Celebrating a Lifetime of Tradition With Publix Super Markets Charities

Publix Super Markets Charities helps you celebrate another revolution around the sun!

Giving back is something that came easily to Publix Super Markets’ founder, George W. Jenkins. He attributed his success to generously dedicating his time and financial support to several charitable causes and investing in his own employees. Mr. George, as he was affectionately known, was once asked, “If you hadn’t given away so much, how much do you think you’d be worth today?” To which his response was, “Probably nothing.” Publix Super Markets Charities was established in 1966 by the company founder to fulfill his legacy of giving back to the community and has successfully achieved that for decades since its inception.

The depth and breadth of the foundation’s impact is far- reaching and continues to grow. It spurs change and improves the lives of people within the communities in which Publix operates through the support of an array of nonprofit organizations throughout the southeast region. To ensure their philanthropic endeavor of building healthier communities, the foundation focuses its support on initiatives for youth, education, reducing hunger, and alleviating homelessness.

For more than 25 years, Publix Super Markets Charities has been a long-standing partner of Orlando Science Center, helping us meet the STEM learning needs of Central Florida. If you have ever hosted or had the opportunity to attend a birthday party here, you have Publix Super Markets Charities to thank for it. From space exploration and chemistry to paleontology and zoology, we provide live demonstrations, engaging experiments, and encourage creativity during your loved one’s special day. Our birthday party program is made possible through a sponsorship from Publix Super Markets Charities.

a group of kids at a birthday party doing a computer project

Throughout the years, the foundation has helped ensure science learning for everyone through their sponsorship of our accessibility program, Science for All. The Explore It! area in KidsTown, our state-of-the-art early childhood exhibit, was made possible through generous support from Publix Super Markets Charities as part of our Unlock Science campaign.

With their generous support, the Science Center provides unique and engaging STEM learning experiences for children and their families throughout Central Florida. We are very proud to honor Publix Super Markets Charities as a member of our Medallion Society, which is an extraordinary group of our most generous supporters. Medallion Society members are leaders in philanthropy through lifetime gifts of $1 million or more benefiting our mission to inspire science learning for life.

STEM learning is critical to community prosperity. Publix Super Markets Charities serves an important role in our ability to impact children and their families. We are grateful for our longtime partnership and proud to honor them as a member of our Medallion Society. 

JoAnn Newman
President & CEO of Orlando Science Center
a little girl digging up fake dinosaur bones

Dedication and support from the foundation enables us to continue providing innovative and engaging learning experiences to help our community grow and prosper. Learn more about Publix Super Markets Charities and its impact today. 

Please Support: A Message From Captain

It’s your best friend Captain here!

A lot has happened since I last wrote you in November. I’m reaching out to you today because I miss you!

 

Orlando Science Center cares so much about me, our community, and our whole world. As you may know, for our safety, we have made the decision to close for the time being. While I definitely miss seeing your happy faces and the cheerful squeals you make when we meet, I know this is for the best. My friends and caretakers, Tori and Madison, still visit each and every day and are taking such great care of me.

 

You are amazing. I’m always so happy when you buy a ticket to visit, or an annual membership to visit even more. Sometimes you give donations because you believe in me and my Science Center. Wow, that’s the best! All of these contributions give me the opportunity to educate you and your families and share the many ways that you can make a difference in our big, beautiful world. As a nonprofit, we couldn’t do it without you!

 

I, along with all my friends at Orlando Science Center, are asking you to consider supporting our operating fund that helps my 350  animal friends and our staff who call Orlando Science Center home.

 

I do hope you’ll join us. After all, we have a lot of work left to do together!

 

I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.

 

 

With all my love,

Captain