Bowling Green, KY – The National Corvette Museum has received a $1.3 million donation, the largest donation received in the Museum’s history. NCM members and ambassadors, Ivan and Mary Schrodt have donated $1.3 million to the Museum as part of a deferred gift arrangement that consists of a family trust, a life insurance policy, and six Corvettes. The Schrodt’s officially announced their donation as part of a special presentation at the Museum on Saturday, November 11.
“The Museum is so important to us and we truly felt that it was the right place to make the financial commitment,” stated Ivan Schrodt. “We have made so many new friends through the Corvette hobby and love the history it represents. The relationship we have with the Museum has enabled us to do and enjoy so much, and I would encourage anyone with a passion for Corvettes to consider the Museum if they are planning a charitable gift.” Mary shared with us that being a part of the Museum and Valley Vettes in Appleton, Wisconsin has brought a lot of joy and fun into their lives. “It is so great to be involved with the Museum and we have made so many friends through the Corvette.” The Schrodts have been valuable volunteers over the years and will be representing the Museum as the Wisconsin ambassadors for the 2009 National Corvette Caravan celebrating the Museum’s 15th Anniversary.
The Museum is planning a 50,000 square-foot expansion that will include a library and archives, Corvette café, 400-seat conference center for educational exhibits and classroom use, and additional display space. To date, over $2.4 million has been raised through various fundraisers, gifts and pledges towards the building campaign. “This is a substantial donation to the Museum and the largest in our history,” stated NCM Executive Director, Wendell Strode. “We are so thankful for Ivan and Mary’s generosity and appreciate the trust that they have placed in the Museum. It is obvious that their support as volunteers and Ambassadors for the Museum is a labor of love, and this donation is proof of what the Museum truly means to them. This will be remembered for many years to come as one of the biggest moments in the Museum’s history.”
There are many ways that a supporter can help the Museum’s future, and planned giving opportunities are in place. Contributing a gift of appreciated assets to the National Corvette Museum will provide substantial tax savings for the donor while at the same time enabling an individual to give to an organization that is dear to his or her own heart. Our website at http://www.corvettemuseum.com features detailed images and a downloadable video of the expansion and information on planned giving opportunities that are beneficial in long-term financial planning. For more information on planned giving and estate planning gifts, contact NCM Development Manager, Frank Ragukonis at: [email protected] or (800) 53-VETTE ext: 148.
The Museum is a 501(c) (3) non-profit foundation supported by over 25,000 members and is dedicated to preserving the past, present and future of Corvette. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, the Museum is located at Exit 28 on I-65 in Bowling Green Ky. www.corvettemuseum.com – (800) 53-VETTE.