Consolidated Concrete Sponsors Zebra Exhibit at Zoo’s “Day of Honor”

EAST PROVIDENCE and COVENTRY, R.I. – With its fleet of blue- and white-striped mixer trucks and a blue- and white-striped zebra wearing a hardhat for its new company mascot, Consolidated Concrete Corp. of East Providence and Coventry really cares about zebras.

That’s why Consolidated’s Owner and President Bob Pesce was deeply concerned to learn that the Roger Williams Park Zoo is experiencing funding issues. As the zoo is located in the city of Providence, it does not receive state funding. Recently, city officials have proposed municipal budget cuts and are seeking state subsidies and other means of financial support.

Pesce proposed another solution, hoping to inspire other local businesses and individuals to step up and help. “If everyone helped the zoo, we could eliminate a funding tug of war,” Mr. Pesce states. “The zoo is for everyone and is a jewel attraction in our state and the region. Consolidated Concrete will step up and do its part by funding the zebra exhibit.”

On Sunday, September 14, 2014, Consolidated Concrete will sponsor the “Day of Honor” event at the zoo from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, with an information table set up at the zebra exhibit, a contest to name the company’s new zebra mascot, and the zoo’s Zebra Matching Game that is popular with children. There will also be a drawing for a ‘zoo basket’ featuring a plush zebra toy. One of Consolidated’s signature mixer trucks – with its zebra logo and striped mixer barrel – will also be parked near the entrance to the zoo parking lot.

“We feel that this is a great match for our company, because we have embraced the zebra graphically as part of our logo and as our mascot,” adds Mr. Pesce. “Our new marketing slogan is ‘we earn our stripes every day,’ so we’ve even incorporated the stripes concept into our communications. It was fitting that we start with the Day of Honor at the zoo which salutes the men and women who have indeed earned their stripes serving our nation.”

Pesce notes that Consolidated’s financial assistance for the zoo will not end with this event. Rather, it’s just the beginning. “We’re working on a plan with the zoo to permanently sponsor the zebra exhibit. Zebras are beautiful, strong animals with unique stripes, great stamina, and acute senses of sight, smell and taste. There are three zebras in the Roger Williams Zoo exhibit, and Consolidated is committed to ensuring that these animals receive the best caretaking possible in their zoo habitat for generations to come.”

Roger Williams Zoo’s “Day of Honor” features free admission for veterans and members of the armed forces as well as active and retired police, fire and ambulance personnel and emergency responders. Identification of active or retired status must be shown to receive free admission and half price admission for up to three guests. Regular admission is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages 3-12 and $12.95 for ages 62 and over; toddlers 2 and under get in free. For more information, visit www.rwpzoo.org.

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