Support Stuhr Museums 2010 Annual Fund Drive

2010 Foundation Annual Fund Drive
"Stuhr Museum Needs Friends Like You "

Campaign Goal: $180,000

Current Total: $173,862
96% of Goal

GRAND ISLAND, STUHR MUSEUM - Samson, Stuhr Museum's resident buffalo, was a 30-day-old orphan in need of bottle feeding when owner Wes Tjaden brought him home. Shortly after adopting Samson, Tjaden brought home a month-old goat and named him Clyde. Despite obvious differences in size (and species), Samson and Lye grew up to be inseparable.

Samson and Clyde have since become Stuhr Museum's most visible set of friends, but friends come in all stripes at the museum! You, our friends, have helped us accomplish so much this past year, and during the 2010 Stuhr Museum Pride of the Prairie Fund Drive, Stuhr Museum truly needs friends like you.

We aim to raise $180,000 for general museum operations, special events and activities and to fund a diverse and amazing year at Stuhr Museum. As we continue to expand our programming to educate and inspire over 65,000 visitors a year, we ask that you think of the community spirit of the pioneers when considering whether to give to Stuhr Museum this year.

We now offer several ways to give, including credit card donations via PayPal (secure and no account required). If you prefer to give by cash or check, please contact Foundation staff at (308) 385-5131 or email foundation@stuhrmuseum.org for more information.

Can't give a lump-sum gift? Download and mail in a pledge form to give a small amount each month. Giving $100 at once may feel like a lot, but spreading $10 payments over ten months lessens a gift's impact on your budget.

Join The "New Friends/Old Friends" Challenge

From left: associate Alfred Corey III and partners John McDermott, Ron Depue and John Wolf (not pictured: Jim Shamberg, retired and associate Mark Porto)

Hall County's oldest law firm and longtime friend of Stuhr Museum turns 125 this year! To celebrate, they have pledged a $12,500 challenge gift to this year's fund drive - $100 for each year of the firm's existence. Leo Stuhr's attorney, partner Clinton Cronin, helped carry Stuhr's vision in the museum's early years. Cronin Hall in the Stuhr Building was named in his honor. The descendents of John Cleary, an earlier partner, gifted funds to purchase, renovate and endow the Cleary Farmhouse. Today, James Shamberg, John Wolf and John McDermott are avid supporters of the museum and Ron Depue serves as Vice President of the Stuhr Museum Operating Board.

New Friends: First-time donors who give $100 or more will have their gifts matched

Old Friends: Current donors who increase their last annual fund drive gift by $100 or more will have their gifts matched up to $12,500.

Quotes From Our Leadership

“I am amazed at how many ways Stuhr Museum gives to our community, and the outreach it provides. It is truly a gift to our state and beyond.”--Dick and Marilynn Miller (co-chairs)

“We are very fortunate to have the museum in our community. I hope others in our community feel the same way and can find enjoyment in the museum and also the personal satisfaction it brings by supporting it.”--Pat and Carolyn Langer (co-chairs)

“My most significant experiences at Stuhr are deeply personal and repeat with each visit to the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. When sitting quietly in Immanuel Church, it’s not hard to imagine the many intentions and hardships that were presented and left at the altar so many years ago. It’s important that we recall in the rush of today’s life, the quiet defining moments of yesterday’s families and communities.”—Diana Kellogg (Phone-a-thon chair)

“Stuhr Museum is a wonderful place and a great asset to Grand Island and the surrounding area. I especially enjoy taking out of town guests to Stuhr Museum. They are always impressed with the museum.”—Donna Narber (phone-a-thon chair)

“Please be a friend and preserve our history for our children and future generations.”—Leslie Vollnogle ( Stuhr Museum Curator of Collections and Staff Campaign Chair)