Press Releases

Largest Gift to Memorial & Museum Announced Today

Inasmuch Foundation Grant to Allow Museum Enhancement to Move Forward

(Oklahoma City, OK ---January 17, 2013)---The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum announced today the largest private gift in the institution’s history during a special news conference held at the Museum. Inasmuch Foundation, founded by Edith Kinney Gaylord, will make a $3.5 million capital grant to the 9:03 Fund.

Through the 9:03 Fund, the Memorial intends to raise $10 million for endowment and $5 million to enhance the Museum. Today’s announcement brings the campaign total to $11.1 million and will allow construction to commence this year.

“Inasmuch Foundation is honored to support the first major renovation of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum with a $3.5 million grant,” said Bob Ross, President and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation. “Edith would be pleased knowing that her foundation will enable the Memorial Museum to make enhancements to the visitor experience in ways never dreamed possible at the time the museum opened 11 years ago”.

“This gift is transformational to our Institution,” said Kari Watkins, Executive Director. “Inasmuch Foundation has been supportive of the Memorial and Museum from the beginning, but this was over the top and will change how people learn this story for years to come. The enhancements made possible by this historic gift will allow us to expand the story to educate, inform and inspire the thousands of visitors in new ways.”

Inasmuch Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Committee members joined Memorial Trustees at the Memorial and Museum for the announcement.

“The Memorial and Museum has evolved as a global leader in the creation of engaging and educational experiences within a complex and deeply emotional story line,” Patrick Gallagher, Memorial Museum designer and project lead, told the crowd. “Now, creating an even more in-depth exploration of the sense of justice served will build a legacy for the future of the Museum and its important work in education and outreach.”

The 9:03 Fund Campaign, launched in May 2012, is co-chaired by John and Charlotte Richels and Mike and Susan Turpen.

Edith Kinney Gaylord founded Inasmuch Foundation in 1982 to support charitable, scientific and educational causes that enhance the progress and quality of life for Oklahomans. Today, the foundation is committed to carrying on the interests of its late founder by supporting education, health and human services, and community enhancement. To learn more about Inasmuch Foundation, visit www.inasmuchfoundation.org.

Contact: Kari Watkins, Executive Director
405.235.3313 or 405.830.6114
kw@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

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