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MEDIA
RELEASE
June 3, 2011
CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331 (Media Cell 502-744-5639)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Louisville Zoo Receives $10,000 From Greater
Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc. For Zoo Kids
The Louisville Zoo recently received a $10,000
donation from the Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc. for the
Zoo Kids, Inc. program. Zoo Kids, Inc. offers underserved young people
affiliated with non-profits or Title I schools in the community the
chance to come to the Zoo at no cost to them or their families. The
program was designed to help send at-risk and disadvantaged children on
exciting educational adventures uniquely provided by the Louisville Zoo.
Youth find inspiration in the mysteries of the Zoo with its exotic
animals and lush botanical setting. A Zoo experience frequently sparks
students’ imaginations and gives new meaning to the subject of their
studies. After visiting the Zoo, the children write thank-you notes
and/or draw pictures about their visit, thanking their sponsors.
Each year, the Zoo is aware of the need for
assistance in offsetting the cost of visiting the Zoo. Zoo Kids, Inc.
allows the Zoo to act as an intermediary between 501(c)(3) non-profit
agencies or schools that serve underprivileged youth in the community
and business leaders who are willing to invest in their future.
"The Louisville labor community cares about
kids, because we are family people. Our parents go to work, and our kids
go to school. Thanks to Zoo Kids Inc., more school kids get to go to the
Zoo, and I know they love it like the labor community loves it,” said
Charlie Clephas, president of the Greater Louisville United Labor
Picnic, Inc. “We're pleased and proud to do our part in making Zoo Kids
a success."
“Education is a primary focus of your
Louisville Zoo, and nothing seems to capture the hearts and minds of
children as much as the Zoo and its animal ambassadors,” said Louisville
Zoo Director John Walczak. “Zoo Kids, Inc. was designed to teach the
area’s children to love and care for the natural resources of our city
and planet, as well as put a smile on their faces. We are extremely
grateful to the Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc. for their
generous, long-term support of this program.”
The Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic,
Inc. is the longest and largest contributor to the Zoo Kids, Inc.
program having contributed more than $41,000 (including this gift) since
the program launched in 2005. This dedicated support has provided the
opportunity for approximately 4500 underserved children to experience
the Zoo at no cost to them.
If you would like to support the Zoo
Kids, Inc. program, contact Michael Buckman at (502) 238-5375.
For more information on how to become a Zoo
Kids, Inc. recipient agency or organization, visit
www.louisvillezoo.org/support/zookids/index.htm for a qualification
and enrollment form.
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The
Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky,
is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by
providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for
visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation
education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of
Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
***
Get
up-to-date information about the Zoo’s upcoming Glacier Run exhibit
by checking out our new
Glacier Run blog. You can also show your love for the Louisville
Zoo by becoming a fan on
Facebook and
Twitter.
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