The Franklin Institute Receives $250,000 Gift from the US Airways Community Foundation

PHILADELPHIA, July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Franklin Institute (TFI), Pennsylvania's most-visited museum, announces today that it has received a $250,000 contribution from US Airways Community Foundation for its Inspire Science! fundraising effort.  The US Airways Community Foundation supports multi-year capital campaigns for nonprofit organizations located in and providing services to communities in their hub areas of operations.  The gift will vitally support TFI's ongoing and ambitious effort to expand its facilities and offerings and incorporate the latest innovative technologies into its programming. Specific projects include the revitalization of continuing exhibitions, and erecting a cutting-edge 53,000 square foot LEED-certified building extension.

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"As Philadelphia is a key hub of the airline with over 6,000 employees and an economic impact on the region of over $14 billion, we know that by supporting education, we are helping to create a thriving economic future and enhance the quality of life in our community," said Elise Eberwein, Executive Vice President, People, Communications and Public Affairs.  "Our partnership with The Franklin Institute helps spark a passion for science in the next generation of engineers, scientists and mathematicians that puts Philadelphia students on the flight path to success."

"It quickly became clear to us that US Airways connects thoughtful philanthropy to communities in a myriad of meaningful ways," said Dr. Dennis Wint, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute.  "We are tremendously grateful for their generous $250,000 gift."

"US Airways' support is vital in allowing the Institute to further its mission – to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology," said Don Callaghan, Institute Trustee and Chair of the Inspire Science! campaign.  "Their assistance with this campaign allows us to continue to expand our efforts to provide one-of-a-kind, world-class science experiences that impact hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren and families every year."

US Airways, the Official Airline of The Franklin Institute, began its relationship with the museum in 2006, as a sponsor of both the Franklin Air Show exhibition and the renowned Traveling Science Show educational program.  US Airways' commitment to the Institute was further deepened when Suzanne Boda, Senior Vice President Customer Service, International and Cargo, joined TFI's Board of Trustees in October 2009.  US Airways also currently sponsors TFI's annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner.

In the last decade, The Franklin Institute has undergone an ambitious upgrade of its facilities, with the goal of increasing access to its exciting and effective educational offerings to a wider and more diverse audience.  Improvements range from a re-built Giant Heart to enhanced public spaces to accommodate visitors for blockbuster exhibits like Cleopatra, BodyWorlds and Tut, all of which generated unprecedented attention and audiences.  Recently, through Inspire Science! funds, the museum has been able to present new Electricity and Changing Earth exhibits, renovate the Benjamin Franklin Memorial, and re-furbish the museum's cutting-edge theatres.

About US Airways

US Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,200 flights per day and serves more than 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The airline employs 32,000 aviation professionals worldwide and is a member of the Star Alliance network, which offers its customers 21,000 daily flights to 1,160 airports in 181 countries. Together with its US Airways Express partners, the airline serves approximately 80 million passengers each year and operates hubs in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia and Phoenix, and a focus city in Washington, D.C. at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. US Airways was the only airline included as one of the 50 best companies to work for in the U.S. by LATINA Style magazine's 50 Report for 2010. For the sixth year in a row, the airline also earned a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality index, a leading indicator of companies' attitudes and policies toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and customers. US Airways also ranked #1 among its competing hub-and-spoke network carriers for 2010 performance as rated by the Wichita State University/Purdue University Airline Quality Rating (AQR). For more company information visit usairways.com, follow on Twitter @USAirways or at Facebook.com/USAirways. (LCCT)

The Franklin Institute

Increasingly a "go-to" destination, The Franklin Institute is known for blockbuster exhibits, one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences, and cutting-edge community learning (including a high school partnership with the School District of Philadelphia) with national influence.  All are aimed at explaining science in ways that impact on people's lives.  Additionally, the museum's prestigious Franklin Awards, which honor the greatest men and women of science, engineering, and technology, has achieved international significance in recent years.  The Franklin Institute is considered one of the great science centers in the nation and the world – with the ability to present science in an engaging and increasingly interactive setting that creates real-world relevance to the multi-cultural community which The Franklin Institute serves.

About The Franklin Institute

Founded in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity.  It is dedicated to creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake.  For more information, please visit www.fi.edu.

SOURCE Franklin Institute

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