Wells Fargo renews support for museum, military

Submitted by Kerynn Fisher
Phone: 907-474-6941
11/16/07

Wells Fargo recently renewed its support for the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the museum’s military appreciation events with a $25,000 donation to the museum. The bank has served as the lead corporate partner for the museum’s annual military appreciation reception and family day since 2003.

"Wells Fargo deeply appreciates the sacrifices our Alaska neighbors have made to protect our country," said Darren Franz, Wells Fargo Northern Alaska district president. "Our ongoing support of the museum’s military appreciation events helps us reach out to military families to extend our thanks and show our support."

More than 100 military and community leaders attended this year’s military appreciation reception on Thursday, Nov. 8, where Franz presented the donation to museum development director Julie Estey. The following Saturday, more than 500 military members and their families, veterans and other community members attended the museum’s Military Appreciation Day. Visitors enjoyed free admission to the museum galleries, beading demonstrations by Gwich’in Athabascan artist Rochelle Adams and visiting with Wells Fargo’s mascot, Jack the Dog. Gallery activity sheets and volunteer docents with materials from the museum’s hands-on collection helped children and families get the most out of their museum visit.

Support from corporate partners like Wells Fargo provides a critical funding source for the museum, which receives less than 25 percent of its funding from the state. In addition to supporting the museum’s research and education programs, the corporate partnerships allow the museum to offer free or reduced admission for special events and programs.

"We’re grateful to Wells Fargo for their ongoing support of the museum and our programs," said Estey. "Partnerships like this help make the museum more accessible to the community."

CONTACT: Kerynn Fisher, University of Alaska Museum of the North communications coordinator, at 907-474-6941 or 907-378-2559.

Note to editors: Images are available on request.