Coral Gables Museum executive director Caroline Parker Santiago and board chair Wayne “Chip” Withers recently announced that museum received a $100,000 challenge match fund from the bequest of Frank Lynn. The challenge match will match dollar for dollar all donations from new and existing museum supporters from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2016.
Lynn was a native of Spartanburg, SC. His commitment to building “community” is a legacy that has touched thousands and will continue to do so for years to come. He was one of the early founders of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, a founding member of the Coral Gables Museum, and served as a judge of over 25 years for The Merrick Festival Coral Gables Caroling competition.
“Frank truly loved Coral Gables culture and especially the Coral Gables Museum. This legacy gift is just another example of how large his heart really was. We feel very fortunate and humbled that Mr. Lynn recognized the Coral Gables Museum’s community impact,” Wither said.
“These unrestricted funds will help support our general programs from school tours to lectures. When we reach our $100,000 match goal, we’d like to honor Mr. Lynn and his passion for music by presenting a public concert on the Museum Plaza for all to enjoy,” Parker Santiago added.
Coral Gables Museum offers a wide variety of public programs. In addition to the permanent exhibit “Creating the Dream: George Merrick and His Vision for Coral Gables,” the museum presents a dozen temporary exhibits throughout the year.
As the Official Visitor Center of Coral Gables, the museum offers downtown walking tours, exhibit tours, bike tours and waterway canoe tours. The museum also presents exhibit-related events, including curator’s tours, lectures, panel discussions and concerts. In service to K-12 students, the museum offers school tours, camp and Family Day.
Individuals interested in making 100 percent tax-deductible contributions to this matching campaign may call 305-603-8067, send email to caroline@coralgablesmuseum.org, or visit www.coralgablesmuseum.org/join/.
