Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium - Pledge Results to date

FOBIA Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium

Aquarium Pledge Results as of 03/03/05

It costs 500,000.00 to run the Belle Isle Aquarium a year.
500,000.00 / 365 days= $1,370.00 for one day. Do the math...
*This does not include the checks we have collected for the Zoological Society, or the money collected from the over 100% increase in attendance at the Aquarium.

pledge amount	Comments (if any)
$50.00	great place
100	This Aquarium must be saved!!!!
$25.00
75
$100.00	I am collecting funds from any one I can shake down, and having them write checks to the "Detroit Zoological Society - Aquarium", and I'm wondering if that's wrong. Please let me know how I should have shake down checks written.
100	phase 3 darla's going down
$50.00	Go get 'em!!! We want the aquarium to stay.
50	Please let me know where to send a check for $50.00. Hopefully, you will respond by tomorrow!
	Am hoping to donate $50.00. Hopefully the other form was not sent. Please e-mail me where to send and who to make the check out to.
20
$20.00
$20.00	It would be a shame to loose such a historic, beautiful part of the nation. I want to be able to bring my children to the aquarium for them to enjoy it.
$40.00	I will be more than happy to be a get other donations from my job once the non-profit group is set up. You all are doing an extraordinary job in working to save a piece of history, I salute you!
$25.00	Call me and tell me where to send it. I'll send more on my next payday.
$50
$100.00	Glad to donate as I the Aquarium is a treasure!. If the Mayor would get rid of just three of his special $140,000+ a year cronies we could keep it open.
100
50	Once there is a non-profit that donations can be sent to, let me know, I'd love to send a personal letter to all my freinds in my address book asking for additional donations, just would need to know who to ask them to make the checks out to.
$35	If donations to the Belle Isle Aquarium could be eligiable for a state income tax credit (it is the only aquarium) it would be easy for people to double their pledges, since they could half their money back.

$100
100	Why can't we have a membership to the belle Isle aquarium friends? Or since it is connected with the zoo why can't those who are friends of the zoo be offered a chance to give an extra 5, 10 or more dollars to keep the aquarium open. I know my pledge is not much but I am tired things being dismantled without government officials attempting to put brakes on unneccessary spending. Why can't this building be made into a historic site to prevent them from tearing it down? Think about it - a historic site!!! Why not, look at the tile it has. Contact me if you like
$50.00	Good luck!
$50.00	I'd like to either pay via a credit card, or drop off a check. I live in Indian village, so maybe one of my neighbors involved in FOBIA can accept a check?
$50.00
100.00	I'd pledge a LOT more if I had the money but this is all I can afford right now.
$25.00	All tropical fish hobbist should make a donation. We have all enjoyed the benefits the aquarium has to offer.
$100.00
$125	I will donate $125 quarterly. For a total of $500 a year. Thanks
$50.00	I didn't really realize all of this was going on, I knew Belle Isle was having problems but didn't even really know the aquarium was still going. Belle Isle had to have been so beautiful and without knowing too much except for being on the island a few times, I want to see it come back. I was born in Detroit in 1982 and would be sickened if this aquarium closed! Please accept my contribution, this is all I can afford right now as a college student but I plan to participate as much as possible.
$100.00	I lived in Michigan most of my life now I live in California. The aquarium was one of the places I just loved to visit. Last Spring when I was home for a visit I took my 6 year old son. He just loved it! I am hoping the aquarium can be saved! It is a part of Detroit's history.
$30.00
$25.00
	Will you have a PayPal account set up for those that want to donate by charge card?

25
$50	I wish you much success in saving the aquarium. Thank you for your dedication.
$100.00	You may want to consider requesting that the aquarium be moved to Recreation (transfer the actual City Positions and appropriations) - it would be a lot easier for FOBIA and BIBS both to be under the same departmental umbrella in terms of fundraising - unless the Zoological Society gives a clear indication of support for the facility.
$50.00	Kudos are due to FOBIA for getting this far. I didn't think it could be done, but you did it! I hope you go all the way!
	I am unable to attend the FOBIA meetings due to my work schedule. I do have several ideas to help raise funds for the aquarium. Some of the ideas may already be sub-mitted, some of my ideas may be seen as crack-pot. But, please review the ideas and advise. Can always use the ideas to expand or get the ball rolling.

