Florida Aquarium Announces a $15,000 Donation from Pepin Distributing

By Katherine Chakour

Tampa, FL - The Florida Aquarium announced today that Pepin Distributing Co., has made a donation of $15,000 for the sponsorship of The Florida Aquarium’s No Bones Zone educational exhibit and Aquarium fundraising events.

Tom Pepin, President of Pepin Distributing Co., and his family are intimately involved with Pepin Academies Inc., a tuition- free charter school in Tampa for kindergarten through 22 year-old students with learning disabilities. Established in 1999, many of the children who attend Pepin Academies have sensory related disorders and the Pepin Academies has a one-of-a-kind sensory lab to help work with students. The Florida Aquarium’s No Bones Zone is a sensory exhibit for children of all ages to experience while visiting the Aquarium.

“Pepin’s sponsorship of the No Bones Zone is a hallmark example of how partnerships between educational establishments and the Aquarium can help make positive impacts in children’s lives” said Thom Stork, The Florida Aquarium’s President and CEO.

“The No Bones Zone exhibit and Pepin Academies is a perfect partnership for creating awareness about learning disabilities and even more specifically, sensory integration” said Tom Pepin, President of Pepin Distributing Co. “Students at Pepin Academies thrive in our educational environment and are prepared to face the future confidently, competently and competitively. At Pepin Academies, our students are allowed to be themselves and discover their many talents and unique traits, without fear of being looked at as different.”

Pepin Academies is currently accepting student applications.

About The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire stewardship about our natural environment. It is ranked as one of the best aquariums in the country and “top 5 kid-friendly aquariums” by Parents Magazine.

About The Pepin Academies Inc.

The Pepin Academy Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tuition-free, public charter school dedicated to the educational needs of students with identified learning and learning related disabilities. The Pepin Academies has celebrated over a decade of excellence in education. Using educational models of innovative instructional design, the faculty endeavors to develop the gifts of a diverse population who frequently arrive to their doors already discouraged.

Photo:
Pepin Academies.jpg –Left to Right: Tom Pepin, President of Pepin Distributing Co ; Crisha Scolaro, A Founder & Community Liaison for The Pepin Academies ; Thom Stork, The Florida Aquarium’s President and CEO

To view Florida Aquarium's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor News, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-37-Florida_Aquarium