Henderson Space and Science board prepares to present capital campaign to City Council

The Henderson Space and Science Center board has taken steps to develop a capital campaign and fundraising plan to present to the Henderson City Council on Sept. 20 .

About 90 days ago, Jack Clark, the center's interim executive director, presented updates to the council, including the numbers from the latest exhibit and future plans.

Councilwomen Debra March and Kathleen Vermillion (formerly Boutin), urged the board to invest time into a capital campaign plan and gave them three months to come back with a plan.

"They clearly have a lot of money to raise to both build and sustain the center," March said.

Clark said the center is expected to receive about $17 million from the city of Henderson's land fund to go toward building the facility.

"It's kind of a moving target," Clark said. "But it is $17 million, give or take. The city has been extremely generous with us."

The board must raise about $30 million in addition to the money from the city to build the center, which is being planned as part of the Union Village development near Galleria Drive and U.S. Highway 95.

March said a capital campaign would look at the board's ability to do so.

At the Aug. 23 space and science center's board meeting, John Gallagher, principal of Gallagher Associates , was approved by the board to work on a fundraising plan for the center.

"It is not a study," Gallagher said. "It is a proposed fundraising plan that will take you through the next five years."

Gallagher is receiving $7,500 from the board to work on the proposal.

He was slated to talk individually with board members to incorporate their thoughts on what the plan should look like .

Clark added that the plan would cover about five years, but it could change if the board receives larger donations.

Clark said Gallagher's reputation speaks for itself, as he has been involved with fundraising for the Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas .

"We got a little bit behind trying to get things done," Clark said. "But I see this as a positive step."

Clark said the center will benefit all of Southern Nevada, "so we are going to ask that (Southern Nevada) helps establish this program."

Since Gallagher has started, Clark said, the center's representatives have talked with the City Council to get further input before the Sept. 20 presentation .

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.