Powerhouse Science Center Raises more than $233,000 in Saturday Telethon

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The Powerhouse Science Center, a science and space learning center for Northern California that will be located on the banks of the Sacramento River, announced today that it raised more than $233,000 during its first telethon on Saturday.

The Center received major contributions from Social Venture Partners of Sacramento, Wells Fargo, Sierra Health Foundation, Intel and Aerojet, along with hundreds of contributions from other donors.

“The Powerhouse Science Center is a tremendous collaborative effort between many dedicated groups,” said Michelle Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “We were gratified at the community reaction as so many people participated and shared our vision for a premier science education center in our community. ”

In particular, Wong thanked KOVR CBS 13/CW-31 for promoting this telethon and making the Good Day Sacramento time available to us on Saturday.

The Center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to become the Powerhouse Science Center (www.powerhousesciencecenter.org) in 2013.

The Powerhouse Science Center will include science laboratories and classrooms; 150-seat full-dome planetarium; Challenger Learning Center; Robotics exhibit and labs; outdoor stage and screen; restaurant with riverfront views; and more.

The Center will transform a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting edge educational center, featuring a museum that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering and math.

“We are extremely pleased to help the Powerhouse Science Center become a reality,” said Kevin Walsh, General Manager and President of CBS 13/CW 31. “Not only does this project revitalize the Sacramento riverfront district, the Powerhouse Science Center will also provide our region’s children with a firm foundation in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, math). We are excited to be part of such a wonderful opportunity to educate our viewers about the future home of Northern California’s premier science education center. ”

On Saturday, volunteers from many groups helped staff the phone banks, including people from Sorpotomist, the Sacramento Downtown Rotary, Drexel University, Mountain Lions Cheerleaders and the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Powerhouse Science Center is also being supported by many local government entities.

“The Powerhouse Science Center will allow us to educate the next generation of children. Our country is lacking right now in math and science education for young people,” Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said. “This facility will give us an opportunity to get a leg up in these very important areas of education. The Center will also create over 300 jobs and activate our riverfront. Sacramento has a beautiful river that we have not taken advantage of yet. Building the Powerhouse Science Center will allow us to do that.”

The Powerhouse Science Center will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue that is accessible to the entire family. The Center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. The Center will be utilized as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12^th grade students from throughout the region.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 916 853-0343. Visit the Center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

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