ABQ Times

The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum has announced a new collaboration with PNC to support early childhood education and literacy. The museum’s Stories and Music in the Sky programs will receive grant funding from the PNC Foundation, allowing it to expand its reach 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 featured 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 character Cookie Monster made an appearance to celebrate.

“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 new hands-on elements such as a wind tube, an elevated platform for sitting in a balloon basket, and a photo opportunity designed to enhance children's interactive experience.

“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 of 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 its signature philanthropic initiative PNC Grow Up Great®. The $500 million bilingual initiative aims to help prepare children from birth through age five for success in school and life, particularly focusing on underserved communities.

Through grant funding, employee volunteerism, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts, PNC Grow Up Great supports families, educators, and community partners by providing innovative opportunities that enhance learning and development for young children. This strategic initiative aims to eliminate barriers and improve equity so every child can succeed.

About the PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation receives principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group Inc., actively supporting organizations that benefit communities where it has significant presence. The foundation focuses on early childhood education as well as community and economic development including arts and culture. Since 2004, its signature cause has been creating a bilingual $500 million multi-year initiative called Grow Up Great® aimed at preparing children from birth to age five for success in school and life.

About PNC

The PNC Financial Services Group Inc. is one of America’s largest diversified financial services institutions organized around customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail banking services including lending products; specialized services for corporations; real estate finance; asset-based lending; wealth management; and asset management.

For more information about these initiatives visit www.pncgrowupgreat.com or www.pnc.com.