Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Names Edison International as Co-Sponsor of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration

SIMI VALLEY, CA–(Marketwire – July 28, 2010) –  At a ceremonial bill signing with Governor Schwarzenegger and Mrs. Reagan today, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Edison International announced a partnership to support the year-long celebration of President Reagan’s 100^th birth date — February 6, 2011. Edison, a leading national electric power company, will serve as a Co-Sponsor of the historic Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration.

“We are proud to partner with Edison International to mark this important historic celebration of President Reagan’s 100^th Birthday,” said John Heubusch, Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. “President Reagan believed that America’s best days were ahead. By embracing that same spirit of optimism and innovation, Edison is a leading energy innovator at a time when America needs it most.”

“President Reagan’s visionary leadership continues to inspire and influence generations of Americans,” said Edison International chairman and CEO Theodore F. Craver, Jr. “Edison is privileged to be an integral part of this historic celebration, honoring the legacy and legendary achievements of President Ronald Reagan.”

Edison maintains significant operations in the two states most closely linked to the late President — California and Illinois. The company’s $1.5 Million charitable gift will be used to support two (2) aspects of the Reagan Centennial.

(1) First, Edison will sponsor the “Governor of California” gallery in the newly renovated Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum. The museum is scheduled to unveil its $15 Million renovation on Ronald Reagan’s 100^th birthday, February 6, 2011. It will be a centerpiece of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation’s Centennial Celebration.

“The renovations currently under-way will transform the Reagan museum into an exciting hands-on, immersive experience,” said John Heubusch. “As stewards of President Reagan’s legacy, we think the millions of visitors we welcome in the next few years are in for a terrific educational experience dedicated to our 40^th President.”

(2) Second, as part of the Reagan Centennial Legacy Campaign, 200 Edison bus transportation “scholarships” will allow over 12,000 low-income, at-risk students from Title 1 Schools, or schools where 40% or more of their students are eligible for the free school lunch program, over the next 5 years to experience the Air Force One Discovery Center and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The Discovery Center is a Presidential decision-making simulation that allows students in grades five through eight to play historic figures from the Reagan Administration and engage in a high level of debate and problem-solving. 

“The Air Force One Discovery Center at the Reagan Library is one of the most innovative methods teaching students how democracy works,” said Craver. “Through role-playing exercises, fifth through eighth graders can learn about the responsibilities and challenges faced by leaders in our government, military, and media first-hand. This opportunity opens the door to a greater understanding of leadership, executive decision-making, and international relations.”

In addition to partnering with Edison, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation also today hailed the passage and signing of two California state bills which together create an annual “Ronald Reagan Day,” on February 6^th and establish a State Commission charged with promoting the 100^th Anniversary of President Reagan’s birthday.

“As California’s Governor, Ronald Reagan made great strides in strengthening our Golden State, and as the country’s President, his dedication to freedom and democracy changed the world,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “With this legislation, we celebrate Ronald Reagan’s incredible legacy and his spirit of optimism. Our nation is stronger because of him, and it is important for future Californians to learn about and acknowledge the extraordinary work he did for the state and country he loved. Edison International should be commended for their generous donation to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and should be especially proud of their efforts to educate, inform and inspire low-income and at-risk students with over 200 scholarships that will enable them to experience the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.”

Senator George Runner authored SB 944 to create Ronald Reagan Day, giving Californians an opportunity to commemorate President Reagan’s legacy and civil service to California. Youth across California are encouraged to discuss President Reagan’s life and service to the preservation of freedom, one of the United States’ central values, both as the 33^rd Governor of California and the 40^th President of the United States.

“As the only California Governor to become President, Ronald Reagan stands out as one of our state’s greatest leaders,” said Runner. “President Reagan’s many accomplishments are a model of responsibility and an inspiration to individuals around the world. It is important for California school children to study such a meaningful and positive leader.”

Assembly Republican Leader Martin Garrick, former member of the Reagan administration, authored AB 1911 establishing a California State Reagan Centennial Commission.

“Ronald Reagan taught our generation about the greatness of America. California’s Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission will help make sure future generations remember President Reagan’s character, optimism, ideals, and enduring legacy,” said Assembly Republican Leader Martin Garrick. “In keeping with President Reagan’s distrust of big government, this commission won’t use taxpayer dollars and won’t grow the bureaucracy.”

About the Ronald Reagan Centennial
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Centennial Celebration is a historic two-year-long celebration to commemorate the 100^th birthday of the 40^th President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan. Visit www.reagancentennial.com to learn more. The mission of the Reagan Presidential Foundation is to preserve and promote his legacy of inspired freedom. 

About Edison International
Edison International (NYSE: EIX), through its subsidiaries, is a generator and distributor of electric power and an investor in infrastructure and energy assets, including renewable energy. Headquartered in Rosemead, Calif., Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest utilities, and Edison Mission Group, a competitive power generation business and parent company to Edison Mission Energy and Edison Capital.

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