Sorenson Legacy Foundation donates $600K to Leonardo

SALT LAKE CITY — Happy early 558th, Leo.

The Leonardo, set to open on its namesake's birthday next April, has received a $600,000 donation to pay for programs and exhibits at the science, technology and art center.

The gift from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation is a "major catalyst" in the center's fundraising efforts, executive director Peter Giles said Friday.

"This is a wonderful, wonderful, generous gift and a vote of confidence," Giles said. "As important as the funds are, it's also an important signal to the philanthropic donors in this community. … An important organization has put its stamp of approval on this project."

The Leonardo, which drew thousands of visitors during its run of "Body Worlds," will open April 15, 2011, in the old library building, 209 E. 500 South.

"The Sorenson Legacy Foundation is pleased to offer its support of this important project," said James Lee Sorenson, a trustee with the Salt Lake City foundation. "We appreciate The Leonardo's dedication to supporting education, art and science, and (we) are particularly excited to be part of bringing this educational center to Utah."

— Aaron Falk