DERRY | A small child sells a cup of lemonade on a hot day for a quarter | one way a small gesture can make a big difference to help save a favorite place.
For the staff, families, and supporters working hard to keep the Children's Metamorphosis museum alive and open, these acts of kindness can mean the difference between keeping the downtown play place open or seeing it close its doors for good.
The Children's Met is in danger of being evicted from its location in Derry unless enough money is raised or pledged through the grass-roots "Save the Met" campaign, now in full swing.
The Met announced on July 18 that due to financial problems and diminishing corporate support, it would be forced to close as of the end of August.
The deadline of Aug. 31 is looming, but each day organizers say more and more support and money is pledged or donated to help the non-profit stay open. The campaign's goal is to raise $50,000 to cover debt and immediate expenses and to secure more board members and new corporate sponsors to help improve Met operations and keep the museum healthy and going forward.
Many organizations and individuals are stepping up to offer help, including small tokens like lemonade stands, yard sales, and other fundraisers, or larger financial commitments like a Derry Village Rotary Club donation, and also a $10,000 a year, three-year commitment from Stonyfield Yogurt. This week, pledges totaled upwards of $45,000 toward the $50,000 goal.
"The continuing flow of support and new heartfelt pledges make a dramatic statement about the community's feelings toward the Met," Met board of directors member Paul Lindemann said.
Londonderry psychologist Suzanne Kuchel included her feelings on the Met Web site and said she has always been impressed with the creative and innovative ways in which the Met strives to help children develop, socially, and emotionally.
"There aren't many downtown visitor destinations in any community that have such a positive impact on the growth of their patrons," she said.
A variety of Save the Met events are planned into September, and projected earnings will be included in the total goal for the campaign. The following are scheduled events for the Save the Met campaign:
Sept. 4-7 - "Met U-Time." Drop off children at the Met for fun while parents go back-to-school shopping or just take some time off. Cost is just $10 per child, per daily sessions, which run 9:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday, and also 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday evening. Recommended age is 18 months to 8 years of age and each session is limited to 10 children.
Sept. 15 - A "Computer Smash" is held at Duncan's European Automotive, 33 Londonderry Road, Londonderry. Take out digital frustrations with a sledgehammer and smash up a keyboard, mouse, or monitor from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Small fee goes to support Save the Met campaign. Call 434-5796.
Sept. 15 - A "Kick-a-Thon" is held at Tim Barchard's Professional Martial Arts Academy. Martial arts students will kick up a storm and raise pledge money for the Met.
Sept. 15 - Derryfest celebration is held in MacGregor Park and the Met plans a Duck Drop event to support the Met's future.
For information on the Save the Met campaign, or to make a donation, contact the Met at 425-2560 or visit online at www.savethemet.org.
Dressed as a firefighter, Jayden Chudrow, 2, far right, gets lots of attention in front of the distorted mirror from his brother, Josh, 7, and sister Alex, 12, all of Derry, at the Children's Metamorphosis museum recently.
Allegra Boverman/Derry News(Click for larger image)
