'Gatsby' raises $63K for museum
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 4 years, 3 months AGO
Guests enjoy The Gatsby Garden Party and Gala fundraiser for the Museum of North Idaho at the Jewett House on July 7.
The Gatsby Garden Party and Gala to benefit the Museum of North Idaho raised $63,000.
Museum Executive Director Britt Thurman was thrilled.
She noted that not only was the gala held July 7 the first major fundraiser for the 54-year-old organization, it exceeded their goals. But money wasn't the focus.
"It was more about publicity and awareness, sharing our mission and our plans to build a new museum with our community," she said. "The Museum of North Idaho isn’t a quiet nonprofit anymore. We’re here, and we have big plans to be actively engaged in our community."
The Gatsby Garden Party and Gala included music, food and drinks at the Jewett House on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene.
"We wanted guests to feel transformed to 100 years ago," Thurman said. "As a history museum, we owe it to our constituents to get that part right."
Next year's fundraiser theme will be the 1940s to coincide with an exhibit on North Idaho during World War II.
"We have so much fun working at the museum, and we hope everyone has fun visiting us and attending our programs and events," Thurman said. "History is cool, and we’re here to share that with our amazing North Idaho community."
The Museum of North Idaho is trying to raise more than $6 million for a new home at McEuen Park at the base of Tubbs Hill.
Currently, it occupies a 4,371-square-foot building by City Park. After 40 years there, officials say the museum collection has outgrown the space.
It is planning an 11,500-square-foot facility to house exhibits, art and educational resources, with a goal to be a premier regional museum.
The project includes renovations to the J.C. White House, site design and development, an expanded lower level wing, climate-controlled spaces and a rooftop terrace.
The goal is to open in 2023.