Foundation: Matching Fund

FOUNDATION NEWS

Gay Betzer Children’s Fund Supports Education

TEACHER, LIBRARIAN, CULTURE LOVER, AND DEDICATED MEMBER OF THE ALBUQUERQUE MUSEUM FAMILY,

GAY BETZER understands the immensely valuable education museums provide.

The Gay Betzer Children’s Fund is a new initiative, dedicated to Gay, that will broadly support the Museum’s education programs over the next decade. The Betzer family has donated $50,000 to the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, pledging an additional $50,000 as match to any other contributions received for the fund.

Gay became active with the Albuquerque Museum as a docent in 1987, as a way to learn about the history of New Mexico after the family relocated to Albuquerque from Oklahoma. The docent training, she wrote in a personal biography, greatly enriched her experience in Albuquerque and with the Museum. Later, Gay served on the Albuquerque Museum Board of Directors for two terms and was one of the first group of docents trained for Casa San Ysidro when the city acquired it. She has served on the Casa Advisory Committee, the Batten House Committee, and has given countless hours to Museum service through volunteering. “One of the nicest honors I received was the Foundation’s Honor of Distinction in 19981999,” she wrote. The family directed the donation to education because her most enjoyable service was activity involving children, including serving as a Casa and Museum tour guide for childrens’ groups. "We are so grateful to the Betzer family for their support of both the Albuquerque Museum and our Foundation over the years,” says Andrew Rodgers, executive director and CEO of the Albuquerque Museum Foundation. “Gay’s impact has been vital to both organizations.”

The pandemic has increased demand for the Museum’s youth education programs exponentially. Teachers increasingly look to the Museum to provide resources and opportunities—both inperson and virtual—to expand the horizons of their students.

This gift from the Betzer family allows the Foundation, through education program funding, to serve more students, and continue to use the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, and programs to reach children. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute for Gay’s passion," Rodgers says.

DONATIONS FOR THE GAY BETZER CHILDREN’S FUND

are 100 percent tax-deductible. There are a variety of convenient payment methods available, including: with a check (payable to the Albuquerque Museum Foundation), through your Donor-Advised Fund, via our website (www.albuquerque museumfoundation.org), or by calling the Foundation 505-677-8500. If you have questions, email info@albuquerque museumfoundation.org.

Gay Betzer