News
October 24, 2007
E-Update - Fall 2007
Capital Campaign Update
Donors from across the private, corporate and public sectors have made gifts and pledges of more than $16.75 million, which is 75% of the $22.5 million capital campaign goal.
Campaign leaders continue to tell the story of the Mississippi Children's Museum (MCM) to potential donors across the State and invite them to see the impact of investing in a proven early learning program that promises to help children become engaged, healthy and literate citizens.
The State of Mississippi has shown its confidence in the vision of the Children's Museum by making a further investment in its future. The Governor signed a bill passed through the 2007 legislative session of $3,000,000 additional dollars to MCM, bringing the state's total investment to $5,000,000.
The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) has awarded MCM a $300,000 Building Fund for the Arts grant. This brings MAC's total investment in MCM up to $364,000 and will be used to support the Cultural Arts Gallery.
Among recent donations, Entergy Mississippi has made a $200,000 contribution to the Mississippi Children's Museum capital campaign. "Our company is taking an active role in shaping a positive future for our state, and it all starts with focusing on education and investing in our children," said Carolyn Shanks, president of Entergy Mississippi.
Butler Snow is leading the way in the legal community with a $50,000 donation to MCM.
Ergon has made an investment in our children's education through a $50,000 donation to the MCM Capital Campaign.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of MS is doing its part to better the lives of Mississippi's children by awarding a $25,000 grant to MCM.
The Verizon Foundation has given the Capital Campaign a boost with a grant in the amount of $20,000 to support MCM's Literacy Gallery.
Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation's $13,000 in grants to the Mississippi Children's Museum will help tell the story of trees and forestry through a 'pine maze' at the planned museum.
Mississippi Tennis Association held its 2nd annual Kids for Kids/Mississippi Children's Museum Jr. Tournament on May 26 at Ridgeland Tennis Center. The title sponsor for this year's event was Cellular South. This is the second of a five-year partnership with MTA, and this year's tournament raised $10,000 for MCM.
GI Associates & Endoscopy Center held the 1st Annual GI Tract Stars 5K Run for Cancer Colon Awareness in March with proceeds benefiting MCM.
The India Association of Mississippi (IAM) held their annual Taste of India fundraiser at St. Andrews High School with proceeds from the event designated to MCM.
To donate, call the MCM office or visit our website, www.mississippichildrensmuseum.com. The website also provides an easy way to purchase a personalized brick paver 'to help us pave the way' to a brighter future or a MCM car tag to share the story as you drive.
New Museum Office Space
The MCM has moved its offices to a new location at 2660 Ridgewood Road. Our offices are located upstairs in Suite 500 of the Crane Ridge Office Building. Our new phone number is 601-981-5469 and fax 601-709-2603.
Don't be a stranger! Executive Director John Jordan along with Office Manager Bonnie Pitts are available to answer your questions and show you how you can be a part of this amazing project for all of Mississippi's children.
Exhibit Development
Exhibit designs and final gallery layouts are being finalized with a design deadline set for the end of the summer. The five galleries are Mississippi Heritage (the Mississippi Climbing map), Literacy, Health & Nutrition, Cultural Arts, and Science & Technology.
Our nationally-recognized exhibit consultants continue to gather research and meet with Museum sponsors. In addition, they are working alongside our architect to create an exciting and inviting experience for all of Mississippi's children.
Honor Roll: Special Thanks to Our Donors
We thank those of you who offered your financial support early on to bring this dream to reality. If your name has been inadvertently left off the honor roll, we apologize. This list is current as of August 2007 and does not include MCM brick paver purchases, MCM car tag pre-orders, or membership in MCM Partners, an organization that is committed to the promotion and support of the Mississippi Children's Museum.
Please contact us at 601.981.5469 or email us at info@mississippichildrensmuseum.com so we can correct the omission and add your name to the Honor Roll for the next e-Update.