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Internal Press Release

The Discovery Playhouse, a children’s museum, receives donation from Bank of Missouri. 

The Discovery Playhouse, a children’s museum, which is Missouri non-profit 501c3 tax exempt organization, received a generous donation of $10,000 from the Bank of Missouri.  This donation will go towards the renovation of the former Walthers building at 502 Broadway, which will be the permanent location for The Discovery Playhouse.  The Bank of Missouri will receive 50 percent of their donation in state tax credits.  The Discovery Playhouse has been awarded $250,000 in State tax credits under the Neighborhood Assistance Program for the renovation and purchase of the Walthers building.  Over $150,000 in State tax credits are still available for business interests, including Missouri Limited Liability Company members.

Renovations of the building at 502 Broadway are well underway.  These renovations include the installation of a sprinkler system, new electrical system, heating and air system, bathrooms and windows.  Additional donations are needed in order to complete these major renovations so that The Discovery Playhouse, a children’s museum, can open in the late spring of 2009.  The Discovery Playhouse will provide a place for families to play together and for children to discover a love for science, the arts and the world around them.  The purpose of the Discovery Playhouse is to provide a permanent, hands-on, self-sustaining learning center for not only the families of the Southeast Missouri and southern Illinois region, but also the schools and daycare centers of the region.

Pictured receiving the Bank of Missouri donation are: Sharon Anderson, Secretary; Kevin Priester, Vice- President and Martha Brown, President of the Southeast Missouri Children’s Museum with David Crater, President, Bank of Missouri.

Cape children's museun get $10,000

A $10,000 check from the Bank of Missouri will advance renovations on the Discovery Playhouse, Cape Girardeau's children's museum.

Work on the former Walthers building at 502 Broadway continues, with every infusion of cash giving it a boost, according to Martha Brown, president of the Southeast Missouri Children's Museum Board of Directors, which will operate the Discovery Playhouse.

The sluggish economy has hurt donations, she said, and slow funding caused Discovery Playhouse's opening date to be bumped from late March or early April to "late spring," with no specific date set. The Bank of Missouri's donation brings the total raised so far to $174,000 toward a $500,000 goal. (February 26, 2008) see more

Blitz 2 crew volunteers at the museum

The Blitz 2 Crew

The “Blitz 2” crew that volunteered at the children’s museum on Saturday, September 27, 2008.  They helped clean up the overgrown weeds and brush – making the property look 100 times better.  Blitz 2  is a group of many of the churches in town, who all volunteer to do different community service projects one Saturday a year. The Discovery Playhouse happily thanks the Blitz 2 crew for all of the great work they did for us. (October 5, 2008)

Tax Credits Approved!!!

Great news!! The Missouri Department of Economic Development has approved $250,000 in State tax credits for the renovation of 101 William to provide a new home for the Discovery Playhouse.  This means that any business interest, including limited liability companies, partnerships, and corporations, donating funds for the renovation will receive 50% of the value of the donation in State tax credits.  This is a great incentive for contributions.

Several companies and organizations are currently working on new exhibits for the Discovery Playhouse’s new home.  The Cape Girardeau Fire Department has a 1952 fire truck which will anchor an exhibit which will also include fire safety tips for kids.  The kids village will include a Dominos Pizza Parlor and a Montgomery Bank ATM, among others.  Many other exhibits are in the works!!!!

Plans for the renovated building include a birthday party/classroom which will be available for special events.  Plans are underway for special themed birthday parties – so stay tuned.

The Discovery Playhouse needs your support NOW!!!!  In addition to raising funds for the renovations to the building, money also needs to be raised to fund a permanent Executive Director position.  Being able to hire a full-time Director is crucial for the development of programs and activities that will really make the Discovery Playhouse the great place it can be. (Summer 2008)

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