News and Articles
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- 8/31/07
Save the Met Campaign Successful; Children’s Museum Begins Planning New Future
- 8/27/07
Met’s Landlord Satisfied, but Children’s Museum Needs Further Fiscal Improvements
- 8/14/07
Met Not Yet Saved: Children’s Museum Urgently Needs Community Support to Continue Operation
- 8/6/07
Stonyfield Farm Steps Up to “Save the Met” with Three-Year, $30,000 Sponsorship
- 8/1/07
“Save the Met” Campaign Launched to Keep Children’s Museum Open in Downtown Derry
- 7/18/07
The Met Children’s Museum to Close Doors After Sixteen Years
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Save the Met Campaign Successful; Children’s Museum Begins Planning New Future
August 31, 2007, Derry NH — The Children’s Metamorphosis today announced that the “Save the Met” campaign launched August 1 has been successful, and that the Met children’s museum will stay open in downtown Derry for the foreseeable future.
“Just a month ago it felt like the 16-year-old vision for a fun, educational, affordable local children’s museum had come crashing down around us,” said Tracy LaPLante, executive director of the Met. “Now we’re grateful and excited about creating a whole new future going forward, one responding to the community’s enthusiasm and built with energetic new people, a fantastic financial infusion, and a great deal of new fiscal wisdom.”
Financial challenges for the Met began growing five years ago when the museum had to quickly leave its popular eleven-year home in a north Londonderry house. A loan for moving and refurbishing expenses, higher rent and maintenance payments, and dramatic declines in corporate sponsorships meant the Met was running at a deficit for some time. A stretched-thin board of directors allowed debt to accumulate, until finally the landlord’s “Demand for Rent” notice in mid-July forced the Board to painfully conclude and announce that the museum could not continue. Closing was set for August 31st, the expected date for losing occupancy of the building.
An outpouring of support from the Met’s membership and the community at large led instead to the August 1st launching of the “Save the Met” campaign. Dozens of new volunteers came forward to fuel this improbable attempt to quickly improve the museum’s financial situation and prospects.
The campaign’s most visible goal has been to raise $50,000 to pay off debts and handle immediate expenses. This was collected in the form of pledges, payable only if the total goal was reached. That amount has now been reached and exceeded—see the current total on the website—and supporters are encouraged to stop by, call the Met, or visit its website to make a payment for their pledge.
A second goal has been to improve the depth and breadth of the Met management team by expanding the Board of Directors from the recent seven to a more typical twenty to twenty-five people. This goal has been met, with so far seventeen new individuals having expressed interest in joining. Additional qualified candidates are still welcome, as the process of actually forming the new Board gets going in September.
The Save the Met campaign’s third goal has been to boost the museum’s income to an essential level by securing at least $25,000 a year in new, three-year sponsorships. Stonyfield Farm promptly came forward with a generous $10,000 a year, $30,000 total sponsorship and plans for a new educational exhibit about organic farming. Several smaller companies and one family have so far also committed to sponsorships of $250 or $500 a year (See them listed on the website).
Just over half the sponsorship goal has been raised so far, and more sponsors are still needed. The campaign is being declared successful despite this shortfall for three reasons: new income should be achieved from an ongoing calendar of additional fundraising activities and new efforts in pursuing grants; the larger, more effective board will allow a focus on corporate fundraising that was not previously possible; and the directors have realized that a different approach to sponsorships might ultimately be more successful.
This different approach to sponsorships embraces partnering with many smaller organizations for smaller amounts rather than just focusing on large amounts from bigger corporations. It was the community commitment by smaller organizations and the love of the Met shown by families that led to this realization. Big corporations will not be ignored, but sole proprietorships, small businesses, community organizations, families, and other groups will also be approached. The wide range of sponsorship opportunities includes specific newsletter issues, special programs and events, all or portions of major exhibits, and general operating fund contributions.
With the Met now continuing to operate, families are encouraged to submit the annual membership renewals that have been on hold since mid-July. Work is starting on a new calendar of museum workshops, programs, and activities for the fall, on enhancing the museum’s website, and on resuming the regular newsletter for members.
The Save the Met campaign will continue in the form of several fundraising events already scheduled throughout September (see the website for details). A new membership drive will take place in October, kicked off with “Met Day” Saturday October 6th, an open celebration thanking the community for its great support and inviting everyone to see what the Met is all about.
Get more information at the Met in downtown Derry, by visiting www.savethemet.org, or by calling the Met at (603) 425-2560.
Met’s Landlord Satisfied, but Children’s Museum Needs Further Fiscal Improvements
August 27, 2007, Derry NH — With a few days left in its month-long “Save the Met” campaign, the Met today announced it has been successful in satisfying the landlord of the downtown Derry children’s museum.
A debt of about $30,000 in unpaid rent incurred over the past year caused landlord Derry Depot Square Holdings LLC to issue a Demand for Rent on July 18. The potential loss of occupancy from this legal process caused the Met to examine its financial situation, and the museum announced it would probably have to close on August 31.
