Regnier foundation donates $300,000 to new county museum

Johnson County museum officials reported good news in their efforts to raise money for building the new main exhibit at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, formerly the King Louie bowling lanes.

The museum received a $300,000 donation from the Regnier Family Foundation, which will be the lead sponsor in the “Becoming Johnson County” exhibit planned to open next May.

Museum fundraisers had been rushing to get together the $2 million needed to build the exhibit space at the new center at 8788 Metcalf Ave. In July, the Johnson County Commission agreed to advance the museum $500,000 on the eventual sale of its current building at 6305 Lackman Road in Shawnee. That building is now closed.

With the inclusion of the Regnier gift, the museum’s fundraising arm has raised 70 percent of its goal, county officials said. Museum Director Mindi Love said the gift matched a $250,000 pledge from the Johnson County Park and Recreation Foundation.

By Roxie Hammill/Special to The Star

This story was originally published November 23, 2016 at 9:42 AM with the headline "Regnier foundation donates $300,000 to new county museum."