The
105th Explorers Club Annual Dinner took place on Saturday, March
21, 2009 at the Waldorf=Astoria. The evening's proceeds
benefit The Explorers Club. For over a century, The Explorers
Club Annual Dinner has celebrated global exploration and scientific
pursuits, honoring some of the world's top explorers and researchers.
Professor Edward O. Wilson, Ph.D., eminent biologist, theoretician,
and Harvard University Professor, was the evening's keynote
speaker. Explorers Club president Daniel A. Bennett and Dinner chair
Lorie Karnath served as hosts for the evening, along with The Explorers
Club Board of Directors. Josh Bernstein, executive
producer and host of the Discovery Channel series “Into the
Unknown with Josh Bernstein,” was the Master of Ceremonies.
This year's event honored six individuals for their continuous
research and efforts in the world of exploration. Professor
Edward O. Wilson, Ph.D., popularly called the “father
of biodiversity,” received The Explorers Medal. Clive
Cussler, Ph.D., world famous adventure author and
undersea explorer, received The Communication Award. Rev.
David A. Dolan, Chair of the Southern California chapter of The Explorers
Club, received The Citation of Merit. Noted explorer Scott
W. Hamilton received The Sweeney Medal. Noted explorer, lecturer
and author Peter E. Hillary, son of legendary Sir Edmund Hillary,
received The Tenzing Norgay Award. Lee M. Talbot, Ph.D., Professor
of Environmental Science at George Mason University received The
Explorers Medal. Verne Chaney received the first Sir Edmund
Hillary Humanitarian Award.
The event was by invitation only to members of The Explorers Club. The
evening began at 5:00 pm with a Benefactor Reception followed by
a Patron and General Reception. The Dinner and Program began
at 7:00pm. The evening was black tie or “native” dress
as guests from over 65 countries will be in attendance. The
Calder Quartet gave a special performance.
While the event honors some of the most important and prestigious
leaders in the world of exploration, it is also known for including
rather untraditional additions to its reception – an exotic
array of such “culinary delights” as Infused Madagascar
Hissing Cockroaches, Honey Glazed Tarantulas, Scorpion Bruscetta,
Maggots Suspended in Beet Gelee and other mouth-watering delicacies
that are commonly eaten in various cultures around the world. For
those with less “adventurous” appetites, traditional
hors d'oeuvres were also served, along with a cornucopia of
exotic berries, fruits and nuts.
The Explorers Club is an international multidisciplinary professional
society dedicated to the advancement of field research and the ideal
that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. Since
its inception in 1904, the Club has served as a meeting point and
unifying force for explorers and scientists worldwide, promoting
scientific exploration and field research. Illustrious members
have included Sir Edmund Hillary, Robert Peary, Jacques Piccard,
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, among many others. The Club,
with its “< World Center of Exploration, ” promotes
the scientific exploration of land, sea, air and space by supporting
research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences,
including special programs for children. Proceeds from this
Dinner will help the Club continue these programs.
