Infusion of nature into children’s play area aligns with the outdoor learning focus of the 20th anniversary of PNC Grow Up Great
The PNC Foundation celebrated a special milestone year in 2024 with the 20th anniversary of PNC Grow Up Great. As part of this celebration, PNC focused on advancing opportunities for outdoor play and learning, including a $5.2 million grant pool to help build or refresh nature-based play and learning spaces throughout PNC markets.
PNC today will announce that Edna Martin Christian Center is a recipient of one of those grants. The new space will implement nature-themed playground items and equipment to three areas on the campus. The refresh will provide young learners with access to a safe, natural environment.
PNC Grow Up Great is a $500 million, bilingual initiative to help prepare children from birth through age 5 for success in school and in life, with particular emphasis on underserved communities. Since 2014, PNC has positively impacted early education throughout the country and across Indiana through advocacy, funding and employee volunteerism.
The new space enhances the EMCC’s 37 Place revitalization plan as it looks to invest in the quality of life for the Martindale-Brightwood community.
WHEN: Friday, April 25, 2025
9:00 – 10:00 am
WHERE: Edna Martin Christian Center, 2605 E. 25th Street, Indianapolis, 46218
Outside on new playground site
VISUALS: 9:10 a.m. INTRODUCTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENT, GROUNDBREAKING
o Introduction by Barato Britt, Edna Martin President and CEO
o Announcement: Jason Eckerle, PNC regional president of central and southern Indiana
o Congressman Andre Carson (BB/EMCC to invite)
o Mayor Joe Hogsett (BB/EMCC to invite)
o Councilor Ron Gibson (BB/EMCC to invite)
o Jennifer Bartenbach, CICF (BB/EMCC to invite)
o Fred Payne, United Way of Central Indiana (JE/PNC to invite)
o Maureen Weber, Early Learning Indiana (JE/PNC to invite)
9:45 a.m. PNC VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES – Edna Martin CC (LLA), 2259 Ralston Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46218
o PNC volunteers read, engage with preschoolers with activity.
o PNC presents PNC Grow Up Great gifts to classrooms (includes PNC tote bags with books and PNC Can Do kits). Group photo op/selfie
This content was published as a media release. Coverage of the groundbreaking will follow.
