Sports-car raffle to help update Staerkel Planetarium equipment
CHAMPAIGN – A 2009 Saturn Sky sports car will be raffled off this fall to benefit a technology upgrade at Parkland College's Staerkel Planetarium.
The "chili-pepper red" car is valued at $28,575. A maximum of 750 raffle tickets will be sold at $100 each. Sales began Tuesday, with the drawing for the winner Oct. 24 at the annual Parkland College Gala.
Proceeds will help pay for a full-dome immersive digital theater and video system for the planetarium. The new system will replace a computer-controlled slide-projector system purchased in 1987.
"Our current system was state-of-the-art 20 years ago but is now so outdated that we are greatly limited in the number and quality of programs we have to show," said David Leake, director of the planetarium.
"The digital full-dome system will literally open up new worlds for our students and viewers as it allows us to expand Staerkel's educational content to include all of the earth sciences," he said. "Rather than sit back as casual observers, viewers will actually experience flying through the rings of Saturn, a volcano, or even a single cell."
Saturn of Champaign County is collaborating with Parkland in the raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the dealership, 1402 N. Dunlap Ave., Savoy, or at www.saturnofchampaign.com.
"Parkland is a great asset to the community," said Gary Patrick, general manager at Saturn of Champaign County. "As with many area employers, many of our employees have earned degrees and special certifications through Parkland. With the planned technology upgrade, the Staerkel Planetarium will be a tremendous science education and resource center for students at all levels and for residents of East Central Illinois."
Presenting sponsors of the raffle are Saturn of Champaign County, Busey Bank, Central Illinois Manufacturing Co., Fox Illinois and Carle Foundation Hospital. Other sponsors are Royse Wagner, WDWS-WHMS, The News-Gazette and the Central Illinois CW.
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