Gatchell Fundraiser Nets $59K

The Johnson County Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in Buffalo gained over $59,000 in donations and matching funds during their recent fundraiser over the holiday season.

According to Museum Director Sylvia Bruner, an anonymous donor stepped up and offered to match dollar for dollar all donations to the museum this past holiday season through the end of 2019.

The anonymous donor offered to match funds raised up to a total of $30,000.

She explains what happened during the fundraising effort.

Bruner said at that point the donations and matching funds were roughly $50,000 but that since there were no longer any restrictions on the time for donations, they kept coming in and as of the end of last week, the amount raised has climbed to over $59,000.

Bruner said the money will be used to create a fund for operational costs for the museum to ensure some stability in the face of reduced funding from the county due to dwindling tax revenue.

She expressed thanks to all who were willing to support the local museum.

She said it was an awesome experience to see firsthand the community’s willingness to help the museum through the fundraising effort.