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GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi has announced it has reached its first goal of $1 million in its Simmons Society Endowment Fund. This was made possible thanks to the Maddox Foundation, which made the Museum’s largest matching donation. Funds from the endowment will continue to support the expansion of music education programming at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.
The Simmons Society Endowment Fund was launched in 2018 in honor of former Mississippi State Senator and current Central Commissioner Willie Simmons, who has been a vital member of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi since it opened its doors in 2016. In conjunction with the launch of the fund, the Mississippi Museum held a gala honoring Simmons in September 2018, which was attended by special guests such as Dorothy Moore, Willie Clayton, Ms. Jody, and Bobby Rush.
“It has been a goal of ours to reach $1 million in our Simmons Society Endowment Fund since we launched it nearly six years ago,” said Emily Havens, Executive Director of GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi. “We are so excited to announce that we’ve reached our initial goal, thanks in large part to our friends at the Maddox Foundation. These resources are going to be hugely impactful as we look to expand our music education programming in 2024 and beyond.”
“An endowment is a savings account for the future, and we’re so excited to partner with the GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi to help provide music education opportunities now as well as for generations to come,” said Robin Hurdle, Maddox Foundation President. “We are glad to be part of helping to secure the future of the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi which is a tremendous asset for the state of Mississippi.”
GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi seeks to educate and inspire all Museum visitors and Members as to the enduring qualities and cultural significance of popular and classical music. Through its Simmons Society Endowment Fund, the Mississippi Museum will continue to offer some of the most and dynamic and exciting educational programs available from museums today. In addition, the Museum will be able to support the next generation of music makers and industry professionals through scholarships and special learning opportunities. To make an endowment gift, please contact Executive Director, Emily Havens at GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi.
