The Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the largest corporate giver in Wisconsin,continues to advance its mission to inspire lifelong learning through its employee volunteer activities and through support of many nonprofit programs like, "The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD," - an early childhood development exhibit.
Created by Milwaukee's Betty Brinn Children's Museum with approval of toymaker Hasbro Inc., the exhibit is the Museum's most ambitious traveling display and aligns with the Foundation's largest giving area - education.
"This was an outstanding opportunity for us to invest in an important early childhood development program that's making an impact in communities where we do business," said Lynn Heimbruch, manager of philanthropy and community relations for the Foundation. "At the same time, our contribution allowed us to continue our support of one of Milwaukee's important learning institutions."
"The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD" exhibit will travel for four years, leading children in hands-on activities that help build academic skills and encourages children to welcome new experiences, think about all they can do and be, and always respect themselves and others.
The Betty Brinn Children's Museum manages the rental of the exhibit to peer museums and science centers, raising funds to support the Museum's educational programs and services that promote the healthy development of children. Their funding is off-set by support from contributors, like The Northwestern Mutual Foundation, which has supported the Museum since its inception in 1995.
"We now have the opportunity to share the quality, educational programming that we offer in Milwaukee with museums in other communities," said Fern Shupeck, the Museum's executive director. "At the same time, this new revenue source contributes to our sustainability, so the people of Wisconsin can enjoy the Betty Brinn Children's Museum for years to come.
The success of this model provided the Museum with the momentum to create two additional educational exhibits that will tour the country.
"Without the Northwestern Mutual Foundation believing in and supporting our vision, this would not have been possible," said Shupeck.
The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD debuted to 36,000 people in July 2008 at the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. It continues to attract crowds during its 11-city tour, with almost 66,000 people experiencing the exhibit at The Children's Museum in Seattle, Wash., and 75,000 people at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, N.Y.
