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Press Releases

Science City’s Early Learning Initiative Receives Several Substantial Gifts

Science City’s Early Learning Initiative Receives Several Substantial Gifts 

 

Mike and Millie Brown, founding leaders in the creation of Science City, return with significant, multi-year gift to help complete Children’s Museum for Kansas City’s youngest learners

 

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 30, 2019)  – As Science City’s Children’s Museum is set to become a reality in Spring 2020, the community has once again stepped forward to show their substantial support and generous investment to the landscape-changing Early Learning Initiative. Mike and Millie Brown, the Sosland Foundation and the Harry Wilson Loose Trust Bank of America, N.A., Trustee have donated a combined $402,750. With these latest gifts, the initiative is within $106,000 of being completely funded for the $8.2 million goal.

“What began as a strategic dream in 2016 is now just months away from a reality – Science City’s Children’s Museum has been crafted by the best in the business and supported by the generous leaders, foundations and businesses in the Kansas City community. It is with our sincerest thanks and appreciation that we recognize all our donors and funders including the most recent gifts from the Sosland Foundation, Mike & Millie Brown, and the Harry Wilson Loose Trust,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. “With the opening of our Children’s Museum, Union Station is eager to cement our place of prominence as THE destination for young families…providing a safe, engaging and truly exceptional educational experience.”
 

Each funder has strong ties to Union Station and Kansas City, with a history of making a difference.
 

We are thankful to Mike and Millie Brown for their gift commitment of $250,000 toward this expansion project. Mike Brown has been a key stakeholder of Science City since its inception, having served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Science City. Brown is Co-founder and CEO of Euronet, and an accomplished entrepreneur. Millie and Mike have a passion for innovation in STEM education.

The Sosland Foundation has been a valued supporter of Union Station throughout the years. We are deeply appreciative to receive a generous gift of $100,000 from our friends at the Sosland Foundation, especially Charles Sosland who became a Union Station Board Member in June 2018.

 

The Harry Wilson Loose Trust has a long history of supporting a variety of projects benefiting the citizens of Kansas City, MO and we are honored to continue to be a part of that history with a gift of $52,750 in support of Science City’s Early Learning Expansion.
 

Science City’s Children’s Museum is set to open in March 2020 with three brand-new experiential, hands-on exhibitions…

– Let’s Play!
Created for our youngest of explorers – babies, crawlers, toddlers and their caregivers- this unique space is designed for developmental needs with multiple sensory and role-playing activities.
– Creative Corner
Art meets science in a whole new way with a versatile, multisensory area designed for the entire family. Paint on glass, interact with sand and light tables to engage senses and stimulate minds

– All Aboard
Explore how steam engines work while encouraging play, exploration, observation and collaborative problem-solving in this train-centric space.

With each space intentionally designed, what may seem like every day play will translate into the beginning of a STEMful education for our youngest explorers. These three exhibitions will transform a total of 13,000 sq. ft of Science City’s nearly 100,000 square feet. Guests are encouraged to follow our social media channels and track our growing younger journey to see this dream come to fruition.
 

These latest gifts are a welcome addition to the impactful funds previously awarded by other generous supporters of our Early Learning Initiative including Hall Family Foundation, PNC Foundation, Sunderland Foundation, Edward F. Swinney Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, Marion & Henry Bloch Family Foundation, Ann and Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation, Nerman Family and the Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation.

To support Union Station’s Early Learning Expansion Project and help close the final gap, please contact Ary Guerrero, Major Gifts Manager, at [email protected]. Naming rights opportunities are also still available to those interested. Ask for details.

 

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 About Union Station Kansas City, Inc.

Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 104-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Now 20 years later, Science City has earned the distinction of Kansas City’s “Favorite Attraction” and “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction”, while Union Station as a whole is recognized as KC’s “Favorite Historic Attraction” and “Best of KC”. The organization — dedicated to preserving its historic monument and its stories, inspiring lifelong learning and creating lasting memories for our community — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City – Powered by Burns & McDonnell; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit  WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on  FACEBOOK, TWITTER,  INSTAGRAM, and  YOUTUBE.

 

About Science City
Internationally awarded for “Visitor Experience” by ASTC and regionally voted “Favorite Family Friendly Attraction” by Visit KC Visitors Choice Awards, Science City powered by Burns & McDonnell is named one of the country’s TOP 25 science centers. Annually, it educates and entertains hundreds of thousands of science-thirsty children of all ages. Kansas City’s Science Center is THE place for inquisitive young minds to create, explore, and experiment with the BIG world of science through hands-on learning and non-stop fun. Featuring over 200 interactive exhibits and host to countless STEM-based events — including the annual Greater Kansas City Science & Engineering Fair — Science City leads the region in recognition from educators, parents, caregivers AND children alike. Continually evolving and always inventing new ways to make science meaningful and fun, Science City has become THE regional destination for families, groups, special events and even “Science City On The Road” outreach. Union Station Members enjoy Science City visits free of charge. To learn more, please visit SCIENCECITY.COM.