Kansas City, Mo. (July 28, 2010)
Civic leader Ollie Gates and The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum officially issues its challenge to the Kansas City community to bring a historic landmark back to life, and back into the hearts of Kansas Citians.
The Paseo YMCA, built in 1914, provided shelter to countless individuals making a transition to city life in the Midwest in the early 1900s. African America baseball players called the YMCA home while they played the Midwest circuit and it was from this same building that the Negro National League was formed in 1920. Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige and Buck ONeil all belonged to the Negro National League. Today the building where the League was formed is on the National Register of Historic Places but is in critical need of restoration.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has acquired the building and has undertaken its restoration, to transform it into the Buck ONeil Research and Education Center. The Center will house additional Negro League records and artifacts as well as provide meeting, programming and event space for community groups and organizations interested in the rich history of the Negro Leagues.
Bringing this project to life provides a permanent testament to Bucks tremendous contributions and a reminder to the city of its rich legacy. Gates said.
Bill Dunn Sr., Chairman Emeritus of JE Dunn Construction, presented Ollie Gates, with a $50,000. challenge grant.
The Negro League and its history is a big part of Kansas City, its a big part of who we are, said Bill Dunn Sr. The challenge grant is conditional, though, on Greg and Ollie raising the first $50,000 by December 31, 2010. Knowing Ollie Gates like I do and knowing Kansas Citians like I do, Im pretty sure Ill be signing the real check in very short order.
KCP&L responded immediately to the challenge grant, presenting Greg and Ollie with a check for $25,000. KCP&L is very excited to step up to the plate today and secure 50% of the JE Dunn challenge grant, said Mike Chesser, Chairman & CEO. We understand the importance of preserving this cultural Kansas City legacy at 18th & Vine and providing a wide array of educational opportunities for children from across our region.
To be sure, theres much work to be done and sites are set on having the building closed in by October before winter commences another season of potential damage.
Almost $150,000 has already been spent on the exterior and interior of the building, mostly on cleanup and securing the building but a lot needs to be done.
About The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM):
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is a privately funded, 501 c (3) charitable organization founded in 1990 by the late Horace Peterson who was executive director of Kansas Citys Black Archives. Today, the museum has grown to become one of Kansas Citys top attractions and has earned its position as one of the most important cultural facilities in the world.
About JE Dunn Construction:
JE Dunn Construction has been building the Kansas City skyline since its founding in 1924. Today JE Dunns eighteen offices span from coast-to-coast, but its home is still in the heartland. Giving back to the communities in which it lives and works is a founding tenant of the company and it is with pride that it is able to support such worthy causes as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
About KCP&L:
Operating from headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, KCP&L has evolved into a full-service energy provider and resource serving more than 820,000 customers in 47 northwestern Missouri and eastern Kansas counties. Investing in the communities in which it serves and operates has been a part of KCP&Ls operating philosophy since its inception in 1882. KCP&L is honored to provide this key support to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and help preserve this piece of Kansas City history for future generations.
FOR INFORMATION, CALL KAREN BOYD, Vice President of Marketing, NLBM, 816-221-1920
