On Campus News

With the deal to purchase KC-based AMC Entertainment final, Wanda donates more than $1.3 million of educational support to public high schools in Kansas City, Mo. and Kansas City, Kan.

(Kansas City, MO) After closing the acquisition of Kansas City-based AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC), Wang Jianlin, Chairman and President of Dalian Wanda Group, traveled to Kansas City and joined AMC CEO Gerry Lopez to announce a donation of $1.3 million of charitable support for Kansas City's public high schools on both sides of the state line.

Wang and Lopez were joined by Superintendents Dr. R. Stephen Green from Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools, and Dr. Cynthia Lane, from the Kansas City, Kan. school district, as well as Mary Stewart, Principal of Wyandotte High School and Jonathan Richard, Principal of Lincoln College Preparatory Academy. The high schools that will benefit from this donation include F.L. Schlagle High School, J.C. Harmon High School, Sumner Academy, Washington High School and Wyandotte High School on the Kansas side and in Missouri: African-Centered Preparatory Academy, Central Academy of Excellence, East High School, Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Northeast High School, Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts and Southwest Early College Campus.

"As a new participant in the Kansas City area business community through our acquisition of AMC Entertainment, we would like to mark the occasion with a contribution aimed at supporting the future," said Wang Jianlin. "Nothing is more important to communities anywhere in the world than the development and well-being of our children."

"AMC is honored that Wanda has chosen to invest in our community's youth by enhancing arts and culture, which we believe are vital to an overall education, in our public schools," said Lopez. "Wanda Group has led the way in China for corporate support of the arts. With Wanda's support, AMC will sustain our legacy of community support in the Kansas City metropolitan area."

Wanda and AMC will provide the high schools with arts and educational supplies for the classrooms, as well as movie screenings that educators can use to supplement classroom education. Additionally, as an incentive for faculty and student achievement, Wanda and AMC pledge to give family four-packs of movie passes, popcorn and drink tickets to all 12 schools, including for each of the 2013 high school graduates.

In all, the donated supplies, screenings and tickets total more than $1.3 million.

Mayors Joe Reardon of Kansas City, Kan., and Sly James of Kansas City, Mo., expressed gratitude for the donation.

"We congratulate Wanda Group on their investment in AMC and their contribution to public education. We also welcome them to our Kansas City community, where arts and culture have long been treasured," said Mayor Reardon.

"Improving education in Kansas City is critical to creating economic opportunity and growth and reducing poverty and crime," said Mayor James. "Wanda Group's support of arts and culture in our public high schools will enrich the educational experience for thousands of young people who are returning for another great school year."

Resources:

http://www.amctheatres.com/