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Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center Plans "Family Day" Fundraiser for April 29.

Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center has scheduled a special fundraising event, "Family Day," for Sunday, April 29, from 2-5PM. The event will feature each of the museums proudly displaying its current exhibitions, presenting special activities, and providing treats and refreshments for a $5 per person, one-price admission fee. Clowns will be on hand, and performing artists will be in the lobby.

The Asheville Art Museum currently has three special exhibitions, along with its permanent collection, and "hands-on" art activities. A special treat for the kids can be found at the Colburn Gem & Mineral Museum; the "T-Rex, King of the Dinosaurs" exhibit is a popular favorite with the younger set, and the "Mystery Stone Grab Box" will allow children to reach in and pick a surprise treasure to take home.

The Diana Wortham Theatre will provide backstage tours. This is also the final day of the "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood" and "Curiosity Carts" interactive exhibits at The Health Adventure. The YMI Cultural Center has a special watercolor exhibit, including work by Asheville Middle School, called "The Africa Room."

The decision to "close" Pack Place for one day to stage the fundraiser, not as a cost-saving measure, but as a means of celebration, came about as the result of the State of North Carolina's recent financial problems. Due to the state's budget shortfall, Buncombe County is receiving less funding, and, therefore, informed Pack Place in mid-February that its funding from the county was going to be cut by 25% ($100,000) for the remainder of this fiscal year which ends June 30, 2001.

The success of Pack Place has exceeded all estimates since opening its doors on July 4, 1992. Since that time, the growing reliance of the education community on student programming, and participation by the community have surpassed every benchmark that possibly could have been imagined. The constant arrival of area school buses at the building is verification that there are very few school-age children who haven't attended at least one program or exhibit at Pack Place.

While the Pack Place Board of Trustees considered many options as a means of making up the budget shortfall, the closing of Pack Place on certain days of the week was thought to be an unacceptable option. Also, Pack Place is unable to reduce essential operating expenditures to offset this significant budget reduction as a result of long-standing commitments, theatre events, and literally scores of school group and public activities in the museums.

Since the $100,000 budget shortfall is roughly equal to its annual lighting and heating expenditure, the goal of Pack Place is to raise $100,000 by asking individuals and area businesses to show their support and help "keep the lights on" at Pack Place. The proceeds from this event will be used solely for operating expenses.

If you are unable to attend "Family Day" on April 29, but would like to make a donation of any size, please mail your check to Pack Place Family Day, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville, NC, 28801. If you have any questions, please call 828-257-4500.