FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2006

CONTACT:
Mark Lynch
A.L. Brourman Associates, Inc.
412-716-0519
mlynch@brourman.com

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU COMES TO PITTSBURGH

Famed Explorer Will Speak at Benefit Fundraiser for Pittsburgh Voyager on April 27

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pittsburgh Voyager, the Pittsburgh-based not-for-profit environmental education organization that operates a fleet of floating classrooms on the region's rivers, will welcome Jean-Michel Cousteau as guest speaker to a special benefit fundraiser on April 27 at 12 noon. Proceeds from the event benefit Voyager’s education programs provided to middle and high school students. Tickets and additional information about the event are available by calling Voyager at 412-231-2712.

Cousteau, son of famed explorer Jacques Cousteau, is president of Ocean Futures Society and is himself a renowned explorer, environmentalist, educator, author and film producer. His recent film Voyage to Kure, is airing in two parts on PBS affiliates; and Sharks 3D, is the first IMAX theatre film produced in 3D. Through powerful commentary and photography, his recently published book, Water Culture, examines humankind’s fundamental dependence on water and points out the drastic state of saltwater and freshwater on the planet.

During his presentation, titled “The Great Ocean Adventure,” he will share some of his very personal experiences of his interaction with habitats all over the world and discuss the role that humankind must play in preserving and protecting them.

“We are delighted to welcome Jean-Michel Cousteau to Pittsburgh,” said Pittsburgh Voyager’s executive director Karl Thomas. “His important and fascinating work brings clarity to the fragile nature of habitats all over the world. He is an articulate spokesperson and ambassador for the environment, and delivers the compelling and inspiring message that, to protect the environment, you must first understand it. His work and Voyager’s mission share so much in common.”

The event, which is being chaired by R. Bruce Bickel, who is a senior vice president and managing director for private foundation management services at PNC Advisors; and Jim Roddey, former Allegheny County Chief Executive, is expected to attract more than 350 people—many of them students and teachers from school districts throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. Details about the organization’s new flagship vessel, including the announcement of its name, are expected to attract broad attendance, including funders, area legislators and their representatives.

The $3 million, 90-ft., 150-passenger boat, which is under construction in Florida, features a state-of-the-art hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, one of the first of its kind in the world to be used for a commercial vessel. The design incorporates a wide range of features considered “green” because of their environmentally-friendly nature. Officials reported that the cost of the vessel will be paid for with private and public funds
through a combined capital and operating campaign that has a total goal of $6 million. The Heinz Endowments, which is a lead funder of the project, has contributed more than $1 million. More than $4 million has been raised overall, with $1.7 million pledged toward the cost of the vessel, and another $2.3 million pledged toward the portion of the campaign earmarked for operations, such as expanding and enhancing Pittsburgh Voyager's curriculum and education programs.

Cousteau is keenly interested in environmental education organizations like Pittsburgh Voyager, recognizing the important role that they play in educating the public about preserving and protecting the environment, and water habitats in particular. "Water connects all of us worldwide in every part of our lives," he said recently. "It is important to our planet's future survival that people around the world see and understand how interconnected we are to our water supply. Seventy percent of the planet is covered by water and all life on Earth is tied to it.”

In addition to its school science programs, which comprise the majority of its programming, Pittsburgh Voyager also offers summer camps, group education cruises, and a range of other public programming; and its vessels are available to individuals, organizations, and corporations for charter. Schools interested in receiving more information about programs should call 412-231-2712 or visit Pittsburgh Voyager's website at www.pittsburghvoyager.org for more information.

About RiverQuest

RiverQuest, formerly Pittsburgh Voyager, is a not-for-profit science and environmental
educational organization providing river-based educational programs for students and teachers, as well as public programs and charters. RiverQuest's mission is to improve science, mathematics and environmental education; generate excitement about learning to inspire academic excellence; and hone critical thinking skills by providing opportunities for students to put classroom theory into practice. RiverQuest also provides a range of public programs, including interpretive cruises and private charters for businesses, organizations, and the public.

Since launching its programming in 1995 RiverQuest has served more than 55,000 middle and high school students through its experiential river-based learning programs. These students represent 200 schools from 65 school districts in 11 counties in western Pennsylvania. Along with students, more than 2,500 teachers and college students, and 15,000 members of the general public have participated in RiverQuest programs.

For more information call 412-231-2712 or visit RiverQuest's website at www.RiverQuest.org.