$20	Even though I have not visited for years, I've always known I COULD. I'm distressed that this lovely destination is in danger. Let me know what I can do to help raise $$$.
$60
0	Please send me information on the amount of sponsorship the Belle Isle Aquarium is looking to recieve. I am attempting to generate interest in the company I work for to make ya'll our charitable cause for at least the year. No promises (I'm not high up on the food chain if you know what I mean!) but I'm doing what I can! If nothing else, thanks for a great place to grow up and here's to many, MANY more great years of community education and involvement!
$100.00
20	I think it is ridiculous to close the 101 year old aquarium to save money. I would rather drive on streets with potholes than lose the aquarium. Streets can be fixed and replaced. Once the aquarium is gone, it will never be able to be replaced. Hasn't Detroit lost enough of it's history, it's attractions, it's culture?
100	We will be taking a collection at Charley's Grilled Subs in Macomb Mall in Roseville. We need to make donation stations around the area. I will be attending the meeting tomorrow. I will be making flyers.
$20.00
10
100
100	IBM employee possible match
$25	Have you hit up Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Pro Bass, etc.?
$100	Just wondered how close you were to the goal.
$30
25
$50.00	We took our grandsons to the aquarium last week, but it is closed on Tuesday's. My 3 year old grandson cried, as he wanted to visit the fishies. We will try again within the next week. Please, do not let this slip away!
$150.00
500
50
100	I was going to make this pledge to the Detroit Zoo this year because I was pleased with the stance they took with the elephants. Thanks heavens I procrastinated because I would much rather the money go to this effort and I will not support the zoo again unless they change their attitude towards the aquarium. I have not been this appalled at anything the city has done and believe me I have been plenty shocked by the city's way of dealing with things. Best of luck and hopefully there will be volunteer activities I can support to continue the presence of the aquarium.
50
$25
$50.00	Why can't the aquarium stay open for those two months?? I don't understand this. I can be contacted at my home phone number after 3:30.
40	hope you spread the word far and wide for this great cause.
40
$20
10	HAS THE AQUARIUM BEEN LISTED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTRY OF HISTORIC SITES? IF NOT, ASSIGN SOMEONE THAT TASK.
10
$25.00	I hope you make it.
$100.00	I'm living in California right now, and I don't have any money, but I will do anything I can to help. I got engaged at the aquarium in 2001, and it was one of the last places my mother and I went before she passed away. I have too many special moments invested in this to just stand by and watch a Mayor who will not be in office by this time next year shut down a national icon.
$25.00
100	for the belle isle aquarium only
$25.00
$300 perhaps more
$25.00	I've always loved belle isle and am sorry more people in this city won't stand up for it. thanks and keep up the good work!
100
30
$150.00	It would be a disaster to close the aquarium. Belle Isle and all its amenities need to be coordinated, marketed, and publicized in a big way. It needs outreach programs to the schools and other city cultural areas.

$25.00
$200.00	Let's keep it open!
$50.00	Keep up the good fight!!
$20.00	I'd love to attend some fund raising event if I'm in town then. I'd LOVE to go on a behind the scene tour of the Aquarium. Why can't it be saves as a Historical site or an Environmental Protected site to breed endangered species? I'm sure we should be able to get someone or many people to chair some fundraisers either as a volunteer or a slightly paid (a tiny % of the profit) (max set salary) with majority of money to save the Aquarium.
$500	This money will be IF the aquarium will stay open for at least two more months--if the mayor closes it March 3, then I would not want to ledge the funds.

100	I personally don't hold out much hope. Ron Kagen usually gets what he wants, and he clearly wants this establishment closed. I hope they don't start shipping out all the fishies before this can be resolved...otherwise, there really will be no hope.
$100	Hello, I pledge $100 to help keep this jewel open. My son is six really likes the alligator gar.
$50.00
$150.00	I am unable to attend the FOBIA meetings due to my work schedule. I do have several ideas to help raise funds for the aquarium. Some of the ideas may already be sub-mitted. But, please review the ideas and advise. Can always use the ideas to expand or get the ball rolling.
100.00	In my opinion the mayor has pobably promised Belle Isle or part of it to one of the casinos. Just another way to line his pockets so akin to the Young policies. WE ARE THE PEOPLE, HE'S NOT THE PERSON. In Europe they have buildings and institutions that have lasted generations. Why are we not privaliged to the same?
25.00	Everything I think of could be considered slander against the Mayor.

$100.00	Don't let us yet lose another important part of Detroit's history. We don't need a mega aquarium. Our little one with the big fish is good enough. Let's keep it.
	tski75@aol.com
25.00
40.00
50.00	I would love to see the aquarium kept open. It's time to start charging a nominal fee for autos going onto the island. Many other cities do this. This could alleviate some of the problem.
150.00	id like to help
$100
13.49	I would give more if I could. Lots of good memories at the aquarium ever since I was a kid. My favorite part was always watching the electric eel during feeding time! ZAP!
200.00	I heard about your efforts on WWJ. I hope every station will consider this cause as a news item or public service announcement.
$35.00
5.00	Save the aquarium
100.00	Don't give up! I'm confident that through your efforts and community support the aquarium will not be closed.
50.00
$50.00
1000
$50.00	I have loved the BIA since I was a little girl, and now take my children annually. Please save it!
100.00
50.00	the City of Detroit cannot afford to lose such a wonderful, low-cost, jewel of entertainment and education. the city's culture for adults and children must not be reduced to casinos, video games, television, and trips to suburban malls. my two year old grandson loves going to see "the fish" and always winds up gazing intently at one or another of the "big ones" (often the snapping turtle) for 10, 15, or 20 minutes. I'm sure this is doing a lot more for his powers of concentration, focus, curiosity, and patience than staring at a television. I'm sure that with proper promotion, the attendance at the BIA could be substantially increased. Further, if we can get past the survival crisis, I also believe that, with today's flat screen and computer technology, the educational and entertainment value of the aquarium could be greatly enhanced with a few screens (perhaps beside the tanks and/or in the "median") that could offer fascinating facts about the fish and pics/movies of them in nature, their habitats, and the people who live near them. Of course, for now the issue is survival of the institution. so here's a $100 pledge despite my recent precitous loss of income.
500	We may get more contribution PLEDGES by the deadline if you would indicate what would be done with the moneys gathered if we fall short. GO AFTER CORPORATE DONORS
150.00
50.00	Anonymous just inspired me to pledge $50.00 more that I really can't afford..... It's a good cause.
1000.00
500.00
100.00	aquarium only

