By Steve Plunkett
The city has bailed out the Boca Raton Children’s Museum with an emergency $127,000 grant.
The museum appealed to the city for help when it realized it was running out of money, Assistant City Manager Mike Woika said.
“The museum asserts that it will be unable to continue operation without a contribution from the city and/or another party,” said an agreement the City Council approved July 9.
In March 2012, the museum received a $75,000 bailout grant, also for operating expenses.
The nonprofit museum leases 0.8 acres at 498 Crawford Blvd. from the city for $1 a year. Boca Raton gave it $23,400 for the current budget year, along with money to other nonprofits, to help the museum’s efforts to expose children to history, sciences, art and the humanities.
But Boca Raton might not repeat the gift this budget cycle.
“It is anticipated that similar amounts will be requested in FY 2013-2014, but due to a drop in revenue and the overall economic slowdown, it is not known whether similar amounts can again be awarded,” City Manager Leif Ahnell warned in a July 9 report to the City Council.
The museum strives to develop creative and critical thinking skills in children through hands-on learning activities, interactive displays, diverse cultural events and unique programs.
It will have a “Celebrate Brazil” day Sept. 21 with a ZooMobile presentation from the Palm Beach Zoo, entertainment and Brazilian food. Cost is $5 per person.
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