Cox Celebrates Military Appreciation Month and USS Midway Museum's 10th Anniversary with $1.5 Million Grant

SAN DIEGO, May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox announced a $1.5 million grant to the USS Midway Museum, which is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year. Midway will use the largest grant in its history to expand its educational program. The Midway is a one-of-a-kind learning laboratory that serves 50,000 students each year through its STEM-oriented classroom programs, overnight programs and virtual field trips available to high school students across the country.

The grant is through the James M. Cox Foundation, which was named after Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding in communities where the company operates. Cox Communications, the company's broadband communications and entertainment subsidiary, operates throughout Southern California.

The late Barbara Cox, daughter of company founder and mother of Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy, christened the Midway in 1945. At that time, the Midway was the largest ship in the world and later became the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20^th century. Today, the Midway is the most visited ship museum in the world with more than one million annual visitors.

"The Midway and Cox became forever linked when my mother christened the ship almost 70 years ago," said Kennedy. "The Midway served with America's greatest generation and is now educating future generations. Before founding our company, my grandfather was a teacher, so I know he'd be proud that this grant will help the Midway grow its educational programs."

The expanded educational program will enable participants to understand the meaning of service to country and community, citizenship, individual empowerment and collective achievement.

"This historic partnership is vital to the future of the USS Midway Museum," said USS Midway Museum President and CEO Mac McLaughlin. "As our Midway Foundation works to meet the long-term educational and infrastructure needs of the USS Midway Museum, community leaders like Cox are crucial to achieving that mission."

Cox Communications has supported the Midway Museum throughout its 10 year-history. The company's commercial division, Cox Business, built fiber to the Midway, and currently delivers critical infrastructure and broadband technology to the museum. Cox also generates awareness through its local TV station, Channel 4 San Diego, which is currently airing a special half-hour show on the museum. For air dates and times, visit 4sd.com.

"I have seen firsthand the impact the Midway has had on the San Diego region from an educational, business and community standpoint," said Dave Bialis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cox Communications in California. "Not only is it the most visited ship museum in the world, but it has transformed itself into one of the premiere educational destinations for San Diego-area youth."

In addition to Cox Communications, Cox Enterprises operates several companies in California, including AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Cox Reps, KICU-TV, KTVU-TV and Savings.com.

About USS Midway:
Celebrating its 10^th anniversary in 2014, the USS Midway Museum is the world's most-visited floating ship museum, hosting more than 1.1 million visitors a year. Dedicating to honoring those who serve our country in uniform and preserving their legacy, the museum features a self-guided audio tour narrated by former Midway sailors (available in 6 languages), an interactive and entertaining docent corps of 400 volunteers, and regular expansion of exhibits and restored aircraft. Its education programs serve 50,000 children and youth as classroom space has been doubled twice to meet increasing demand. The museum also hosts 700 events a year, including 400 active-duty Navy retirements, re-enlistments, changes of command and memorials. For more information, visit www.midway.org.

About Cox Enterprises:
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of nearly $16 billion and approximately 50,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Manheim (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products); Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms); and AutoTrader Group (automotive media and software solutions). The company's national consumer brands include AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book, Savings.com and Valpak.

About Cox Communications:
Serving California communities in San Diego, Orange County, Palos Verdes, and Santa Barbara, Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. Cox also offers home security and automation services to residential customers. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses nationwide. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for seven years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity.

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SOURCE Cox Enterprises