COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND ABOVE & BEYOND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM TO REOPEN AFTER FACILITY CLOSURE CAUSED BY EXTREME ICE AND WATER DAMAGE
Local Brewery 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. Hosts Family-friendly Fundraiser For Above & Beyond Children’s Museum on January 29
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (January 17, 2023) – An outpouring of community support for Above and Beyond Children’s Museum (ABCM) expedites reopening timeline following extreme water and ice damage. On December 25, the museum closed indefinitely due to damage from bursting water pipes and the sprinkler system valves that affected all four floors of the museum. Following a recent inspection, the estimated damage is $150,000. Despite insurance covering the cost of repairs, the museum is actively seeking donations for general operations due to lost revenue from admissions. Volunteer support will be needed for moving furniture, exhibits and supplies once the building and spaces are fully-repaired. An anticipated reopening date has yet to be determined. Staff and board of directors are considering a target date in February 2023.
“The community support for our beloved museum at this time instills us with the drive and hope needed to reopen the museum as soon as possible,” said Jackie Erdman, ABCM Executive Director. “The local support has been outstanding from area businesses and volunteers. The winter months are some of the busiest and we look forward to reopening our doors to local and visiting families for indoor fun.”
To help with museum reopening efforts, local business 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. chooses ABCM as their monthly non-profit partner offering to host a family-friendly fundraiser at the taproom. On Sunday, January 29 from 11am-2pm the community is encouraged to attend the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum Taproom Takeover. The festival-style event will feature ABCM-hosted interactive activities, local vendors, a raffle, and volunteer information. The brewery will donate $1 for each pint of 3 Sheeps Pilsner sold during the event. Note: Each month 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. selects one non-profit to support, ABCM is the January 2023 organization to help raise awareness and funds for museum repairs.
“Above & Beyond Children’s Museum is a huge part of our community and we are trying to do our part to get them back up and running,” said Grant Pauly, 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. founder and head brewmaster. “My family has been a member for years and we know firsthand how important the space is to the children and families of our community.”
EVENT DETAILS: Above & Beyond Taproom Takeover!
Sunday, January 29
11am-2pm
3 Sheeps Brewing Co. - 1837 North Ave., Sheboygan
Support Above & Beyond Children’s Museum at 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. Taproom for a family-friendly fundraiser helping to raise funds to reopen the museum following a recent emergency closure due to extreme water and ice damage. The Above & Beyond Children’s Taproom Takeover is a three hour festival-style event featuring interactive stations including a tile decorating activity, sheep-themed storytime, handmade ice cream, children’s games, raffles, free-will offering collection. The brewery will donate one dollar for each pint of 3 Sheeps Pilsner sold during the event and throughout January. ABCM 30th Anniversary T-shirts will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the museum. An ABCM volunteer information and registration table will share various ways to support the museum with current and future needs and opportunities. This event is hosted in partnership with community organizations and volunteers including 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. and Play is Healing partners. No admission fee. For more information visit:
ABCM Taproom Takeover | Facebook
“We wish to extend deep gratitude to the community partners, organizations, businesses, and volunteers who have offered their support and assistance as the team navigates this situation,” said Erdman.
Individuals and groups of volunteers have shown their support assisting the staff and board members in various ways. Recently, a group of students from Sheboygan Christian School business education class assisted staff in cleaning the museum. Additional support has been provided by Biggby Coffee of Sheboygan, Handyman Inc., Harter's Lakeside Disposal LLC., Habitat for Humanity Lakeside, North High School Basketball, Motorhead Auto Detailing, Jos. Schmitt Construction Co., Sheboygan County Historical Society and Museum, SC Media, and Teresa Neer.
Special thanks to the following local businesses for assisting the museum with repairs:
Restoration Services by Badger State Restoration
Heating Contractor by Aldag/Honold Mechanical Inc.
Plumbing Contractor by Neumann Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Fire Sprinkler System Repairs by Complete Fire Solutions
Wall & Building repair by Jos Schmitt and Sons Construction
Aesthetic and Painting Contractor by Lee's Color Studio
Electrical Services by Altmeyer Electric
How to support: Financial support opportunities for ABCM can be made online at www.abkids.org or direct link: https://abkids.org/get-involved/donate/. The Children’s Museum can also accept checks by mail to Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, 902 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081.
Programming Information: Currently most programming is paused until further notice however some programs are being hosted offsite. The BYOB Bring Your Own Baby program - an interactive play experience for children ages two and younger - is relocated to the Sheboygan Mead Public Library. The public and members are encouraged to follow the museum on social media and visit the website www.abkids.org for updates and information.
Background: ABCM sustained extensive damage due to the heating and cooling system failing when temperatures plummeted for days over the holiday weekend. The basement, which houses staff offices, storage space, and event, exhibit and program supplies, received the most property damage followed by the first and third floors. ABCM will remain closed indefinitely for clean up and restoration to the basement and other areas of the museum. Memberships have been paused for current members and will resume once the museum reopens.
About Above & Beyond Children’s MuseumAbove & Beyond Children's Museum of Sheboygan County is a 501(c)3 community funded, visitor supported non-profit organization. The Museum was established in 1993 commemorating the 30th anniversary in 2022 with a remarkable list of historic and recent accomplishments achieved all while focusing on the museum’s steadfast mission to benefit the children and their families. Above & Beyond Children’s Museum and its programs and services are focused on spaces and activities where play and education connect through exploration and discovery. The vision is to provide a positive learning environment through community partnerships with interactive programs and captivating exhibits that exceed children’s wildest dreams and imaginations. The museum is located at 902 N. 8th Street in Downtown Sheboygan.
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Above & Beyond Children’s Museum Social Media, Website and Photos:
WEBSITE: https://www.abkids.org
PHOTOS: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3855l6re7gi231ufw5a83/h?dl=0&rlkey=r9hsftp6w5o5tjf7g1kjru0hp
INSTAGRAM: aboveandbeyondchildrensmuseum
FACEBOOK: ABKIDS
For more information, contact:
Jackie Erdman
Executive Director
jackie@abkids.org
Mobile: 920.901.4309Beth O’Reilly
O’Reilly Public Relations
bethoreillypr@gmail.com
Mobile: 920.889.0818