PECO Increases its Long-time Support of Lights of Liberty by $600,000
Philadelphia (February 10, 2005) — PECO Energy continued more than seven years of supporting the Lights of Liberty Show on Independence Mall today with the announcement of an new $600,000 grant that will extend its sponsorship by three years.

“As a founding sponsor of the show, PECO has seen this prime cultural institution continue to grow and attract new audiences each season,” said Denis O’Brien, president of PECO.  “We were there at the start and want to be there through the next three years as the show works to improve what is already one of the great attractions of this region.”

The award-winning Lights of Liberty Show, which is conducted nightly from its hub across the street from the Liberty Bell, is the only one of its kind in the world. Stretching across a five-block area in the historic core of Independence National Historical Park, five-story images are projected on historical sites including Independence and Carpenters’ Hall, while a dramatic retelling of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence is played on 3-D surround sound headsets.

“We are delighted to continue our association with PECO,” noted Ann Meredith, president of Lights of Liberty.  “When one of this region’s best corporate citizens makes a strong commitment like PECO’s it demonstrates to others the importance of supporting historical attractions in Philadelphia.”

PECO began as lead sponsor of Lights of Liberty when, in 1999, former Mayor and now Governor Ed Rendell led its creation to enhance the city’s reputation as a tourism destination and location for businesses and industry.

Lights of Liberty is undergoing a $4 million capital campaign to redo the show’s visuals and cut labor costs by installing its equipment on Park property. Pending Park Service approvals construction is expected to start in this fall.