Museum announces biggest fundraiser in Romine match

Thanks to the support of Putnam County native Malcolm Romine, the Putnam County Museum has embarked on its biggest and most important fundraising effort ever: The Romine Matching Challenge.

"Like so many Putnam County residents, I have a special affection for the area that has been home to me and generations of my ancestors," Romine said. "This is one way to give a little back to the community."

Just four months into the challenge, the museum is more than halfway toward meeting its goal.

Through the Romine Challenge, the museum has the opportunity to raise $100,000 to advance its goals of collecting, preserving and interpreting the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the county and its people through education, exhibits and special programs.

Romine has pledged to match contributions to the museum on a 1:2 basis, up to the maximum of $100,000.

"For every $2 contributed by museum supporters, Malcolm will contribute an additional dollar," explained Tanis Monday, executive director of the Putnam County Museum.

Half of each gift will go toward meeting the museum's operating needs. The other half, along with Romine's matching contribution, will go to the museum's endowment fund, administered through the Putnam County Community Foundation. The endowment ensures a continuing source of funds to support the museum's mission well into the future.

The Romine Challenge will end in March 2014, though current commitments suggest a successful conclusion long before that date.

"Early support from our board and members has been phenomenal," Monday said. "Now we want to broaden our appeal to the entire community, because our goal is to serve every resident in the county."