Transformational gift makes music mogul and entertainment icon the largest individual donor to museum expansion campaign
DETROIT, September 4, 2019 – Motown Museum announced today a $4 million gift from Motown founder Berry Gordy to benefit the Motown Museum expansion, marking the single largest individual donation to the project. This gift further augments Mr. Gordy’s other contributions over the years. Motown Museum Chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry made the announcement.
“There would be no Motown legacy, Motown Sound or Motown Museum without Berry Gordy. He has given the world a soundtrack to live by; Detroit a legacy of pride; and our youth an example of entrepreneurial and creative excellence,” said Terry. “Now with this transformative and generous gift to the expansion campaign, Berry Gordy advances our vision of making the expanded museum a world class entertainment and educational destination that will ensure the inspiration of Motown lives on for generations to come.”
Mr. Gordy’s roots to the City of Detroit run deep. Born in 1929, Berry Gordy, Jr. was the seventh of Berry Gordy, Sr. and Bertha Fuller Gordy’s eight children. With an $800 loan from the Gordy Family’s Ber-Berry Co-op, Mr. Gordy set out in 1959 to apply the principles he learned in the auto plant to the production of records and the creation of music groups and solo artists. With his vision, Mr. Gordy built the empire on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, known as Motown Records.
“I’m excited about the future of Motown Museum and happy to support it,” said Motown Founder, Berry Gordy. “Not only will the expanded museum entertain and tell the stories of talented and creative people who succeeded against all odds, but it will also inspire and create opportunity for people to explore their dreams the way I did mine. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that.”
Mr. Gordy’s latest contribution is in addition to donations from institutions and organizations across the country including Ford Motor Company and UAW-Ford, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, AARP, DTE Energy Foundation, Dr. William Pickard, The Elaine & Leo Stern Foundation, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation,LEAR Corporation, William Davidson Foundation, Hudson-Webber Foundation and many others.
Announced in late 2016, the Motown Museum expansion will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education destination featuring dynamic, interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, an expanded retail experience and meeting spaces designed by renown architects and exhibit designers. When completed, the new museum campus will have a transformative impact on the surrounding Detroit neighborhoods, providing employment, sustainability and community pride by serving as an important catalyst for new investment and tourism in the historic area.
For more information on Motown Museum, visit http://www.motownmuseum.org.
About Motown Museum
Founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Museum is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit. The museum is committed to preserving, protecting and presenting the Motown story through authentic, inspirational and educational experiences. Announced in late 2016, the Motown Museum expansion will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination featuring dynamic, interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, an expanded retail experience and meeting spaces designed by renown architects and exhibit designers. When completed, the new museum campus will have a transformative impact on the surrounding Detroit neighborhoods, providing employment, sustainability and community pride by serving as an important catalyst for new investment and tourism in the historic area. For more information on Motown Museum, visit http://www.motownmuseum.org.
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