Spanish 
PG&E Provides $105,000 Grant for New Hydroelectric Exhibit at Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Partnership Will Help Educate Local Students on Renewable Energy Benefits
SANTA ROSA, CA., January 25, 2014 — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CMOSC) today unveiled a new, interactive hydroelectric exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa.
PG&E provided a $105,000 grant to fund the project, which will demonstrate how hydroelectric power plants work and how PG&E uses this clean energy source to provide electricity to homes and businesses.
“PG&E is pleased to partner with the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County on this project that will help children develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills,” said Greg Pruett, senior vice president for PG&E. “We understand the importance of giving back to the communities where we live and work, and hope this exhibit inspires the next generation of environmental leaders.”
Set up like a water table, the PG&E hydroelectric exhibit shows how water can generate power. Children can pump and release water spinning a turbine while they monitor a gage showing how much energy they generate.
“We are deeply grateful for PG&E’s generous support,” said Collette Michaud, CEO and founder of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. ” Thanks to PG&E, thousands of children will experience the joys of learning about their environment and concepts like hydroelectricity in the best way possible – through hands-on play.”
The opening of the exhibit today not only provides children the first opportunity to explore the hydroelectric exhibit, but also a new nature education garden. As children enter the garden, Mary the butterfly greets them, encouraging them to explore her lifecycle, dig for treasure and explore a miniature Russian River. The farmer’s market welcomes shoppers and gardeners, and the tractor and windmill attract curious hands and minds. In Ella’s Art Studio, children can explore with paint, chalk, fabrics, clay and more.
In addition to the $105,000 PG&E has provided for the hydroelectric exhibit, CMOSC has raised $7.3 million as part of its ongoing capital campaign.
CMOSC also thanks these major donors:
- California Parks and Recreation Department
- Jean Schulz
- Dow Pharmaceuticals
- Valeant Pharmaceuticals
- The Ella Bisbee Fund
- Ernest L. and Ruth W. Finley Foundation.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), and the PG&E Corporation Foundation strive to power strong communities throughout Northern and Central California. In 2013, PG&E contributed more than $23 million to more than 1,500 charitable organizations, including matching the generosity of employees who donated more than $6.5 million and volunteered more than 48,000 hours to company-supported events. Community investments are funded entirely by the company’s shareholders. For more information, visit www.pge.com/community.
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County’s mission is to inspire children’s creativity and stimulate their curiosity to discover the world through playful exploration of the arts and sciences. The Museum envisions a compassionate and vibrant environment that supports the creative potential of all children and a child’s capacity to actively contribute to the long-term health and prosperity of the community. For more information, visit www.cmosc.org.
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PG&E Corporate Relations – 415.973.5930
CONTACT
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Collette Michaud – 707.287.4809
Collette@cmosc.org
