We’re excited to announce that the annual SDAA banquet will be an in-person event held at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley on January 28, 2023. After several years of “virtual” banquets, we’re finally able to get together again. Sadly we won't be able to offer a Zoom option this year.
The evening begins with a no-host cocktail hour from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, which will be the perfect opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones after several years apart.
Our buffet dinner will be from 6:00 to 7:00, followed by our guest speaker, NASA Solar System Ambassador Jessica Rzeszut, who will present an overview and update on NASA's Mars 2020 mission and the Artemis program. Then it’s auction and raffle time – your chance to win some great gear.
We will continue to post information about our sweepstakes and auction items, so stay tuned! If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation to help us with our mission, please click here: Donate Now
Our banquet isn’t just a great time, it’s also our primary fundraiser.
Much of the electrical system at TDS was installed in the late 60’s and early 70’s and is in desperate need of replacement. We’ve completed the first phase and now it’s time to move on to phase two, which will be an expensive, but necessary improvement to our dark sky site
We’re also looking at replacing the main gate at TDS to make it easier and safer to access the site.
We have a lot more to do and your participation and generosity is key to our success! If for some reason you can’t attend, please consider making a donation to keep SDAA moving forward!
This year’s guest speaker presentation will be:
Explore Moon to Mars: Humanity's Grand Plan
NASA Solar System Ambassador Jessica Rzeszut will present an overview and update on NASA's Mars 2020 mission and the Artemis program, and discuss how we'll use what we're learning to take the next giant leap in our space exploration journey.
Jessica is a lifelong space enthusiast with over a decade of professional marketing and communications experience. Born and raised in the Midwest, she has resided in the San Diego area for many years and now considers it home. Her fascination, appreciation and enthusiasm for space spans education, entertainment, art, literature and fashion, and was ignited when, as a child, she was encouraged to consider the consequences of whether we are alone in the Universe, or not.
In 2021, Jessica joined the NASA Solar System Ambassador program - a public engagement effort that works with volunteers to communicate the science and excitement of space exploration and discoveries in order to continue the conversation about space exploration with her neighbors and her community.
Please join us as we look forward to an exciting 2023!
Wishing you clear skies,
Your SDAA Board of Directors
