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Event raises $43K for Powerhouse

Center still seeks $150K for new exhibits, operations

The Powerhouse Science Center raised about $43,000 Thursday at the nonprofit’s first fundraiser since the museum closed in May.

The private event was held for about 30 to 40 of the museum’s longtime supporters, and it offered a venue for the nonprofit’s leadership to explain its new model.

The nonprofit’s board abruptly closed the museum in May after discovering the organization didn’t have the money to stay open.

To reopen the doors in a few months, the leadership is cutting the budget in half and offering more focused programming, said Kathleen O’Connor, the president of the nonprofit’s board.

“It’s definitely going to be a tighter ship,” she said.

As part of that effort, the Powerhouse plans to operate with six employees instead of the 10 the organization had previously, said Nana Naisbitt, the executive director.

Before reopening, the nonprofit is aiming to raise $150,000 for new exhibits and operational costs such as utilities, insurance and maintenance. Staff members also hope to uncover and properly display some of the historic machinery used when the power plant was in operation, she said.

Carver Brewing Co. presented a check for $10,000 to help the Powerhouse develop its business plan, said Bill Carver, who was heavily involved until two years ago.

“It’s a first step toward a new beginning,” he said.

He hopes the Powerhouse returns as a creative community learning space for kids.

The museum plans to host two listening sessions, beginning at 5:30 p.m., on July 9 and July 28 at the Powerhouse.

Public fundraisers are planned for late summer, but no dates have been set yet, O’Connor said.

mshinn@durangoherald.com

Jul 6, 2015
Powerhouse terminates executive director


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