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03_V1_WAT_Sep28 Th ursday, September 28, 2017 • WATERLOO CHRONICLE • 3Serving your community since 1856 By Bill Jackson Post Sta� To say David Marskell's putting his money where his mouth is seems like a bit of an under- statement. TheMuseum's CEO announced on Wednesday he'll be "shepherd- ing" a whopping $1 million to his employer -- the proverbial baby he's watched evolve from a � edgling chil- dren's museum to a popular cultural landmark at the corner of King and Queen streets in downtown Kitch- ener since 2006. � e money -- proceeds from the sale of Lakeview Baptist Church in Mississauga, built by his parents, pastors Victor and May, in 1939 -- is intended to make a bold proclama- tion to the Waterloo Region commu- nity. "I am wholeheartedly investing in this organization and I believe it's the right thing to do, so much so that I would put my parents' legacy on the table," Marskell said. "I hope the community will see that and match it." After the church was sold last July, its trustees agreed to Marskell's pro- posal with the support of his brother, Ken. Marskell said TheMuseum grew from the same roots as his parents' church, which had a vision and heart for youth engagement. "Believe me, my parents were never wealthy," Marskell said. "� ey were never paid at the church and I will certainly never see $1 million, so it's great to shepherd it from one charity to another." A not-for-profit charity, TheMu- seum now strives to be a "living, changing, experiential space of per- formance, exhibitions and dialogue," placing Waterloo Region on a larger cultural map. However, it still isn't financial- ly sustainable, relying on annual municipal grants to stay a� oat. Sus- tainability is the ultimate goal. "We are at a loss situation every year," conceded Marskell, who said his contribution will initially be placed in a restricted fund, the inter- est gained used to o� set operations. "� e Royal Ontario Museum has been doing it for over 100 years and they probably have $50 million in their restricted fund," he said. "We just doubled ours from basically $1 million to $2 million, but with the stock markets the way they've been in recent years, that capital is eroding and it's not a good model." Ultimately, Marskell wants to see his money invested in exhibits and bringing people to the community, though costs often pose a big risk. One exhibition he was recently considering cost around US$150,000. "I know this community deserves it and I know they would come to it, but I can't take the risk and lay out the money if it doesn't work due to weather or whatever reason." TheMuseum is also restricted from applying for federal and pro- vincial operating funds, because it doesn't own a permanent collection. Whereas other cultural organizations and arts galleries can open their doors for free, "our model is di� erent and we need the gates." "I've always got this tin can of sustainability tied to my ankle and it hampers things," Marskell said. � eMuseum also � nds itself in a unique situation in that despite its financial struggles, it will have to expand eventually to serve a growing population. Located inside the city-owned, former Goudies department store, TheMuseum currently takes up all � ve � oors and more than 55,000 sq. ft of exhibition space. Its millionth visi- tor walked through the door earlier this year and annual attendance hov- ers around 100,000. "We must work with (the) foot- print we have and we have looked at the possibility of expanding with an addition above," Marskell said. "We've got the perfect place at King and Queen to be a critical mass of arts and culture. � at's where I see us going." Marskell's donation is now in the hands of � eMuseum's board of directors, who will be waiting to see what the uptake is on the community campaign before looking at strategies to generate more revenue and grow. Marskell said he's well aware of community e� orts when it comes to local arts and culture, including the millions of dollars raised for the for- mer children's museum that didn't reach initial expectations. "But, we have to work together," Marskell believes. "It's just too fun- damentally important. "Once we get to sustainability, this organization is going to thrive and flourish and complete the Toronto-Waterloo Region cultural corridor, and really put this area on the map." In addition to general operations, Marskell said fundraising could be used to help pay for strategic research that will take planning "past instincts" to see what really resonates best with the community. � eMuseum's CEO makes $1M contribution; community urged to match it Ringing the bell BILL JACKSON PHOTO TheMuseum's CEO David Marskell is pictured with the bell that was inside the former Lakeview Baptist Church in Mississauga for more than 50 years. Proceeds from the sale of the church, built by Marskell's parents in 1939, are being donated to TheMuseum where the bell will now be displayed. CITY NEWS WATERLOO CHRONICLE Ringing the bell CITY NEWSCITY NEWS WATERLOO CHRONICLE Waterloo ChronicleVoluntary Pay Contribution Program We ask you to consider contributing $30 per year towards delivery of your Community Newspaper. Many of our Readers have made the decision to show their support for the Waterloo Chronicle. It is our pleasure to provide the Waterloo area with a Community Newspaper. 630 RIVERBEND DRIVE, UNIT 104, KITCHENER, ON N2K 3S2 fOR MORE INfORMaTION Call 519-623-7395 ext. 260 Yes! I would like to contribute to the Waterloo ChroniclePlease find a cheque for $30 enclosed for a 1 year contribution. 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