AT&T awards $50,000 to the Museum of the Big Bend

ALPINE The AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., made a $50,000 contribution to the Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus.

With the donation, museum officials will come close to completing the design and installation of various cultural and historical exhibits that interpret the history and cultures of the region.

Exhibits include a chuckwagon, stagecoach, mine cart, pterosaur model and regional topographic map.

The Museum of the Big Bend completed a five-year $4.4 million capital campaign that included the renovation and relocation to its original location, a native stone building constructed in 1936 during the Texas Centennial.

The museum held its grand opening in August 2007.

Sonia Perez, AT&T senior vice president of External Affairs and State Rep. Pete P. Gallego presented the contribution July 18 at the museum.

The Museum of the Big Bend serves the population of the three Far West Texas counties of Brewster, Jeff Davis and Presidio, more than 12,500 square miles.

AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs.
In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $164 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.

Picture: State Rep. Pete P. Gallego presents a $50,000 check to the Museum of the Big Bend on behalf of the AT&T Foundation. The contribution will be used to help complete the design and installation of various cultural and historical exhibits. Also pictured are, from left: Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan; Sonia Perez, AT&T vice president of External Affairs; Elaine Craig, chair of the Museum's Director's Advisory Council; and Larry Francell, Museum director.