Jensen Beach, FL – April 5, 2024 – The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast is thrilled to unveil an exciting transformation of a beloved annual tradition, transitioning from the Festival of Trees to the Festival of Giving. We are grateful to Tykes & Teens for passing this event on to us. This year's event promises to be even more impactful as we embrace the spirit of giving back to the community.

The 2024 Festival of Giving, set to take place from November 18th to November 23rd, will showcase a remarkable display of trees, wreaths, and centerpieces created by generous participants. What sets this year apart is our commitment to share the proceeds with numerous non-profit organizations, spreading joy and support throughout our community.

Past donors, volunteers, and tree sponsors are warmly welcomed to participate once again in this year's event. We encourage tree sponsors to select their favorite organization including The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, allowing them to make a significant surprise impact on their chosen non-profit this holiday season. The response from past sponsors has been overwhelming, with many already preparing their supplies for this year's festival.

The Festival of Giving will commence on Monday, November 18th, with a morning mixer, followed by viewing hours open to the general public each evening. As a highlight of the week, on Wednesday evening, we are proud to partner with Tykes and Teens to host a private, magical family night for families enrolled in services provided by Tykes and Teens. This enchanting evening of play is generously sponsored by John Gonzales of Engle & Volkers, a dedicated board member who believes wholeheartedly in the festival's mission.

If you would like to sponsor the event or sponsor and design a tree for your favorite non-profit at this year's Festival of Giving, please contact Christina McIntosh at 772-225-7575 ext. 202 or christina@childrensmuseumtc.org for a list of approved non-profits, guidelines and registration.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of this event in the past and look forward to your continued kindness, generosity, and giving spirit as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Christina McIntosh, Community Relations & Event Coordinator, 772-225-7575 ext. 202

The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast 1723 NE Shearwater Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957 www.childrensmuseumtc.org

STUART (Feb. 7, 2024) - Brightline and The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast unveiled the new Brightline Trains safety exhibit, a hands-on-learning experience for kids and families focused on the importance of rail safety. The exhibit, sponsored by Brightline, includes a model train track that operates through an imaginary town and features safety information for kids and adults visiting the museum. This is the latest addition to Brightline’s extensive education outreach campaign which includes partnerships with community partners, school districts and law enforcement organizations, digital ads and a safety website with an online pledge.

The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, located in Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, focuses on providing children and families a place to explore and learn through hands-on, interactive activities with a Florida flair. The museum serves five counties, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Indian River and Okeechobee, and sees a visitorship of more than 55,000 each year. Brightline began traveling through the Treasure Coast in 2023 with the opening of the Orlando extension, making an exhibit on rail safety a perfect fit for the museum’s Florida-centric activities.

“This exhibit is one of the many out of the box educational ways we are working with our partners to promote safety in the communities where we operate,” said Ali Soule, VP of Community Relations. “The museum is a great place to educate kids and adults alike, and we hope this exhibit is inspirational for all of those who interact with it.”

"The Children's Museum is thrilled to reintroduce our beloved train exhibit with a modern twist, thanks to the collaboration with Brightline. Featuring enhanced safety education components and vibrant aesthetics, this updated attraction promises to captivate visitors of all ages, sparking curiosity and imagination as they embark on an exciting journey through innovation and fun." said Katie Makemson, Director of Exhibits at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast.

The exhibit encourages kids and adults to take an active role in rail safety by practicing safe and responsible behavior around railroad tracks. Rail safety tips are prominently displayed around the exhibit, and there is a link to a QR code that encourages everyone to take Brightline’s Rail Safety pledge via its rail safety website. To date more than 10,500 people have taken the online rail safety pledge. Brightline’s goal is 50,000 pledges.

Nestled within Indian Riverside Park, The Children's Museum serves as an enriching destination for families of all backgrounds. Offering an array of educational opportunities, the museum opens its doors six days a week, extending to seven during summer. The addition of the Brightline train exhibit to the Explorer's Gallery further enhances the immersive experience, fostering endless exploration and discovery for visitors of all ages.

Brightline has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in safety upgrades and initiatives along the rail corridor. Some of these enhancements include four quadrant gates, raised medians, red light cameras, channelization through community greening projects and partnerships with local schools and organizations such as 211 and Operation Lifesaver. The company continues to partner with local communities to apply for rail safety grants and work with local law enforcement to educate and enforce safety along the rail corridor.

8 RAIL SAFETY QUICK TIPS

The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think.
Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
Never drive around lowered gates — it’s illegal and deadly.
At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping.
If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided.
When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. It isn’t safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.
ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN!

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Media Contacts

Katie Mitzner

katie.mitzner@gobrightline.com

Katie Makemson

katie@childrensmuseumtc.org