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Press Release

BLOCK PARTY OPENS AT CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Natalie Kreiger
Chicago Children's Museum
312.464.7727

Chicago, IL—Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) announces the opening of its newest exhibit. Block Party—a kid-size representation of Chicago’s diverse neighborhood festivals—opens June 2 and will run through September 9, 2007. This exhibit is sure to put the entire family in a summer mood.

Created by Exhibit Designer Jenny Schrider, Block Party is an interactive experience that encourages creative play. “We strived to use props that would have a more open-ended interpretation,” said Schrider. “A food prop, such as a sponge, could be a chunk of cheese, a piece of tofu or a hamburger. This way, kids use their imagination and that leads to all kinds of learning.”

The fun begins at the Ticket Booth, where young visitors can buy their tickets. At the Ice Cream Shop, children can create all sorts of pretend tasty treats. The Stage allows kids to dance, sing a song—and even play in a rock band! They can even take a seat on the “lawn” and enjoy watching the show on their own picnic blanket.

Imagination is a must at the Grill and Wok, and there are a variety of meals to prepare for hungry customers. How about a veggie stir fry with noodles, or chicken tacos? Prepare whole pizzas or just a slice to cook in a realistic wood-burning oven at The Lou Malnati’s® Pizza Stand. Just like a real pizza parlor, there are customers to serve, a cash register to run, and dishes to wash. At the end of a long day, kids can relax and chat with their friends at one of the many picnic tables.

“We’re thrilled to add Block Party to our repertoire of CCM-made exhibits,” said CCM Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Farrington. “Designed and developed by Chicago Children's Museum, this exhibit wholly embodies Standards of Excellence in Early Learning—the model for CCM, as well our mission to be a community where play and learning connect.”

LaSalle Bank, the presenting sponsor of Block Party, is pleased to support an exhibit that is both fun and educational. “LaSalle Bank is proud to support the cultural and educational experiences that make Chicago-area communities unique," said Larry D. Richman, President and CEO of LaSalle Bank N.A. "Our support of Chicago Children's Museum and the Block Party exhibit is part of LaSalle’s long-standing commitment to enriching children’s experiences and strengthening the communities we so greatly value."

About LaSalle Bank N.A.
LaSalle Bank N.A. is the largest bank headquartered in Chicago, with USD 72.9 billion in assets and USD 43.7 billion in deposits. LaSalle Bank serves individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies and institutions through 135 retail locations and 500 ATMs in Chicago and its suburbs, and online at lasallebank.com. LaSalle Bank has retail and commercial operations in 20 states and 26 cities across the U.S. In addition, it offers specialty services through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including LaSalle Financial Services, Inc., LaSalle National Leasing Corporation and LaSalle Business Credit, LLC.

Parent company LaSalle Bank Corporation, also headquartered in Chicago, has more than USD 124 billion in assets. It is an indirect subsidiary of Netherlands-based ABN AMRO Bank N.V., a leading international bank with total assets of EUR 999 bln. ABN AMRO operates more than 4,500 branches in 53 countries, and has a staff of more than110,000 full-time employees worldwide. LaSalle Bank N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Opportunity Lender © 2007 LaSalle Bank Corporation.

About Lou Malnati’s
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is a family-owned company that stresses consistency in quality, service, and food, offered in a unique environment by a staff that is committed to one another, the customer, and the community. Considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza, Lou Malnati’s pizzerias currently owns and operates 25 pizzerias throughout the Chicago-land area, and ships over 250,000 of its frozen pizzas nationwide each year.

About Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization committed to creating a community where play and learning connect. CCM teaches children through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs. With over fifteen interactive exhibits such as, The Allstate Foundation presents Play It Safe and new activities daily, every visit is unique for parents, caregivers, educators and children from toddlers-to 10 years.

Located at Navy Pier, Chicago’s number one attraction at 700 East Grand Avenue, CCM is the final stop for CTA buses #29, #65, #66 and #124.

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