David Beals Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
Announces $250,000 Grant to Union Station Kansas City
Generous gift to support Science City’s Human Health Initiative
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Nov. 12, 2015) — The David Beals Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee has awarded a $250,000 grant to Union Station Kansas City, Inc., which operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history.
This significant grant – along with other sources of support still being sought – will help blueprint and eventually build out additional exhibition space and content focused on Human Health. The Human Health initiative falls under one of the five major areas of focus for Kansas City’s Science Center – Science City, as it continues to evolve and expand. These five areas – including Engineering and Architecture, Energy and Sustainability, Transportation, Human/Animal Health and Technology – anchor the Science Center’s long-term Strategic Plan.
“Union Station gratefully accepts this grant and acknowledges the passion David Beals had for organizations such as ours,” said Bob Regnier, Board Chairman – Union Station Kansas City. “We are proud to have earned not only a regional place of prominence with Science City, but also an award-winning international recognition for the high value exhibitions and programming we deliver to area families, students and educators. This latest vote of confidence puts us that much closer to realizing yet another important milestone for Kansas City’s Science Center . . . more rich and relevant content focused on Human Health specifically designed to benefit our community audiences.”
In the last five years, Science City has reimagined and transformed more than 50% of its space. Closely aligning with regional education priorities and partnering with leading local business and institutions the Science Center has enjoyed significant attendance and revenue growth, increased annual membership and recognition as a top-tier destination for children, families, school groups, and the fast-growing Maker community.
“Our Science Center is on an impressive success path,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. “The Human Health initiative is a priority for our organization moving forward. A significant part of our local economy is tied to our
collective ability to excite and move young students through the continuum of initial interest in human health and biotechnology to fulfilling careers in this rapidly growing and broad field. Science City has a critical role to play in this sustained undertaking.”
“Coming on the heels of the recent international recognition awarded to Science City, this grant serves as further validation that we are focusing on the right things for the right reasons,” said Jerry Baber, Union Station Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The community is turning out in greater and greater numbers to experience what has become a world-class, hands-on S.T.E.A.M. destination. We are on the map in a big, big way.”
Science City opened in November of 1999 as an integral part of the massive Union Station renovation. Kansas City wanted a world-class, hands-on science center and the realization of Science City drew immediate crowds. Over 3 million guests have enjoyed the 80,000+ square foot center in the last 15 years. A professional staff of educators, exhibit specialists and volunteers keep the Science City experience fresh and focused on high-value content.
The David T. Beals III Charitable Trust was established in 1982. David Beals, a lifelong resident of Kansas City was known as an outdoorsman, expert horseman, as well as a prominent patron of the arts. He was an avid stamp and art collector and was recognized for his philanthropic investments and his association/leadership with numerous nonprofit organizations.
# # #
About Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 100-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded 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. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility regularly hosts community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit www.unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Contact: Michael Tritt, Union Station / 816-460-2278 / [email protected]
Contact: Nancy Besa, Besa PR / 816-674-4775 / [email protected]
UNION STATION
Where Kansas City Connects, Creates, Discovers & Celebrates