Instead, an outpouring of community support led to the August 1st launch of the “Save the Met” campaign, with goals of raising $50,000 to cover the back rent and other expenses, plus securing new corporate sponsors and board members to lay a better financial foundation. It appears the fundraising and board member goals will be met or exceeded, but corporate sponsorships still lag.
Nonetheless, after a review of the campaign’s progress and the Met’s plans last Thursday evening (8/23/07), the landlord’s representatives decided that the campaign and pledges constitutive an adequate response to the formal Demand for Rent. This ensures that the Met will not lose its occupancy on August 31.
“The landlord has expressed their support for the Met first by being patient with our growing debt and now by working with us through this unconventional but apparently successful campaign.” said Tracy LaPlante, executive director of the Met. “Though rather stressful at times, the process has dramatically improved our relationship with the landlord, and we hope to continue and build on this as the Met moves into a more financially-sound future.”
“The officials of the DDSH are impressed with the Met's campaign, and we’re optimistic they will complete their plan and remain open,” said Joel Olbricht, president of the Derry Economic Development Corp., parent of Derry Depot Square Holdings. “We believe the Met is an impressive asset for downtown Derry, and we congratulate the Met board, sponsors, and companies that are helping to strengthen our community.”
The Save the Met campaign continues this week, and a final decision on the future of the children’s museum will be announced on Friday, August 31. News and information on the many fundraising events, corporate sponsorships, and other ways to help is available on the campaign website at www.savethemet.org.
Met Not Yet Saved: Children’s Museum Urgently Needs Community Support to Continue Operation
August 14, 2007, Derry NH — Approaching the mid-point in its month-long “Save the Met” campaign, the Met children’s museum today put out an urgent call for additional support to help it stay in operation.
Encouraged by initial public concern, the museum launched the “Save the Met” campaign on August 1st to combat rising debt and the possible August 31st loss of its lease. The campaign’s goals are to raise $50,000 to cover debt and immediate expenses, and to secure both additional board members and new corporate sponsors to help improve operations going forward.
The many individual and the single commercial business pledge (from Embroidery Creations of Londonderry) received so far total about $8,000. Only two long-term Corporate Sponsorships have been secured, with generous three-year commitments being made by Stonyfield Farm and William Blasek, Ltd.
Business support is especially critical to keeping the Met running with admission and membership fees that families can afford. Even Stonyfield’s sponsorship of $10,000 annually for three years covers just 5% of the Met’s annual expenses.
“It’s time for every company and business person interested in the region’s economic development and quality of life to step up and do their part to help keep the Met alive,” said Paul Lindemann, Met board member. “Even a small pledge or sponsorship clearly marks a company as a good corporate citizen, earning the appreciation of hundreds of member families and the payback of drawing 30,000 visitors a year.”
Individuals and businesses can make Save the Met pledges at the Met, by phone (603-425-2560), or online at www.savethemet.org. Payment requests for each pledge will go out once the Save the Met campaign is declared a success.
Businesses can get information on Corporate Sponsorship opportunities on the same site, or by contacting Executive Director Tracy LaPlante by phone at the Met (603-425-2560) or by email (tracy.laplante@comcast.net). Individuals interested in joining the Met’s Board of Directors should also contact Director LaPlante.
A variety of Save the Met fundraising programs are being planned for August and September (projected earnings for post-August 31st events will be included in the Save the Met goal). These include an August 18th Yard Sale by the Derry Mom’s Club, a frustration-relieving Computer Smash sponsored by Duncan’s European Automotive in Londonderry, a September 15th Kick-a-Thon at Tim Barchard's Professional Martial Arts Academy in Derry, active participation in DerryFest, and ongoing donation programs by Arbonne International and Pampered Chef proprietors. Details for all these and more can be found online at www.savethemet.org.
Stonyfield Farm Steps Up to “Save the Met” with Three-Year, $30,000 Sponsorship
The first business responding to children’s museum’s urgent campaign partners with the Met through generous sponsorship and new exhibit on organic farming
August 6, 2007, Derry NH — The Children’s Metamorphosis today announced that Stonyfield Farm has committed to a three-year, $10,000 per year sponsorship of the struggling children’s museum. Part of Stonyfield’s Profits for the Planet initiative, the funds will be used for Met operating expenses and for a new exhibit aimed at educating and exciting young Met patrons about organic farming.
“The Met is a perfect match for our efforts to encourage healthy food, healthy kids, and a healthy planet,” said Maureen Wolpert, senior product manager at Stonyfield Farm. “We’re pleased to help the museum get back on solid financial ground, and excited about sharing our vision of natural, organic-based agriculture with the thousands of kids and families that visit the Met each year.”
