Dow Family & Valeant Pharmaceuticals Donate $200,000 to CMOSC!

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Dow Family donates half; Valeant Pharmaceutical matches gift

SONOMA COUNTY, CA., April 20, 2012 – The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CMOSC) has received a donation of $200,000, with $100,000 coming from Gordon and Joanne Dow and a second $100,000 coming from Valeant Pharmaceuticals in recognition of Gordon Dow’s retirement from the company.

The donations are timely as CMOSC is in the midst of a $1.8 million capital campaign to open the new museum on Steele Lane in Santa Rosa.  “We are thrilled the Dow Family and Valeant Pharmaceuticals believe in and support our mission to ignite imaginations, cultivate curiosity and nurture creativity in all children through the power of play.” said Herb Williams, Board President. “Now more than ever, children and families need places like this where children are free to explore at their own pace and be creative without someone telling them what, when, and how.“

“The Dow Family is committed to the development and construction of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County and are thrilled to see this effort finally begin to come to fruition,” said Gordon Dow.  “We believe in the mission of the Museum, and encourage one and all to follow in our footsteps, contribute to the Museum’s capital campaign, and nurture growth and wonder in the hearts and minds of our community’s most precious asset, our children.”

Gordon Dow is the founder of Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, a Petaluma-based dermatology biotech company which was acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International in 2008. Dow stayed on at the company until his retirement earlier this year. In recognition of his retirement, Valeant Pharmaceuticals donated an additional $100,000 to CMOSC.

“We are pleased to provide an exhibit sponsorship to The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County on behalf of Gordon Dow,” stated J. Michael Pearson, chairman and chief executive office for Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.  “Gordon’s dedication and innovation has been a tremendous inspiration both in the field of dermatology and at Valeant, and it is appropriate that his influence and passion for science continues by supporting an enterprise that encourages children to explore the arts and sciences.”

CMOSC is undergoing a multi-year campaign to raise $1.8 million to finish the indoor exhibits and building upgrades to their site, located at 1835 West Steele lane, adjacent to the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County reaches more than 10,000 children and their caregivers each year through “Museum-on-the-Go” community events, school outreach programs, and special events and birthday parties held at the site. 

The museum is slated to open in late 2013. 

The next special event at the museum is May Day is Play Day on May 6. The event is open to the public.

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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. 

Contact
Collette Michaud
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
707.287.4809
Collette@cmosc.org

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