VWR Charitable Foundation to Support the Orlando Science Center with Auction

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The VWR Charitable Foundation, in partnership with VWR International, LLC (VWR), a leading global laboratory supply and distribution company, hosted an auction last night at the Company's annual North American Sales Meeting, with all proceeds to benefit the Orlando Science Center.

"Everyday, the Orlando Science Center welcomes the next generation of scientific explorers, and creates a hands-on experience that fosters curiosity and sets the foundation for local youth to become the next scientific innovators," said Paul Dumas, SVP, HR of VWR, and Vice President of the Board for the VWR Charitable Foundation.  "We are proud to support exceptional organizations like the Orlando Science Center who demonstrate such passion for science education."

The VWR Charitable Foundation supports non-profit organizations and programs aligned with their mission of research for new innovation and drug discovery, improving health and well-being to those in need and building greater awareness of science education.  

"The generosity of the VWR Foundation, VWR International and its suppliers is incredible.  It is wonderful to find an organization like VWR who shares our passion for inspiring youth around experiential science learning. This contribution will make a huge impact," said JoAnn Newman, President and CEO of the Orlando Science Center.

The annual North American Sales Meeting brings together VWR sales associates, leaders and suppliers to provide positioning, training, product rollout and new initiatives for the following year.  With nearly 800 associates traveling to the meeting, VWR initiated the Auction as a means of giving back to the local community where they are hosting the event.  The Auction event affords everyone the opportunity to come together and raise funds to support a very deserving organization.  Last year, the event raised $40,000 for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, TX.

About VWR Foundation

The VWR Foundation was initiated by five associates of VWR International, LLC who wanted to make a difference in the areas where they worked and lived. The VWR Charitable Foundation was approved by VWR International, LLC Board of Directors in the fall of 2008, and was officially registered as a non-profit organization with the U.S. Government in January of 2009.  The mission of the VWR Foundation focuses on science education, research and health and well-being.  More information about the VWR Charitable Foundation can be found at www.VWRfoundation.org.

About VWR International, LLC

VWR International, LLC, headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a global laboratory supply and distribution company with worldwide sales in excess of $3.5 billion in 2009. VWR enables the advancement of the world's most critical research through the distribution of a highly diversified product line to most of the world's top pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as industrial, educational and governmental organizations. With 150 years of industry experience, VWR offers a well-established distribution network that reaches thousands of specialized labs and facilities spanning the globe. VWR has over 6,500 associates around the world working to streamline the way researchers across North America, Europe, and Asia stock and maintain their labs. In addition, VWR further supports its customers by providing onsite services, storeroom management, product procurement, supply chain systems integration and technical services.

For more information on VWR, phone (800) 932-5000, visit www.vwr.com, or write, VWR International, LLC, Radnor Corporate Center, Building One, Suite 200, P.O. Box 6660, 100 Matsonford Road, Radnor, PA 19087.

VWR and design are registered trademarks of VWR International, LLC.

About Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is one of America's top hands-on science centers where everyone can explore and discover together. Located for more than 50 years in Orlando, engaging experiences await within the center's more than four levels of exhibits, labs, live programs, giant screen films, and observatory. Dedicated to "inspire science learning for life," the Science Center provides fun experiential learning both within and outside the center's walls, including field trips, school appearances, and other forms of community outreach. To learn more about the Orlando Science Center, visit www.osc.org or call 407-514-2000 or 888-OSC-4FUN.

SOURCE VWR International, LLC