"This was a once in a lifetime event, and we are extremely happy to donate these monies to the college. We appreciate the Challenger Learning Center and all they do for our kids and for the communities they serve," said Mardie Herndon, Paducah Bank president and chief operating officer.
The donation brings the community support of the eclipse event full circle, said Challenger Learning Center Director Mellisa Duncan. "Our Night at Noon event was our way of sharing the eclipse with our community and visitors from all over the world. Paducah Bank's generosity to the Challenger Learning Center with this donation shows continued support for this community."
Paducah Bank's solar glasses went on sale about ten days before the eclipse on August 21, and sold out the first day. "People were happy to spend a dollar knowing the money was going to the Challenger Learning Center," said Paducah Bank marketing director Susan Guess.
Duncan said the money will be used for future programming at the center.
The center, located on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, will celebrate its 15th year of operations on October 19. More than 100,000 children and adults have visited since the Center opened in 2002.
