For immediate release: 4/6/06
Contact:
Laura Dunn: 401-785-3510 x320
Cell: 401-523-7191
Lisa Bousquet: 401-785-3510 x302
Cell: 401-473-4142
Pressroom@rwpzoo.org

Roger Williams Park Zoo, Bank of America Kick Off New Field Trip Grant Program
"Trixie's Fund" to Help Bring Zoo Experience, Science Education to Children in Need

Providence, RI - Roger Williams Park Zoo has officially introduced "Trixie's Fund," a new field trip grant program, by awarding the first grants on March 30 to Harris Elementary School of Woonsocket and the Boys and Girls Club of Providence. The fund, established with a $25,000 starter grant from Bank of America, will help to subsidize the cost of zoo field trips for public schools and non-profit children's organizations in Rhode Island's urban cores.

Named for one of the zoo's most long-standing and beloved residents, a polar bear who thrilled and engaged generations of children at the zoo, Trixie's Fund grants are open to schools or organizations located in Rhode Island's urban cores where at least 15% of the children live in poverty. These communities include Central Falls, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, West Warwick and Woonsocket.

This year the fund will provide 40 grants of up to $250 each to public schools in these areas, which may be used to defray the cost of either transportation to the zoo or zoo admission. In addition, the fund will also provide qualifying community organizations with subsidized passes to the zoo.

The zoo currently provides science education to 55,000 students throughout southern New England every year, through field trips and formal programs that are aligned with the National Science Standards. Zoo educators hope that by enabling more students to take part in these programs, the fund will help the zoo to provide crucial science education to students in areas with limited resources for this type of learning.

"We're thrilled to be supporting Roger Williams Park Zoo through a program like Trixie's Fund, because it means more students will now have access to the unique learning experience offered at the zoo," said Bill Hatfield, Market President, Bank of America Rhode Island. "We hope that, through the zoo's programs, this fund will help to bring science education to those who need it and we challenge other corporate leaders in our state to step up and help the zoo with this important effort."

Zoo administrators hope that, with the support of additional community partners, the Trixie's Fund program can be augmented and the available grant money increased to over $100,000 per year in the future.

Those interested in applying for a Trixie's Fund grant can obtain an application at the zoo's website, www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org , or by calling the zoo Education Department at 401-785-3510 x350. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis throughout 2006.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is operated and maintained by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.

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EDITOR'S NOTE - PHOTOS AVAILABLE: Photos may be obtained by contacting the Zoo PR office.