$6 Million Goal Reached in Vesterheim Campaign
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum has reached its goal of $6 million in gifts and pledges to the “On the Shoulders of Giants” capital campaign. This marks the largest, most successful fundraising effort in the museum's 130-year history.
The campaign was originally scheduled to conclude on April 30, 2007, but the goal was reached earlier. Campaign funds were designated for the care of Vesterheim’s collections, development of a unified campus, and the museum’s outreach efforts.
“This is a milestone for Vesterheim,” said campaign chair Jon Hart. “We are very pleased to be able announce this good news!”
“Achievement of the goal was due in large part to the outstanding support of Vesterheim's trustees, who contributed 33% of the total, and its Midwestern membership base. Support from the Decorah area alone totaled a quarter of the goal,” said Development Director Bill Musser.
“Other area campaign drives concluded or in process are Madison and the Twin Cities / Upper Minnesota.” Musser added.
With area campaign drives still to go in selected regions and cities of the U.S., Vesterheim's board voted to extend the campaign period for an additional year, concluding in December 2007. This "Goal Plus One" campaign will secure $1.5 million for some exciting new projects and key areas of growth, including developing a new master plan for Vesterheim's main building; funding professional design work for renovation of Vesterheim's core exhibitions; continuing care of and access to the collections; and supporting expansion of the museum's outreach and educational programs.
Janet Blohm Pultz, Vesterheim’s executive director, noted that "extending the ‘On the Shoulders of Giants’ campaign opens a door to even more opportunities for sharing a dynamic vision for Vesterheim as a leader in the museum world, and to remind our audience of our mission.”
Campaign-related events are in the planning stage for the Northeast under the leadership of Vesterheim member and friend Jim Ylvisaker and trustee Mike Schmidt, both of New Canaan, Connecticut. Trustee Evy Alsaker is spearheading a Chicago Friends of Vesterheim event in March. Cedar Rapids campaign efforts are being led by Vesterheim board chair Bill Cary. Development Director Bill Musser and staff are making plans for campaign events in several other areas as well.
Vesterheim is ready to go for a “Goal Plus One!”