Stonyfield Farm is the first commercial business responding to a key goal of the “Save the Met” campaign: securing new corporate sponsors to ensure the Met’s ongoing viability. Other goals include raising $50,000 to cover short-term debts and avoid a potential August 31st eviction, and adding new board members to improve the Met’s community connections and capabilities. The campaign was launched August 1st, and will run through August 31st.
“We knew that the families all over southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts who love the Met would respond to help us stay open,” said Tracy LaPlante, executive director of the Met. “Now we’re thrilled to see the business community also coming forward, led by this major and exciting commitment by Stonyfield Farm.”
Anyone interested in volunteering to help is welcome to an open “Save the Met” planning meeting Tuesday, August 7, at 7:00 pm, at the Met in downtown Derry. More information is available and pledges can be made at the Met, by calling (603) 425-2560, or visiting online at www.savethemet.org.
About Stonyfield Farm
Stonyfield Farm, celebrating its 24th year, is the world's leading organic yogurt maker, and produces all natural and organic yogurt, smoothies, cultured soy, frozen yogurt, ice cream, and milk. The company advocates that healthy food can only come from a healthy planet. It was the nation's first dairy processor to pay farmers not to treat cows with the synthetic bovine growth hormone rBST. Stonyfield donates 10 percent of its profits to environmental causes; was America's first manufacturer to offset 100 percent of its CO2 emissions from its facility energy use; and recently installed the largest solar array in New Hampshire to help power its production plant -- all efforts to reduce global warming.
For more information about Stonyfield Farm, its products and initiatives, visit www.stonyfield.com or call 1-800-PRO-COWS.
“Save the Met” Campaign Launched to Keep Children’s Museum Open in Downtown Derry
August 1, 2007, Derry NH — The Met children’s museum today announced the launch of a fundraising and restructuring effort aimed at staving off the August 31st eviction and closing previously announced.
Inspired by recent membership and community support, the museum has set three challenging goals for the “Save the Met” campaign: raising $50,000 to cover debt and short-term expenses, and securing both additional board members and new corporate sponsors to help improve operations going forward.
“The touching stories, expressions of sadness, and offers to help were too loud to ignore,” said Tracy LaPlante, executive director of the Met. “Our landlord is being quite supportive, but now it’s time for corporate citizens and the community at large to step up and show how much they want the Met to stay.”
"The Met is a real treasure for area children and a definite boost for local business,” said Gary Stenhouse, Derry town administrator. “I hope this campaign succeeds in helping them establish a more solid financial footing here in downtown Derry."
A variety of Save the Met fundraising programs are being planned, and there will be a meeting for everyone interested in participating Tuesday, August 7, at 7:00 pm, at the Met. Pledges towards the $50,000 goal can be made at the Met, by phone (425-2560), or on the web (www.childrensmet.org). Businesses wishing to support the Met should contact Tracy LaPlante by phone or email (tracy.laplante@comcast.net).
The Met Children’s Museum to Close Doors After Sixteen Years
Increased expenses and diminishing sponsorships result in eviction from downtown Derry location
July 18, 2007, Derry NH — The Children’s Metamorphosis today announced that growing debt and diminishing corporate support will force the children’s museum to close its doors and cease operation August 31, 2007.
Established in 1991, the non-profit “Met” children’s museum moved from its original North Londonderry home to downtown Derry in 2002. The new location proved successful in most respects: membership grew from 300 to a peak of 800 families, daily attendance and program participation rose significantly, and records show the museum brought more than 30,000 visitors annually to downtown Derry from towns throughout southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
Unfortunately, the relocation to the Derry space and renovations the Met funded to make the space usable required a significant, still unpaid bank loan. Moreover, while nationally most children’s museums enjoy free or highly subsidized rent, the Met did not. Instead the museum leased space from Derry Depot Square Holdings, LLC for a reasonable yet sizable monthly fee, and also remained responsible for the costs of ongoing electrical, plumbing, and other repairs. At the same time, corporate sponsorships and donations dropped below previous levels, and as a result the Met has fallen significantly behind in paying the monthly lease fee.
After multiple generous grace periods and extended negotiations since July of last year, the landlord has informed the Met that it is now beginning the legal eviction process. The Met in fact received the formal document beginning this process yesterday.
“We hate to disappoint the thousands of kids who enjoy the Met and we’ll miss our role as a promising tenant in downtown Derry,” said Tracy LaPlante, executive director of the Met. “But Depot Square Holdings has been more than fair. Short of some miraculous new source of funding or some other sudden solution, we really see no choice but to close the Met for good.”
Refunds of The Met’s annual membership fee are not possible, but all current Members will receive a free upgrade to membership in the Association for Children’s Museums, giving them free access to hundreds of sites around the country. Families and groups with Party Room and program reservations already booked for after August 31 will receive a refund. Plans for disposition of the animals, exhibits, and other assets of the Met as well as out-placing efforts for its seven employees are just beginning.
Members should check the Met’s website at www.childrensmet.org or call (603) 425-2560 for the latest information.