Benefits O.C. / GOOD CAUSES, TRENDS, CELEBS AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED : A Rockin’ Beach Party : Discovery Science Center supporters have a celestial evening at unique O.C. home.

The event: A reception honoring underwriters of “An Astronomical Affair, the Celestial Circus,” an upcoming gala benefiting the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Dennis Morin, a center supporter, staged the party Wednesday at his unique abode--the Rock House in Laguna Beach.

Ultimate beach house: Built out of a rock on Aliso Beach, Morin’s home features an ocean-themed interior with wavy walls, flooring embedded with seashells and a salt creek running through its center. “This is the perfect house for kicking off our ‘Celestial Circus’ because it’s not of this world,” said Oliva Johnson, gala committee member.

More than 70 guests toured the home, admired the ocean view and enjoyed seafood appetizers and champagne. “This home was designed for entertaining,” Morin said.

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Weird science: The Discovery Science Center gives children a hands-on understanding of science, math and technology. Visitors can lie on a bed of nails, sit inside a simulated cloud of steam and dance on a musical floor. More than 225,000 people, one-third of them children on school field trips, have visited the center since its opening in December 1998. “Our mission is to get them excited about science by doing things,” said Karen Johnson, center president. “Then, when they go back to school, what they learn in science books makes sense.”

Quote: “The Discovery Science Center is another cultural and educational cornerstone of Orange County. It’s a kids’ museum, but the adults have fun, too,” said Catherine Thyen, gala chairwoman.

Bottom line: The second annual Astronomical Affair is expected to net about $100,000 for the science center. Proceeds will be used for exhibits, educational programs and scholarships for eligible children to visit the center at no cost.

Faces: Michelle Bandoian, Doug Williams, Gene and Lynn Hartline, Billur Wallerich, Jennifer von Bergh, Sharon Devaney, Robert Smith, Dee Higby, David and Shari Brown; Therese Duggan-Trevitt; Joey Evans; Roslynn Fey; Anne Loomis, Janet Ray, Jerry and Maralou Harrington, Joyce Reaume, and Analisa Ocana.

Mark your calendar: “An Astronomical Affair, the Celestial Circus,” will take place Oct. 2, at the Discovery Science Center. Tickets are $250 per person. (714) 913-5015.