Submitted Photo Members of the Tollefson family in Minot have donated $300,000 to help sponsor the “Outside My Window” exhibit at MCDC’s planned stand-alone, 21,000 square foot museum they are currently working to raise funds to build on North Hill on Minot Park District land.

The Magic City Discovery Center Board of Directors announced that Roger and Michelle Tollefson, Mark Tollefson and Peggy Visina have agreed to donate $150,000 per couple to the Magic City Discovery Center. The $300,000 will sponsor the “Outside My Window” exhibit zone as part of the stand-alone, 21,000 square foot museum on Minot Park District land on North Hill.

This exhibit will allow visitors to explore immersive environments that are inspired by the great outdoors of North Dakota and will represent activities that are available year-round as the seasons change. Filled with engaging activities, “Outside My Window” will provide young children with experiences that will nurture emerging skills and build foundations to create life-long learners.

The Tollefson family believes the Magic City Discovery Center will give our children and grandchildren the opportunity to learn more about science, technology, engineering, arts and math in a safe and exciting environment. They believe the center will be a wonderful place for children of this region to go during the winter months when choices are limited for youth activities. The Tollefson family is excited to be a part of this wonderful new project which will become a major part of our city, like the zoo and Scandinavian Heritage Center.

“The Tollefson family has been an integral part of the Minot community for many years, generously supporting a variety of community projects,” said Mark Lyman, President of the MCDC Board of Directors. “It’s exciting to see that several members of the Tollefson family have decided to generously contribute their time and money to the success of the Magic City Discovery Center. Many thanks to Roger and Michelle, Mark and Peggy, and the entire Tollefson extended family for their continued community support.”

The Magic City Discovery Center capital campaign is currently underway to raise at least $7 million to construct a 21,000-square-foot building and design and build 4-5 exhibit galleries of varying sizes.

For information about the Magic City Discovery Center, call interim executive director Wendy Keller at 858-7529. For the latest on the campaign, exhibit designs and building designs go to magiccitydiscoverycenter.com.