary, I am still in awe by the fact that I walked on the moon,” said Aldrin, Apollo 11 astronaut and SSF President. “That awe in me, and in each of us, must be the engine of future achievement; not a slow dimming light from a time once bright. That’s what ShareSpace is about. That’s what this gala is about – inspiring the next generations to be creative, imaginative, and above all innovative.”
Tickets are limited and may be secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Corporate sponsorships and tickets are available at ShareSpace.org/ssf-gala or by calling 321-783-6836. Ticket costs, over fair market value, should be considered a tax-deductible donation.