FirstHealth of the Carolinas Announces $150,000 Gift to Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham
| Date Posted: 12/22/2011
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| David Kilarski |
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| John Jackson |
ROCKINGHAM—FirstHealth of the Carolinas has announced a $150,000 gift to support the Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham project.
The five-year $30,000 contribution will help fund the development of the new children’s Museum, which will be housed in the former McKenzie Furniture building in downtown Rockingham.
Richmond Memorial Hospital has pledged $50,000 to the project while parent company FirstHealth of the Carolinas has guaranteed an additional $100,000.
Discovery Place KIDS is developed around the theme “I CAN” and offers unique opportunities for learning-through-play for children and their parents or caregivers. Various theme areas are featured throughout the Museum including an area focused on healthy living called “I CAN Be Healthy.”
“In keeping with our strong commitment to supporting education, especially as it relates to health and wellness, FirstHealth of the Carolinas is proud to support the Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham project,” says David Kilarski, CEO of FirstHealth of the Carolinas. “It is an honor to be a part of this worthwhile community effort.”
“With this generous gift, FirstHealth of the Carolinas is demonstrating that they understand that healthy kids have well-nourished minds and bodies,” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, Inc. “We are very grateful for their vision, passion and dedication to serving the needs of the community.”
Consistent with its core purpose to care for people, FirstHealth of the Carolinas has a long history of investing in the local communities it serves.
“FirstHealth responds to the needs of the Richmond County community through a variety of health education programs for children and families, support of charitable organizations and providing community funding,” says John Jackson, FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital president. “This generous contribution to the Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham project is just another example of FirstHealth’s commitment to serve Richmond County.”
About Discovery Place
One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage the public in the active exploration of science and nature. More than a half-million people from all over the United States visit Discovery Place, its IMAX Dome Theatre and Charlotte Nature Museum each year. In June 2010, the Museum completed an 18-month, $31.6 million renovation, resulting in a completely transformed and re-imagined Museum with all-new interactive exhibits. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with operating support from the Arts & Science Council. Connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. For more information about Discovery Place, call 704.372.6261 or visit discoveryplace.org.
About Discovery Place KIDS
Discovery Place KIDS is an innovative model in regional children’s museums developed by Discovery Place, Inc., the parent organization of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum. Discovery Place KIDS is built on the theme of “I CAN” and offers unique opportunities for learning through play for children and their parents or caregivers.
For more information, call 704.372.6261 or visit discoveryplaceKIDS.org.
