Looking To Sponsor Something? Here's A Good Project

In a place where there's few things for children to do, the Children's Museum of the Highlands is special. But the museum is more than just easily accessible to county residents. It's fun, it's educational and it's affordable. Those who've got children in the family have had to have made at least one trip to the museum, and many leave its doors with children who'd rather camp at the museum for life.

This popular destination now wants to be bigger and better and needs the community's help to expand. Museum director Linda Crowder, who unveiled plans Wednesday, said the museum is seeking to build a second floor, which will double its space.

The additional 6,000 square feet of space will feature new exhibits, allow current exhibits to expand, provide another classroom for the expansion of the summer Discovery Camp and include additional bathrooms, storage, workrooms and offices.

Crowder said the expansion project will cost about $500,000, plus the cost of exhibits, and the museum is looking for sponsorships to make it possible. All donations are tax deductible. Naming rights to the second floor will be sold for $500,000. The museum also is offering room sponsorships, for $20,000 a plaque with the name of the donor will permanently be displayed in the room.

Many who have been involved with the children's museum will tell you that Crowder, her family and a dedicated band of volunteers have helped to keep the museum going the last 17 years. This year, the museum set an attendance record. More than 20,000 people walked through its doors, not just from Highlands but Hardee, DeSoto, Okeechobee and Hendry counties. Some of those outsiders bought gas and food and perhaps shopped for other things here in Highlands, making the museum a tourist draw of some sorts.

Considering all that the museum has done for the children here and its role in attracting visitors, parents, schools, businesses and even the city of Sebring should actively consider investing in the museum's expansion.

A bigger children's museum can only be a plus for the community. Raising half a million dollars can be a tough or easy job, depending on a project's value to sponsors. In this case, there's no doubt it's a win-win situation for all.