The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center raised over $500,000 in August leaving only $600,000 more to be raised by September 30th to qualify for a $500,000 matching challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation that will allow the Discovery Center to break ground in 2009.
Recent gifts that have put the campaign over the $5.2 million milestone include generous commitments for Kan-ed, Jody and Stan Teeter, D.V.M., Stormont Vail HealthCare, the Sunflower Foundation and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
In addition to supporting our Kansas schools through economical field trips, the Discovery Center will offer unique distance learning programming, as well.
“Kan-ed is excited to partner with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. The Discovery Center will be an asset and resource for all K-12 children in the State of Kansas, regardless of social or economic conditions. We are thrilled to have the ability to use some of our federal grant funding to invest in the future of K-12 students on Kansas. The importance of children having access to, understanding and utilizing technology cannot be understated in today’s environment. The technology that we install will support and enhance exhibit areas, encouraging children to ask why, explore, investigate and problem-solve. This state-of-the-art technology is much like what Kan-ed has already provided to schools, libraries and hospitals throughout Kansas since 2001.” said Brad Williams, Executive Director of Kan-ed.
“Stormont-Vail HealthCare is excited about the development of the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. In addition to the Discovery Center being a wonderful community resource, it will draw visitors and children from all across the region. The “Amazing Me!” medical exhibit provides an opportunity for children and adults to learn about health and the human body. The entire facility is a promotion of health education and healthy lifestyles. The health of our community is enhanced by the health of our young people; we are pleased to join in sponsoring the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center,” said Maynard Oliverius, President and CEO of Stormont Vail HealthCare.
According to Billie Hall, Executive Director of the Sunflower Foundation, “The Sunflower Foundation is pleased to support the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center with a grant of $75,000. We are excited to see the Discovery Center’s emphasis on play and physical activity – factors that contribute greatly to growing healthy children. The Discovery Center will offer a variety of creative outdoor and gross-motor opportunities through exhibit areas such as the Sunflower Climber and the Yellow Brick walking Paths. We applaud the Discovery Center’s commitment to children and are happy to invest in the development of a facility that will be a lasting resource for Kansans.”
“The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation strives to provide the best possible programs for the education of children. We are excited about our partnership with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and are happy to award a grant of $20,000 to support this wonderful, educational facility for children that will provide high quality programs and alternative activities for young children,” said Steve Ortiz, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chairman.
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will be a showcase facility about discovery and exploration to encourage critical and creative thinking in math, science and the arts. It will regularly serve the 204,000 children ages ten and younger who live in the region.
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