P o w er ed b y Bu r n s & M c D o n n e l l
at Union Station
20 Years and Growing
Photo by Griff Hastings
In June of 1992, the first Science City Volunteer Council was founded and thus began an era of vision casting, community building and focused fundraising, all in support of a world-class science center for Kansas City. Over the next seven years — and leading up to the Nov. 10, 1999 grand opening of Science City at Union Station — these volunteers, community leaders and inspired citizens poured their hearts into what was heralded as a gateway to adventure. Their monumental efforts translated into a dream come true for children and families across our community. Today — twenty years later — Kansas City’s science center leads at the crossroads in creativity, innovation, exploration and invention. And with the opening of early learning in the Spring of 2020, more than 75 percent of the exhibit areas will have been completely transformed. There’s literally something new to see and do everywhere you look. Visitors from across the country and around the corner come to discover and interact with one-ofa-kind exhibits, special events, fairs and seasonal celebrations that inspire learning. As careers in science, technology, engineering and math continue to expand, there’s never been a better time for Science City to be growing and vibrant. Indeed, Kansas City’s award-winning science center is
more relevant and vital than ever before and making a profound difference. As we look across the landscape of our diverse community, we see opportunities to offer more, reach more and become an even bigger part of the integral fabric of STEM education and opportunities. The pace and priority of change is exciting and the support from corporate, foundation and individual donors is the proof point that validates ongoing efforts. With your vision, leadership and financial support, the Science Center at Union Station invested in a dream . . . a dream that continues to grow in each person who walks through our doors. So, please feel our extreme appreciation and sincere invitation to come alongside your Science City again and help shape the future as we grow younger. Together, our dreams will take flight with absolutely no limit in sight.
Ramón Murguía Board Chairman
George Guastello President & CEO
Mission: Union Station Kansas City is dedicated to preserving its historic monument and its stories, inspiring lifelong learning and creating lasting memories for our community.
2 • Science City: 20 Years and Growing
20 Years Ago Vision “To ignite a passion for discovery by creating one-of-a-kind adventures, the Science City experience will be greatly enhanced by being part of a magnificently restored Union Station, which will help make Science City a destination attraction.” Such was the original vision and core purpose. Imaginations took flight as Science City’s futuristic glass and steel structure was conceived to forever change our downtown skyline. A place that once featured tracks to carry rail passengers to every corner of the country would transform into a space to carry young minds into futures not yet imagined.
Fundraising & Community Involvement Starting with their first event in September of 1993, the Science City Volunteer Council conceived, produced and hosted more than 22 magnificent events, involving a myriad of Kansas City businesses, organizations, individuals and locations. This was truly a community-wide effort in every respect . . . and a smashing success. In addition to raising community support and awareness for Science City and the restoration of Union Station, the Science City Volunteer Council (totaling more than 500 members), contributed $1,451,639 to Science City at Union Station.
Built & Opened On November 10, 1999, Kansas City awoke with eager anticipation. After ten years of planning and three years of construction and restoration, history was being made as dreams of a world-class science center were realized and promises of a rescued historic rail depot were kept. On the doorstep of the new millennium, Science City – an integral part of the massive 850,000 square foot Union Station — threw open her doors to a world of adventure. The experience was celebrated widely for its spirit of innovation and ambition. Science City quickly became a destination for the entire region. Memories were made and families from near and far celebrated this spectacular new resource.
ScienceCity.com
In the years that followed — and as the world of science education changed — so did Science City. Reimagining and reinventing became the standard, resulting in an unparalleled run of successes and recognitions that continue today . . . and, undoubtedly, into the future. 3
Today... More
than twenty years since opening and moving toward the next horizon, the Science Center at Union Station possesses a bold sense of adventure, a contagious enthusiasm and a clear vision. We have gained tremendous support and carved out an impressive place in the community, and we have captured the imagination of children, parents, educators and funders alike. Reimagined. Transformed. And internationally awarded. Kansas City’s Science Center at Union Station is on the world stage, and our future is limitless. More oneof-a-kind exhibits and content areas. More dynamic and engaging programming to reach sciencethirsty audiences. And more spectacular immersive space as we grow younger.
