The Gathering 4 Gardner Foundation

The Gathering for Gardner Foundation (G4G) is a non-profit corporation that works

to honor the achievements of Martin Gardner by promoting the lucid exposition

of new and accessible ideas in recreational mathematics, magic, puzzles, and philosophy.

Through its support of biannual conferences held in honor Martin Gardner,

the foundation encourages the work of amateurs and young people by bringing

them in contact with professional scholars, world-class expositors and innovative

performers in venues that promote the cross-discipline fertilization of ideas.

Purpose: The Gathering for Gardner is a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote

the lucid exposition and discussion of new ideas in recreational mathematics, magic, puzzles,

and philosophy.

Background: Martin Gardner had no formal education in mathematics but has had

an enormous influence on the subject. His writings exhibit an extraordinary ability to convey

the essence of many mathematically sophisticated topics to a very wide audience. In the words

first uttered by mathematician Richard K. Guy, Gardner has brought "more mathematics, to more

millions, than anyone else."

Gardner's interests extend well beyond the traditional realm of mathematics.

His writings have featured mechanical puzzles as well as mathematical ones, and extend to

Lewis Carroll and Sherlock Holmes. He has had a life-long interest in magic,

including tricks based on mathematics, on sleight of hand, and on ingenious props.

He has played an important role in exposing charlatans who have tried to use their

skills not for entertainment but to assert supernatural claims. Although he nominally

retired as a regular columnist at Scientific American in 1982, Gardner's prolific

output has continued.

Activities: Martin Gardner's influence has been so broad that a large percentage

of his fans have only infrequent contact with each other. Tom Rodgers conceived the idea

of hosting a weekend gathering in honor of Gardner to bring some of these people together.

The first "Gathering for Gardner" (G4G1) was held in January 1993. Elwyn Berlekamp

helped publicize the idea to mathematicians. Mark Setteducati took the lead in

reaching the magicians. Tom Rodgers contacted the puzzle community. Since that time,

six more biannual conferences have been held: the most recent was G4G7, in 2006.

There has been significant media attention given to the conferences, including several

articles in The New York Times, Science News, Seed Magazine, and other publications.

Policies: The Gathering for Gardner Foundation provides its services on a competitive

basis without regard for race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.

Support: The Foundation is financially supported by the community at large.

The G4G Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, based in Atlanta, GA.

Financial contributions are fully tax-deductible.

To donate to the G4G, mail check or money orders to the following address:

Gathering 4 Gardner, Inc

c/o Tom Rodgers

PO Box 725467

Atlanta, GA 31139