KINGS MOUNTAIN, North Carolina - August 17, 2016 - Members of the board of directors of Kings Mountain Historical Museum were ecstatic when David & Marie Brinkley recently announced that they would donate $10,000 for the museum's 14th Annual Reverse Raffle & Auctions. "David and Marie's unexpected and extremely generous contribution will mean the world to the museum and the community we serve," said Stella Putnam, the board member responsible for reaching out to the Brinkleys for support.
When Mrs. Putnam contacted the Brinkleys about a potential donation, they had just had an opportunity to tour a local history museum in another small town similar to Kings Mountain.They were impressed with the size of the multistory museum and the displays they were able to offer. That visit had them asking, "What if Kings Mountain had the resources in place to have a museum like this?" Their experience motivated them to make a substantial contribution, and to challenge others to do the same.
"We believe in Kings Mountain," said David Brinkley. "We don't want to hear 'Kings Mountain can't...' anymore. My wife and I want to support Kings Mountain - the city's businesses, resources, and people. This donation recognizes the value of the Kings Mountain Historical Museum and the importance of investing in the work they do for this community. The museum is vital in preserving local history, improving education and quality of life for the citizens of our area, and driving economic development through tourism. We understand that there is a considerable return on investment for supporting arts and culture in our town and we challenge every organization and individual in Kings Mountain to get involved with the museum. Get engaged, take advantage of the museum's free exhibits and events, and give at any level."
Mrs. Putnam added, "Our yearly fundraising event allows us to raise the income needed for our annual operating expenses, so we can continue to provide educational programming free of charge to the public. The Brinkleys' thoughtful act of philanthropy has inspired our board members and leadership to think bigger for the long term, to envision what this museum could be in the future." Fundraising chair Priscilla Mauney commented, "One of my favorite quotes is 'Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.' The Brinkleys truly embody this spirit."
Kings Mountain Historical Museum's board and staff members are extremely thankful for the support they have received from David and Marie Brinkley, and from the many other businesses and individuals who have pledged involvement in the museum's 2017 fundraiser. A complete list of this year's sponsors and in-kind donors can be found on the event page at: http://www.kingsmountainmuseum.org/annual-fundraiser.html.
"This kind of charitable act reminds us that many of our community members believe in the importance of the museum and will do what they can to ensure that this organization will not only survive another year, but continue to thrive in the future. We are deeply grateful for the support," said Museum President Susan Champion.
For more information, please call (704) 739-1019 or email kmhmdirector@outlook.com.

Pictured: David & Marie Brinkley tour Kings Mountain Historical Museum's current exhibit, Great Gatsby: Cleveland County in the Roaring Twenties.
Submitted by Adria L. Focht, Director & Curator