GRAND FORKS – Oxford Realty has contributed $500,000 to the Grand Forks Children’s Museum Capital Campaign, according to a recent announcement. The contribution consists of a $250,000 cash pledge and $250,000 in in-kind donations. The donation brings the museum campaign closer to achieving its goal of raising $45 million, which will be used to build the two-story, 28,000-square-foot structure, as well as exhibits and operations, Katie Mayer, executive director of Grand Forks Children’s Museum, said in a recent Herald interview.
"(The museum) will be a dynamic space where imagination knows no boundaries," Mayer said. ADVERTISEMENT The campaign has raised 62% of its financial goal, with hopes of breaking ground for the facility in 2025. Once ground is broken, it is expected there will be a two-year period of construction, Mayer said.
The museum’s board of directors is considering two locations for the Grand Forks Children’s Museum and Destination Park, one near the Choice Health and Fitness facility on South Washington and the other south of the Alerus Center on 42nd Street South. A final decision on a location is expected this fall. Meanwhile, fundraising efforts – including naming opportunities ranging from $50,000 to $10 million – have been successful and are continuing, Mayer said.
This $500,000 donation from Oxford Realty, is the “result of the extraordinary generosity of Oxford Realty’s owners, Real Estate Agents, and staff,” according to a news release from the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. “This donation will support our mission of building the museum and fostering creativity, curiosity, and learning among young minds.” Mike Opp, president and principal broker of Oxford Realty, said, “We love to see progress and improvements in Grand Forks.
Oxford Realty is committed to making the world a better place for the people of Grand Forks. We are not just building a museum; we are helping to shape young minds and building futures for our children and our community.” A portion of the cash pledge has been generated from Oxford Realty’s sponsored golf outings, the next of which is planned for Sept.
12 at King’s Walk Golf Course. All slots are already reserved. At these golf outings, support from golfers, hole sponsors and volunteers have contributed to the museum project, the release stated.
Oxford Realty has also contributed cash and in-kind donations for the project in other ways, including the donation of office space, supplies and other office necessities for the museum campaign’s headquarters at 515 DeMers Ave. The realty firm has also provided staffing to help with accounting and event set-up, as well as for the museum’s various outreach events. ADVERTISEMENT “We are thankful for the efforts of Mike Opp and his entire staff at Oxford Realty for their ongoing commitment to the Grand Forks Children’s Museum project,” Mayer said.
“With the generous support of community partners, like Oxford Realty, we are building more than a museum; we are constructing a gateway to possibility. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children.” The Grand Forks Children’s Museum will be focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education.
Through interactive exhibits, workshops and programs, its mission will be to inspire children to explore, experiment and dream big, according to the museum’s donation announcement. “The museum will be a playground of wonder, where children explore the mysteries of the universe, tinker with technology, design imaginative structures, and appreciate the beauty of mathematical patterns,” the announcement said. “More importantly, it will teach them the skills essential for the 21st Century: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
In this way the museum is not just preparing children for their future; it’s helping to shape the future of our community and our world.” The Grand Forks Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, visit https://www.
grandforkschildrensmuseum.com . ADVERTISEMENT.
