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Children’s Museum requests $2,500; Coldwater DDA approves $500 sponsorship
Summary
Melissa Austin of the Children’s Museum asked the Coldwater DDA for a $2,500 sponsorship for the Imagination After Dark fundraiser and said the museum aims to raise $40,000 for a new climbing structure. The board approved a $500 Explorer-level sponsorship to preserve remaining budget for the year.
Melissa Austin, representing the Children’s Museum, asked the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority on June 24 for a $2,500 sponsorship to support Imagination After Dark, an adults-only fundraising event that the museum says will help fund a new climbing structure.
“A night out of enjoying live entertainment, interactive exhibits, delicious food and drinks… our goal for this one-of-a-kind event is to raise $40,000 for our new climbing structure,” Austin said during her presentation, noting the museum drew more than 14,000 visitors over the past year.
Board members noted DDA sponsorships for fiscal year 2026–27 are budgeted at $5,500 and that $4,500 had already been committed to other events (Hispanic Heritage Fest, the Cultural Jubilee, Hop on Monroe and the Corners Farmer Market), leaving roughly $1,000 on hand. Given that constraint, the board considered multiple sponsorship levels the museum offered, from $250 up to a $5,000 “Champion of Curiosity.”
Rather than fund the $2,500 Wondermaker level Austin requested, the board moved to sponsor the museum at the Explorer level and approved a $500 sponsorship by voice vote. The motion passed with no opposition.
The DDA’s $500 sponsorship includes recognition at the event and two tickets; Austin encouraged members to buy tickets and to visit the museum’s retail space. The board did not commit additional funds beyond the approved $500; staff said budgeted sponsorship capacity for the rest of the year will be monitored.
Next steps: Austin and DDA staff will complete sponsorship paperwork and event promotion details.
