January 20, 2009
CONTACTS:
Meg Fullwood
214-740-9377
mfullwood@kera.org
Deanna Collingwood
214-740-9281
dcollingwood@kera.org
CARL B. AND FLORENCE E. KING FOUNDATION FUNDS
SESAME STREET ON KERA WITH $120,000 GRANT
(Dallas/Fort Worth) The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation has awarded $120,000 to KERA in support of program costs for the award-winning public television series Sesame Street. The King Foundation has provided funding for children’s educational programs on KERA for nearly four decades.
“The Foundation is exceptionally proud to be an important part of helping North Texas children to enjoy learning and be more prepared for school,” said Michelle Monse, President of the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation.
KERA is committed to providing quality education experiences for children every weekday through a schedule of television programs developed for pre-school ages through early teens. Sesame Street provides young children with a safe and entertaining place to develop their intellect and social skills. After more than 39 years on public television, Sesame Street continues to set the standard for excellence in children’s educational programming. Sesame Street will celebrate its 40th birthday this fall.
“Sesame Street is a birthright for children. Thanks to the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation the program will continue to educate and inspire the children of North Texas,” says Mary Anne Alhadeff, President and CEO of KERA. “Sesame Street is broadcast every weekday at 8 a.m. without commercial interruption. It reaches more than 65,000 children each quarter hour – an exceptionally large audience that demonstrates children are enjoying the program and parents and caregivers are acknowledging Sesame Street as an essential component to early childhood development.”
About The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation
The lives of Carl B. and Florence E. King were marked by warmth, compassion and generosity. As they prospered, they believed in giving back. They dedicated themselves to the betterment of individuals, communities and society through informed giving. Today the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation honors their memory, continues their tradition and builds upon their vision. For more information visit KingFoundation.com.
About KERA
KERA is a not-for-profit public broadcasting organization that is independently owned and operated in North Texas. The station’s services include original television and radio productions, national public television and radio programs, online information and resources at Kera.org and an educational resource center that develops outreach programs for children, families and educators.
