Bank of America Charitable Foundation Announces $250,000 Grant to Virginia Zoo

Funding brings Zoo closer to reaching Phase One goal of capital campaign supporting construction of new Asian animal exhibit

Largest corporate donation to campaign received to date

NORFOLK , Va. – Today, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation announced it has awarded a $250,000 grant to support the Virginia Zoo's “Trail of the Tiger” capital campaign. The funds will support the construction of a new 4.5-acre exhibit featuring animals from across Asia including orangutans, siamangs, Malayan tapirs and giant hornbills.

“Bank of America is pleased to support the future growth of the Virginia Zoo and their mission to become a world class facility,” said Charles R. Henderson, Jr., Hampton Roads market president, Bank of America. ”The Zoo is an incredibly important institution in Hampton Roads. Not only does it improve quality of life in our region, but it also serves as a major economic driver for the area – both in terms of the number of visitors it draws and the number of people it employs.”

To date, the Virginia Zoo has raised more than $15.3 million to support the capital campaign. Bank of America's grant will help the Zoo reach Phase One of the $16.5 million capital campaign. The grant is the largest corporate donation received by the Virginia Zoo during the campaign.

“Bank of America's support of the Zoo is a clear demonstration of their continued dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all of the people living in the Hampton Roads community,” said Greg Bockheim, Executive Director, Virginia Zoo. “The results of the construction of this phase of ‘Trail of the Tiger' will create a contagious synergy for area businesses, spotlighting the Virginia Zoo as an even greater regional attraction.”

Over 345,000 people visit the Virginia Zoo every year, making it one of the largest cultural attractions in Hampton Roads. The Zoo is located within a low-income section of Norfolk and contributes substantially to quality of life in the neighborhood. It also serves as a living laboratory for area schools. To date, over 102,000 area children, including school groups, have participated in the Zoo's educational outreach programs.

“Institutions like the Zoo are critical components in building and strengthening neighborhoods. We consider the Zoo to be an ‘anchor institution' in Norfolk , which is why we're thrilled to support it with this important grant,” added Henderson .

Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy

Building on a long-standing tradition of investing in the communities it serves, Bank of America will embark in 2009 on a new, ten-year goal to donate $2 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the health and vitality of their neighborhoods. Funded by Bank of America, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation gave more than $200 million in 2007, making the bank the most generous financial institution in the world and the second largest donor of all U.S. corporations in cash contributions. Bank of America approaches giving through a national strategy called "neighborhood excellence" under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities. Through Team Bank of America , bank associate volunteers contributed more than 650,000 hours in 2007 to enhance the quality of life in their communities nationwide. For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation .

About the Virginia Zoo

As an accredited American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals, beautifully manicured grounds and offers a fun-filled day for all. For more than a century, the Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk . Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11. Visit www.virginiaZoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.

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