Mazza Museum Hosts First Funday Sunday of Academic Year
The Mazza Museum hosted its first Funday Sunday of this academic year on Sunday, Oct. 6, with special guests from Fifth Third Bank and The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.
The theme for the first event was Everyday Heroes, and 426 people attended the philanthropy-focused, zoo-themed afternoon.
Upon entering the museum, visitors were welcomed to the “zoo,” and we were asked to feed the (stuffed) animals a donated canned good for Chopin Hall.
Representatives from Fifth Third Bank presented Ben Sapp, museum director, with a check for $10,000 to fund the 2013-2014 Funday Sunday season. Funday Sunday events are held the first Sunday of each month through April.
The Community Foundation purchased one signed copy of “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” written by Philip Stead and illustrated by Erin Stead, for each family who visited that day, with the goal of encouraging philanthropy at an early age. In the story, when zookeeper Amos McGee becomes ill, and his animals decide to return the favor and take care of him.
The foundation also encouraged families to write down one nice thing they pledge to do for someone else. Their photos were taken and displayed on a screen during the event.
Other activities included making origami animals; writing letters to soldiers; planting seeds in cups for area nursing home residents; and learning how to budget to include both saving and giving. The Humane Society was in attendance with dogs and cats, teaching kids how to be kind to animals.
The highlight of the afternoon, however, was a puppet show that told the Amos McGee story. Vicki McClurkin, adjunct professor of theatre, Ginny Laiho, Mazza Museum docent, and Kerry Teeple, administrative assistant and accounting officer of the museum, worked to develop the puppet show during the past year.
For more information on the museum and its activities, visit mazzamuseum.org or call 419-434-5521.