Balloon Museum, PNC Team Up to Support Early Childhood Education and Literacy

The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum announced an exciting new collaboration with PNC to support early childhood education and literacy. The museum’s award-winning Stories and Music in the Sky programs will receive grant funding from the PNC Foundation, allowing it to broaden its impact and inspire a love of learning through story time, music, art and movement. Additionally, PNC will sponsor an upgrade to the Stories in the Sky Book Nook within the interactive Elevation Station exhibition.

Today’s announcement at the Balloon Museum began with a special story time for participants of Explora’s Brillante Program by Albuquerque First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller in the newly upgraded PNC Stories in the Sky Book Nook. Sesame Street Costumed Character Cookie Monster stopped by to lend a hand with the celebration.

“This collaboration between the Balloon Museum and PNC exemplifies the power of a shared vision,” said Dr. Shelle Sanchez, director of the Department of Arts & Culture. “Together, we’re building a strong foundation for a better future, inspiring a lifelong love of learning and ensuring our youngest learners have the tools they need to thrive."

“As we continue building a better tomorrow for Albuquerque families, we understand that there’s no greater investment than the one we place in our kids,” said First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller. “It’s essential that we work to ensure early paths of access, enrichment and opportunity for the bright young minds that will drive our city’s future.”

The Balloon Museum caters to visitors of all ages, with a dedicated space for its youngest guests within the Elevation Station. The PNC Stories in the Sky Book Nook features exciting new hands-on elements, including a wind tube, an elevated platform for sitting in a balloon basket and a charming photo opportunity, all designed to enhance the interactive experience for children.

“As a locally rooted bank with national scale and capabilities, PNC is deeply committed to the success of the communities where we live, work and play,” said Jessica Castellanos, vice president, client & community relations for PNC Bank. “Our collaboration with the Balloon Museum aligns with our mission by providing high-quality early childhood education opportunities, which are the foundation of a brighter future for children, and society at large.”

Since 2004, PNC has supported high-quality early childhood education through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature philanthropic initiative. The goal of the $500 million, bilingual initiative is to help prepare children from birth through age 5 for success in school and in life, with particular emphasis on underserved communities.

Through a comprehensive approach of grant funding, employee volunteerism, awareness and advocacy, PNC Grow Up Great supports families, educators and community partners in providing innovative opportunities that enhance learning and development for our youngest community members, setting a path for success that lasts a lifetime. PNC’s support of early childhood education is a strategic initiative to help eliminate barriers and improve equity so that every child — especially those in underserved communities — can succeed.

About the PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

About PNC

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.