60th Anniversary Classic Peanuts #5: Schroeder statueMedia Release -- The Cartoon Art Museum has received a generous $30,000 matching grant from The Charles M. Schulz Donor Advised Grant in support of the museum's ongoing programs and exhibitions. Contributions to The Sparky Challenge made to CAM between April 15 and September 15, 2011 will be matched dollar for dollar up to the total amount of the grant.

"The Schulz family have been friends of the museum for more than 25 years and we're extremely grateful for the boost to our spring and summer fundraising efforts," said CAM's executive director Summerlea Kashar. "We've dubbed this the 'Sparky Match' as a way to spark people's attention, and because 'Sparky' was Schulz' nickname."

The Cartoon Art Museum has benefited over the years from Sparky's generosity with an Endowment gift in 1987, and continued assistance through matching gifts, donations of original artwork and his insight and advice. Although Schulz passed away in 2002, his legacy lives on through the Charles M. Schulz Research Museum and the charitable works overseen by his widow, Jean, who continues to be one of the Cartoon Art Museum's most dedicated supporters.

Funds raised from the grant challenge help to continue CAM's community outreach including educational programs such as our Talking Points animation classes as well as the general operating budget for the museum, supporting upcoming exhibitions such as Green Lantern, 70 Years of Archie Comics, and Eric Drooker's animated adaptation of Allen Ginsberg's legendary poem Howl.

Contributions to the Sparky Match may be made by mail, online, or by calling (415) CAR-TOON (227-8666), ext. 300 or through our website: www.cartoonart.org . Help us to "spark" a new generation by contributing today!