FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2015
Union Station Media Contact: Michael Tritt
816-460-2278, [email protected]
Science City Receives Donation from Southwest Airlines to Help Summer Camp Experience Soar
Airlines also unveils stunning, new ‘Missouri One’ jet
KANSAS CITY, MO – In a massive hanger, half a mile off of I-29 North towards KCI, about one hundred people gathered Wednesday for what was expected to be a traditional press announcement but turned into a jaw dropping presentation.
Southwest Airlines rolled out the red carpet with live music and refreshments. Missouri state and local government leaders, as well as Union Station Kansas City representatives were present to help celebrate Southwest’s 30-plus years of service in the Show-Me-State.
The airline company presented an elaborate unveiling of ‘Missouri One’ – Southwest’s newest specialty Boeing 737-700 aircraft, which set an impressive backdrop for the occasion.
During the event, Southwest Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly and Executive VP/Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer Ron Ricks honored Union Station with a $5,000 donation in support of the Science Center’s Science City Summer Camp. Station President and CEO George Guastello, Director of Science City Christy Nitsche, and Summer Camp Manager Bradley Norris were all in attendance. Guastello said the funds will help reach more young students with the kind of hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) learning that sparks curiosity and encourages the freedom to explore.
“We greatly appreciate this gift to Kansas City’s children. Union Station and Science City are icons to our community. They stand for determination and innovation, two qualities that epitomize Southwest. As you help us educate children, we will look to new horizons and ensure this community continues to grow in the 21st century,” Union Station president and CEO George Guastello said. “Your donation will help bring our world-class resources to 800 youth during our annual summer camp. Each of these young explorers will see things from a new perspective and experience a hands-on week of adventure in a setting that is fun, friendly and inspiring.”
The 30-minute run of show concluded with a few words from Governor Jay Nixon and Kansas City Mayor Sly James. The two then joined Mr. Kelly in christening the “Missouri One” amid fanfare. Audience members later disbursed, but not before making certain to take photographs in front of the one-of-a-kind, stunning aircraft.
“On behalf of our Board, our professional staff and our Summer Camp youth, I extend a huge thank you to Southwest for their investment in Science City,” said Guastello. “Both Science City and Southwest are looking to the horizon. We’re going places and preparing leaders of tomorrow to soar toward bright futures. The Southwest Way is a terrific model. Their Warrior Spirit, Servant’s Heart and Fun-Loving Attitude make remarkable differences here in Kansas City and across the country.”
Science City Summer Camp Manager Bradley Norris, Director of Science City Christy Nitsche, and Union Station President and CEO George Guastello accept a $5,000 donation from Southwest Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly.
Union Station President and CEO George Guastello, former Missouri Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond, Director of Science City Christy Nitsche, and Summer Camp Manager Bradley Norris pose in front of the strikingly decorated ‘Missouri One’.
*Science City Summer Camp will run this year from June 8 through August 7. Children ages 6-12 are welcome. Parents are encouraged to sign up now. Reservations fill quickly. For more details, visit www.unionstation.org/sciencecity/summer-camps.
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About Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
Union Station Kansas City is a historical landmark and civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization, driven by its mission of science, history education and entertainment, is home to Kansas City’s Science Center; the popular Model Railroad Experience; the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, H&R Block 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 and community events. Visit www.unionstation.org for details.
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