Davis Trust Company donates $12,500 to museum project

ELKINS -- In celebration of its 125th Anniversary, Davis Trust Company donated $12,500 to Interact Children's Museum in support of the museum's Founding 150 Campaign.

According to a release announcing the $12,000 donation, the amount reflects Davis Trust Company's 125-year legacy of "service and commitment to the community." Through the gift, the bank says it's honoring its past while investing in the future of local children and families.

"Celebrating 125 years is about more than looking back -- it's about continuing to invest in the people and places that make our community strong," President of Davis Trust Company Hoy Ferguson said in the release. "Supporting Interact Children's Museum aligns perfectly with our mission to serve future generations and help Elkins thrive."

Davis Trust Company has been a partner of Interact Children's Museum since the organization's earliest days, according to the release. The bank has supported the museum by hosting a Lunch & Learn presentation, providing volunteers for community events, contributing through Giving Tuesday and now through its Founding 150 donation.

The Interact Children's Museum's Founding 150 Campaign invites families and businesses to provide lead gifts to help develop the museum's first brick and mortar location at the Dann Building on the corner of Davis Avenue and Third Street.

The campaign seeks donation gifts of $1,000 to $10,000 to provide a foundation for the new location. According to the museum, donors will be recognized on a permanent display inside the museum.

"This gift from Davis Trust Company represents a meaningful investment in the future of our community," ICM Board President Lisa Martin said in the release. "Their long-standing partnership and commitment to our mission will have a lasting impact on children and families across the region."

The museum has also received a $5,000 donation from Tammie Thompson, a $5,000 donation from Reckart Logistics, Inc. and a $195,000 donation from the Gerald and Judith Davis Foundation.

New equipment, furniture and floor cushioning, as well as play areas, will be installed in the building. In addition, space will be set aside for hosting birthday parties and other fun events. The campaign also will fund initial operating expenses to ensure long-term success.

The Dann Building is currently undergoing upgrades by Seneca Mall, LLC to provide new electrical, HVAC, accessible restrooms and other improvements for a bright and welcoming space for the community. Amber Kwasniewski of the Mills Group is providing design.

For additional information about the museum or on how to donate, visit interactchildrensmuseum.org or email Martin at interactmuseum@gmail.com.