Valspar Donates $40,000 to Minnesota Zoo as Matching Gift Challenge for STEM Learning

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Valspar Foundation has donated $40,000 to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation as a matching gift challenge to support the sixth annual "Give to the Max Day" on November 13, 2014.  The funding, on behalf of Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL), is designated for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs at the Zoo.  The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is one of many nonprofit organizations throughout the state that ask Minnesotans to display their record-breaking generosity by donating to their favorite charities online at GiveMN.org during the "Give to the Max Day."

"As a global technology leader in the paints and coatings industry, Valspar supports critical programs that excite and engage young people in the intellectual pursuit of science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers," said Cynthia Arnold, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Valspar Corporation and member of the Minnesota Zoo Board of Directors. "An important giving pillar of the Valspar Foundation supports the academic programs that develop STEM knowledgeable students. We're pleased to present this gift to the Minnesota Zoo."

The Minnesota Zoo offers various STEM themed curriculum resources, classes, tours and special event days. These programs highlight the various STEM applications that go into understanding animal behavior and diets, designing exhibits to meet animal and visitor needs, and educating youth about STEM careers that support conservation efforts both in the zoo and in the field.

"When it comes to teaching the skills needed to be successful in STEM education, K-12 schools cannot do it all. That is where the Minnesota Zoo comes in," said Dr. Tara Harris, Vice President for Conservation, Minnesota Zoo. "The Minnesota Zoo is an informal science institution that already engages young people in observing animal behavior using science data collection, learning about the technology and engineering that went in to designing the zoo, and developing student curiosity and excitement for protecting animals."

In 2014, GiveMN will offer several incentives to encourage donor participation on Give to the Max Day.  Community members can support the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and other local nonprofits, and help these charities win prize grants up to $10,000 as top donation earners.

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. Open year round, the Zoo is one of the State's premier cultural attractions serving 1.2 million visitors annually. With a mission to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife, the Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Learn more at mnzoo.org.  

About The Valspar Corporation
The Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL) is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry with over 10,000 employees in more than 25 countries. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer service in the coatings industry. For more information, visit www.valsparglobal.com.

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