Louisville Zoo Receives $10,000 From Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc. For Zoo Kids
The Louisville Zoo recently received a $10,000 donation from the Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc. for the Zoo Kids, Inc. program. Zoo Kids, Inc. offers underserved young people affiliated with non-profits or Title I schools in the community the chance to come to the Zoo at no cost to them or their families. The program was designed to help send at-risk and disadvantaged children on exciting educational adventures uniquely provided by the Louisville Zoo. Youth find inspiration in the mysteries of the Zoo with its exotic animals and lush botanical setting. A Zoo experience frequently sparks students’ imaginations and gives new meaning to the subject of their studies. After visiting the Zoo, the children write thank-you notes and/or draw pictures about their visit, thanking their sponsors.
Each year, the Zoo is aware of the need for assistance in offsetting the cost of visiting the Zoo. Zoo Kids, Inc. allows the Zoo to act as an intermediary between 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies or schools that serve underprivileged youth in the community and business leaders who are willing to invest in their future.
“The Louisville labor community cares about kids, because we are family people. Our parents go to work, and our kids go to school. Thanks to Zoo Kids Inc., more school kids get to go to the Zoo, and I know they love it like the labor community loves it,” said Charlie Clephas, president of the Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc. “We’re pleased and proud to do our part in making Zoo Kids a success.”
“Education is a primary focus of your Louisville Zoo, and nothing seems to capture the hearts and minds of children as much as the Zoo and its animal ambassadors,” said Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak. “Zoo Kids, Inc. was designed to teach the area’s children to love and care for the natural resources of our city and planet, as well as put a smile on their faces. We are extremely grateful to the Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc. for their generous, long-term support of this program.”
The Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc. is the longest and largest contributor to the Zoo Kids, Inc. program having contributed more than $41,000 (including this gift) since the program launched in 2005. This dedicated support has provided the opportunity for approximately 4500 underserved children to experience the Zoo at no cost to them.
If you would like to support the Zoo Kids, Inc. program, contact Michael Buckman at (502) 238-5375.
For more information on how to become a Zoo Kids, Inc. recipient agency or organization, visitwww.louisvillezoo.org/support/zookids/index.htm for a qualification and enrollment form.
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GLULP (Greater Louisville United Labor Picnic, Inc.) brings Louisville’s labor unions together year after year on Labor Day to celebrate the past and stand in solidarity in the present. Each year, over 5000 union members and their families gather at the Louisville Zoo for fun and more, because Labor Day is a day “on”, not a day off. GLULP makes time to be together on a day set aside to honor hard work and the sacrifices made for living wages, health care, safety and respect on the job.
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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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kyle shepherd / media relations manager / louisville zoo
502.238.5331 (direct) / 502.744.5639 (media cell)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
