The Children's Museum of Phoenix received two donations totaling $1.75 million, the organization announced this week.

The museum plans to open on June 14 in the historic Monroe School in downtown Phoenix.

The museum has raised more than $10 million of the $12 million that it needs for construction and renovation work, said Deborah Gilpin, president and CEO of the museum.

An anonymous donor agreed to match future large contributions to the museum - donations of 250,000 or more - offering to give as much as $1.25 million.It's the largest single gift in the history of the museum, the CEO said.

"This extraordinarily generous gift is a clear expression of the importance of advancing early childhood education in our community," Gilpin said.

The second gift is a $500,000 infusion from the Ethel and Kemper Marley Foundation.

To date the Marley Foundation has donated $750,000. The private foundation supports Arizona and causes that help those who live and work in the state.

When it opens this summer, The Children's Museum of Phoenix plans to offer 55,000 square feet of activities and exhibits for children up to age 10. It's located at near 7th and Van Buren streets.


Author: Jahna Berry
Source: The Arizona Republic