4 • Science City: 20 Years and Growing
2013
Named one of the country’s “25 Best Science Centers” by Parents Magazine “Favorite Museum” Science City by KC Parent
2015
ASTC International Leading Edge Award “Extraordinary Accomplishments in Visitor Experience” Voted “Best Family Outing and Venue” by Ingram’s Magazine Voted “Favorite Indoor Family Destination” by KC Parent Magazine
2017
“Attraction of the Year Award” by Greater Kansas City Attractions Association “Favorite Family Friendly Attraction” Science City by Visit KC Visitors’ Choice Awards
2018
“Best Place to take Your Kid on a Rainy Day” Best of KC Awards by 435 Magazine “Favorite Family Friendly Attraction” Science City by Visit KC Visitors’ Choice Awards “Best of KC” by Visit KC Visitors’ Choice Awards
2019
“Best Museum” Science City by iFamilyKC Readers’ Favorite “Favorite NEW place” The Amazing Brain Exhibit by KC Parent “Favorite Indoor Family Destination” Science City by KC Parent “Best Family Outing” by Ingram’s Magazine
Success By the Numbers Science City Annual Attendance 2012-2018 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Quick Look over 4 million
• Since 1999, guests have visited and benefitted from your Science City • Since Summer Camp began in 2006, we’ve educated
nearly 10,500 campers 20,175
• In the last four years we’ve touched educators and students through professional and student development programming
37,000
• In four years, over area students attended Science City thanks to scholarship funding ScienceCity.com
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Success By the Numbers Continued Planetarium Annual Attendance 2012-2018 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Annual Household Membership 2012-2018 12,000 10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000 0
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Board of Directors Ramón Murguía, Chairman Attorney at Law Murguía Law Offices Bucky Brooks Principal – Copaken Brooks Jon Cook Global CEO – VMLY&R Michael Copeland Mayor – Olathe, KS Regional Administrator GSA – Heartland Region
Peggy J. Dunn, Treasurer Mayor – Leawood, KS Ray Kowalik. Vice Chairman Chairman & CEO Burns and McDonnell Michael R. Haverty Retired Executive Chairman Kansas City Southern R. Crosby Kemper III Executive Director Kansas City Public Library
6 • Science City: 20 Years and Growing
Dan Lowe Owner & Consultant Legacy Development Leo Morton President & COO DeBruce Companies Robert D. Regnier President & CEO Bank of Blue Valley Dr. Thomas Sack President and CEO MRIGlobal
Charles Sosland President & CEO Sosland Companies, Inc. Chairman & CEO Sosland Publishing Company Danette Wilson, Secretary Retired President & CEO Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City Quinton Lucas Mayor – Kansas City, MO Ex-Officio
Early Learning – Opening Spring 2020 Project Cost: $8,200,000 (estimated) Total Funding Commitments: $7,662,000 Remaining Funding Needed: $519,000
Your Lasting Legacy Available Naming Rights Opportunities • All Aboard: $600,000 • Let’s Play! For Little Explorers: $500,000 • Creative Corner: $450,000 • Additional Opportunities: – Art/Paint Room - $250,000 – Sand Studio - $150,000 – Classroom - $150,000 – Trains Move Freight – $150,000 – Intermodal Table – $150,000 – Sleeper Car – $100,000 – Dining Car – $100,000 – Main Engine – $100,000 – Model Trains – $100,000 *Additional naming rights opportunities are negotiable.
ScienceCity.com
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Current Early Learning Donors & Sponsors • Hall Family Foundation • Sunderland Foundation • PNC Foundation (Also Sponsor of 20th Anniversary Event) • Edward F. Swinney Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee • Marion & Henry Bloch Family Foundation • Ann and Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation • Nerman Family • Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation • David Beals Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee