TRUCKEE, Calif. – With more than $6.3 million in gifts and pledges secured toward its $9 million construction goal, the KidZone Museum’s Full Steam Ahead Capital Campaign is now making a vital push to raise another $1 million in major gifts—an essential milestone toward breaking ground on Phase 1 construction.

“We can’t wait to reach that $1 million milestone; it will bring us one giant step closer to creating a vibrant and creative space for the children and families of our region,” said Carol Meagher, KidZone Museum executive director. “We have submitted for a building permit, and we are grateful for the continued support from our community and donors that strengthens our momentum as we move forward.”

Founding Donors Fuel Momentum

“We deeply appreciate the generous support and sincere faith in our efforts from our founding donors,” said Shana Wapstra Scott, chair of the KidZone Museum Capital Campaign Committee. “They are the rock upon which we are building this new and improved experience for the children and teens of the North Lake Tahoe region.”

The campaign is anchored by a $2 million legacy gift from the Mark and Carolyn Guidry Foundation.

“Our kids loved playing there,” said Gayle Dilley, foundation president. “We made a legacy gift to help secure a permanent place for this Truckee community asset for generations to come.”

The Thomas P. Raley Foundation invested $1 million, recognizing the urgent need for expanded space to serve the community.

“After visiting the museum with my children on a crowded day, it became apparent how necessary a larger facility is,” said Beth Bowers, foundation treasurer.

$500,000 investments have also come from the Roxie and Azad Joseph Foundation and Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation.

“Our investment highlights the immense value we see in nurturing the children of North Lake Tahoe,” said Roxie and Azad Joseph Foundation Trustee Michael Melarkey.

“This investment in our community is fundamental for improving lives for generations to come,” added John Jewett, Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation president.

Additional founding donors include:

● The family of Allen Lee Jefferis, honoring their father’s love of Truckee with a $250,000 gift

● An anonymous donor and Martis Camp Foundation, each contributing $250,000

● The Peek Family Foundation, providing a $150,000 gift

● California Natural Resources Agency, awarding a $500,000 grant toward the museum’s natural playground.

A Community-Wide Effort

KidZone Museum’s long-standing partnership with the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District continues as the District has allocated land at Truckee River Regional Park for the project. “They were the first to step up and help make a new Museum happen,” said Meagher.

The District has also allocated space for the Truckee Library, diversifying recreational opportunities in the park and creating new spaces for learning, exploration, and community connection.

“We are excited to be neighbors with KidZone at Regional Park and to collaborate on initiatives that bring play and literacy together,” said Louise Zabriskie, chair of the Friends of the Truckee Library.

Phase 2 of the KidZone Museum project will add 4,000 square feet for hands-on traveling exhibits, a teen/tween space, and a Café Teaching Kitchen.

Learn More

To learn more and help bring this vision to life with a multi-year pledge or gift to reach the campaign’s immediate $1 million need, contact Jen Parker, philanthropy officer, at (530) 945-5856 or jen@kidzonemuseum.org.