Funds will go toward new outdoor addition
COMMERCE, TEXAS – The recently-held Silent Auction & Market, an inaugural event hosted by the Board of Directors of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum, was an overwhelming success according to Museum Executive Director Sharline Freeman.
“Our community really came through to support this fundraiser for the Museum. From the diverse array of auction items donated, to the more than 250 attendees, they certainly exceeded our expectations. It is hard to predict the success of a first-time event, but we were very pleasantly surprised by the patronage,” she said.
“Our most ambitious fundraiser to date, the Silent Auction & Market generated monies that will directly impact the children of our region by supporting one of our community’s greatest treasures,” said Board President Beckey Thompson. “The proceeds have been earmarked to help fund fencing for the ‘Great Outdoor Discovery Area,’ a planned, open-air addition to the Museum that will include exploration and discovery in art, science, music, and health areas – something that our Board sees as important to the development of children,” she added.
The proposed project continues the mission of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum to inspire imagination, enhance creativity, and build confidence in children. Outdoor learning helps children to socialize by learning to cooperate and play with others; encourages imagination as children create new games; and increases confidence and promotes physical activity as children run, climb and jump.
The Great Outdoor Discovery Area will build on knowledge gained from the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum, and the children’s outdoor area at the Perot Museum.
Next year’s event is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2015, in the Sam Rayburn Student Center, on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce.