The Mendel Center is seeking to raise a total of $150,000 with its new Creating Bridges Challenge Campaign. Mendel Center Director Mike Nadolski tells WSJM News the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major blow to the venue even as it’s held several events virtually.
“Our materials indicate that COVID has cost us well over $200,000 already, and the meter’s still running,” Nadolski said. “We’ve had to cancel over 125 events and we’re still postponing and canceling events.”
Nadolski says being closed for seven months has been “devastating,” and that’s why the Mendel Center is asking supporters to contribute to the new campaign. It has a $50,000 match from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.
“This is our chance to go to our patrons and go to our community members and say please help us as we get our footing back under us and work toward reopening.”
Nadolski notes the Mendel Center is trying to stay viable through the end of the pandemic by adding new programs. For example, he says an announcement about a virtual Speaker Series is on the way. In the meantime, you can donate to the campaign at TheMendelCenter.com. Click the Support button near the top of the page.
