Fort Kids Children’s Museum organizers are working to raise $1 million by September as part of the plan to raise $7.4 million before breaking ground on the museum to be built in downtown Fort Smith near the Arkansas River.
The museum board has raised $3.6 million, which includes the value of donated land, as part of the effort to build “a space where education and opportunity intersect in a meaningful way, while also providing trauma-informed care and mental health resources” for children.
Fort Kids is a 501c3 nonprofit governed by a board who “believe in the mission and the impact it will have on the River Valley.” The museum’s community outreach committee has developed frequent and free programs and events for children – from birth to 14 – and their caregivers.
“The Robbie Westphal family generously donated over five acres on the Arkansas Riverfront, south of the U.S. Marshals Museum,” said Laura Wyerick, director of development for Fort Kids. “We have had support from both individual donors as well as corporate supporters including Rheem, Arvest Foundation, and First National Bank to name a few.”
The total fundraising campaign goal is $16.3 million.
Isaiah Joe, a professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, plans to join Fort Kids for the Isaiah Joe Shooters Shoot Camp. The camp will be held at Northside High School on Aug. 30. Joe is a Northside graduate, and the Thunder are playing the NBA finals against the Indiana Pacers.
“This event is going to be a fun-filled day for kids aged 6-14 to learn basketball skills and drills from an elite team of coaches, including local hero and Thunder shooting guard, Isaiah Joe,” Wyerick noted. “We will have 30 campers who will be attending at no cost, selected by leaders from our local Boys and Girls Club locations. All proceeds from this event benefit our capital campaign.”
Fort Kids also is working with MAHG Architects and Mickle Griffin Engineers & Surveyors on construction and design plans. After concluding initial planning with Haizlip Studio, the board is now working with Hands On! Studio for the concept phase. Once the funds are raised, Fort Kids will partner with exhibit designers to begin the design phase of planning.
“At this point, we need the community to invest in our mission to raise the necessary funds in order to build the walls and further our impact,” Wyerick said.
The Fort Kids Children’s Museum hopes to incorporate “hands-on exhibits and interactive programming designed to foster curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking, empowering children to explore new possibilities for their futures.”
Fort Kids is already partnering with others in the community. Fort Kids has a pop-up space in the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith. The Peak Innovation Center, a facility within the Fort Smith Public School District, and the Greater Fort Smith Home Builders Association will have a construction camp on June 23. This event is free for 4-6 graders.
According to statistics provided by Fort Kids, Fort Smith has 73% of children in the community on free and reduced lunch. Nine elementary schools have 90% of children who are on free and reduced lunch.
“Many of the children in Fort Smith do not have the opportunity to travel to other children’s museums or surrounding areas,” Wyerick said. “We are creating a space where education and opportunity intersect in a meaningful way, while also providing trauma-informed care and mental health resources.”
发表回复