Adventure Science Center Awarded $400,000 Grant from Kresge Foundation

Grant Challenges Science Center to Raise Remaining Funds needed for new Sudekum Planetarium and Sky and Space Wing

Nashville, TN (January 28, 2008) - Adventure Science Center received a stellar boost in its final stages of fundraising toward the completion of the new Sudekum Planetarium and Sky and Space Wing in the form of a $400,000 Challenge Grant from the Kresge Foundation. The grant, given on a challenge basis, will be awarded to Adventure Science Center upon the completion of raising $1.6 million towards their capital campaign.

“We have every confidence that we can raise the additional funds needed, and then some, to complete this project,” said Susan Duvenhage, president of Adventure Science Center. “The new Sudekum Planetarium and Sky and Space Wing will change the educational landscape throughout our region. Luckily, the Middle Tennessee community has been very supportive thus far and understands the colossal impact this first-class educational facility will make.”

Construction for this $21.4 million project began in January 2007. The size of the planetarium’s dome will increase from 40 feet to 63 feet. The new Sky & Space wing will feature 12,000 feet of exhibition space including 30 original displays and 63 interactive stations. The first phase, which includes the Sudekum Planetarium and the first floor of the Sky and Space Wing, is scheduled to open during the summer of 2008.

The Kresge Foundation is a private nonprofit, established by Sebastian S. Kresge, which supports communities by building the capacity of nonprofit organizations. The Challenge Grant Program is the Foundation’s primary grantmaking tool and is awarded to nonprofit organizations that are working to address pressing issues within six specific fields. These fields include heath, environment, arts and culture, education, human services and community development.

“We are pleased to support Adventure Science Center and applaud their efforts to build paths of opportunity within the community,” said Rip Rapson, president of Kresge Foundation. “Ensuring the health and vitality of nonprofit organizations is central to building strong, vibrant communities. The Kresge Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations, like Adventure Science Center, that share our community outreach goals.”

To learn more about Kresge Foundation, please visit www.kresge.org. To learn more about Adventure Science Center, and to make a donation to the new Sudekum Planetarium and Sky and Space Wing, please call (615) 401-5054 or visit www.adventuresci.com.

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