$100,000 grant for Finger Lakes Museum

The Finger Lakes Museum will soon receive a $100,000 grant from the Rochester-based Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation to help fund architectural and exhibit design studies and other startup expenses. In a letter to museum board president John Adamski, foundation president Donald Whitney said that the funds will become available within the next few weeks. The Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation was founded in 1968 by philanthropist Daisy Marquis Jones and her nephew Leo Marquis Lyons as a way of giving back to the community. It is dedicated to improving the well-being of Monroe and Yates county residents by funding programs that aid disadvantaged children and families.Adamski said that the museum was chosen because it met the funder’s priorities “by offering educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities as well as acting as an economic development catalyst and job creator. And it has the potential to help bring economic stabilization to Yates County.” He added, “The museum’s vision is to serve as a partner in development, research, outreach, and education.”Adamski said that the Daisy Marquis Jones grant was the largest single cash contribution to the museum to date and that it is a giant step toward its goal of raising a million dollars in 2011. “We’re now a third of the way there and it’s only February”, he said. The museum’s Founders Campaign continues to bring in funds as well. To become a Finger Lakes Museum founder for $100 or more, log on to www.fingerlakesmuseum.org and click on “Become a Founder”.