Parsec Financial recently awarded Colburn Earth Science Museum a Parsec Prize. Colburn Museum will receive $10,000 to continue to ignite the imaginations of visitors, both young and old, in Western North Carolina.
Colburn Earth Science Museum is the premier interactive and state-of-the-art science center in Western North Carolina. The award will allow the Colburn Museum to expand into a broader science center and re-brand as the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS). The expansion will add life science and state-of-the-art exhibits incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programming.
“We are thrilled that we were chosen for a Parsec Prize and are excited to put our funds toward expanding our mission and educational programs to parallel our relocation and brand expansion as the Asheville Museum of Science. This prize will help us serve a greater community in our region and provide a quality educational and recreational experience for families and visitors of all ages.” – Anna Priest, Executive Director
Each year, approximately 9,000 school students from throughout the region participate in Colburn Museum’s standards-based science classes. The education staff works closely with teachers and parents to ensure that a high-quality science education is available to all students and schools. “The Colburn Earth Science Museum is going through an exciting period of change during their rebranding to the Asheville Museum of Science and their relocation and expansion to their new home on Patton Avenue. Parsec Financial is excited to support them during this transition and to welcome them as our new neighbor,” says Travis Boyer, CFA, CFP®, Senior Financial Advisor. “By helping them expand their breadth of exhibits and securing a new location, we hope they can continue to keep local children interested in learning about science and serve as a great family-friendly destination for downtown Asheville.”
This year, ten organizations will share a total of $100,000. “The Parsec Prize helps local nonprofits make a real impact on their communities. Their work is so important and we are honored to be part of their legacy. We are always impressed by these organizations that strive to improve the lives of others and the community,” says Rick Manske, CEO, Parsec Financial.
Parsec Financial founded the Parsec Prize in 2005. Since that time, Parsec has given over $850,000 in prizes to 61 local nonprofits serving Western North Carolina and Charlotte. The Parsec Prize represents approximately one half of Parsec’s annual giving. Giving back to the community is a fundamental value at Parsec and they have long maintained a significant commitment to charitable giving.