News 2010

B. Thomas Golisano Makes $5 million Challenge Gift – Museum to be NamedGolisano Children’s Museum of Naples in His Honor

cmon logoNaples, FL May 3, 2010 – The Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon) is pleased to recognize the extraordinary generosity of businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano by naming the Museum the “Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples.” 
Golisano is the Founder and Chairman of Paychex, Inc., a leader in the payroll and human resource industry. As the lead donor to the C’mon Campaign with a $5 million challenge grant, Golisano hopes to inspire other philanthropists to support the worthwhile campaign to bring the new Museum to completion.

"The Children's Museum of Naples will fulfill an underserved need in the area by providing children with a place to learn that is also fun and stimulating,” said Golisano. “As a long-time advocate of services for children I am pleased to help make this dream become a reality. I congratulate the C’mon Board for their hard work and efforts, which is producing a significant addition to the Naples community."

The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is currently under construction at the North Collier Regional Park in Naples and is scheduled to open in 2011. C’mon, like Golisano, believes it is a privilege to share life with a child, and is committed to nurturing bonds among families and all generations. The Museum will celebrate the natural curiosity of children by offering an educationally dynamic space with 13 exhibits that encourage exploration and discovery. The Museum will be accessible to all children, regardless of their physical or learning abilities. This safe and wonderful Museum will inspire children and families to have fun while learning together.

“The C’mon Campaign has already raised more than $21 million toward the $25 million goal for the Museum,” said C’mon Past Chair Julie Koester. “Mr. Golisano’s $5 million challenge grant will help C’mon in reaching out to new donors and inspire a deeper commitment from current donors. We thank Mr. Golisano for leading the ‘Race to the Finish’ and each and every member of the community who has donated their time and support to this important project!” 
Golisano’s philosophy, “the only wealth you get to keep is that which you give away,” rings true for the new Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, which will offer a wealth of experiences to the children and families of Southwest Florida.

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About the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples will be Southwest Florida’s first learning environment devoted exclusively to child’s play, the serious business of discovery that helps children attain hallmark milestones on the journey into adulthood. More than a building, C’mon presents a well-rounded universe that is full of exhibits and programs that lead children and their families on a journey from the swamps of the Everglades to the outer reaches of the galaxy and from an experience at a working farm to a day at the beach. To learn more, visit www.cmon.org.

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