By Rachel Lippmann, St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis – The St. Louis Science Center has launched an end-of-the-year fund-raising push in order to secure $500,000 from a long-time supporter.
The museum must raise the same amount by December 31st. Science Center president Doug King says the museum has received similar challenge grants in the past, but they have been limited to specific projects.
This grant, he said, is meant for general operating expenses.
"We're free every day, and yet, a friend of mine says, it's not really free, it costs us about $10 for every visitor that comes through the door," King said. "And that is, we have staff here, and the light and heat and the exhibits and that kind of thing on."
The Science Center told its members about the challenge last week, King said, and the response has been amazing.