500	aquarium only
100
50
$50.00	the overwhelming support the Aquarium is receiving in support and pledges proves that it should stay open.
100	It is annual family ritual to visit the aquarium usually midwinter. I cold climate like Detroit we need indoor attractions for the winter time. The combination of the Aquarium and Conservatory along with the Dossin Great Lakes Tradition has long made for a great way to spend a Winter Weekend. Let come together and keep the aquarium open.
50	I will honor my pledge if and when I see that the City of Detroit makes a real commitment to keep the aquarium open for at least the next six months in order to give its supporters time to establish some sort of organizing fund raising effort
$50.00	there will be nothing left but empty buildings in downtown Detroit if we don't start saving our history. Save the Aquarium
$50.00	Why has there been no advertising of the BIA? The Zoo has pretty good ad campaigns, I would think if some $ was spent on advertising more folks would head down there.
$100	Shame on the mayor. Shame on the governor. Shame on whoever would dump a national treasure such as the aquarium.
$50.00
$100	I will only be at my daytime phone and email until 4:00 Tuesday. Call me at evening number M or T night or Wed. day.
$20	I want to go to the aquarium this weekend and donate the money in person.
$50.00	The Belle Isle Aquarium needs to be saved!!!
1000
50	I am so grateful to FOBIA for trying everything to keep the Aquarium open. I'd written to the zoo a few weeks ago and got a cut and pasted copy of their press release in return...why are they so set on closing it, and why didn't the city approve a two month reprieve to raise the money?!
$100	I'm pleased to see that someone is trying to preserve this unique and important part of Detroit's cultural heritage!
$100	We'll just cancel our DZS membership!
25	I LOVE the Belle Isle Aquarium. My kids LOVE the Belle Isle Aquarium. My parents and in-laws LOVE the Belle Isle Aquarium. My father in law was VERY impresses with their exhibits and most of all of their labeling of the exhibits. He is a "fish and rocks" guy, he taught Marine fisheries at the US Coast Guard Academy for decades, and has seen his share of aquariums. My mother (a high school biology teacher for many decades) dragged me to every aquarium on the East coast of the US from Maine to Maryland at some point in my life. My kids and I can spend just as long in some of the larger aquariums as we do in the Belle Isle one because Belle Isle is so nicely done and you can learn just as much without all the fancy fanfare (and gift shops) of the larger money making aquariums.
50
	As a college student at the University of Detroit Mercy, many students have expressed their sadness at the closing of the aquarium. So many of us went to the aquarium as kids and it would be missed no matter how much the mayor says it would not be. As a history major, I find the aquarium very historic and should be saved because it was the firs aquarium in the United States and Detroit should be proud of that. They should want to hold on to that. Detroit has so little, lets hold on to what we do have.
$100.00
$100.00

$100	Detroit gets in its own way more than any city I ever saw. How great it would be if that trend would stop! Sad that the mayor is more concerned with spending $$ on himself than preserving any of the city's heritage. BIA is a jewel the doesn't need to be lost.
$100.00	I visited the aquarium last Sunday, 2/27/05. What a beautiful place. The
	fish were great to look at. There were about 100 people in line waiting to walk through the aquarium. It was worth the 15 minute wait to get inside. One of the fish, ""Gramps"", has been at the aquarium since 1982. Let's all try to save Gramps' home. Thanks. I hope that we're able to save the aquarium.
100	I find it quite "fishy" that the mayor and the Zoo director can't include the aquarium in the Zoo budget.
25	I will help with ongoing fundraising and volunteerism. KWAME MUST GO!!!
25	Would hate to lose the aquarium!
$100
25	I love Detroit!
$25	Detroit deserves better than this- keep our aquarium open!
600	Pledged as $150.00 per quarter for a total of $600.00 per year. Thanks
100
$250	This will be a first donation to FOBIA; more will be available.

	The Zoo called Sunday Evening for a donation and I informed them that I would not be providing any further donations if they didn't keep the Aquarium open and that I would be glad to make a much larger donation to the Zoo if they would insure that it was for the Aquarium. It may not help (since it was just a volunteer) but I did ask her to pass the comment on - and have written a note to the Development Department with the same information.
100	Thanks for the wonderful childhood memories!!! Hopefully our donation will enable, yet another generation's memories!!!
35
250	I find it hard to believe that with the Superbowl coming to town next year Detroit would even think about closing a family friendly exhibit and such a historic one at that. What about a few big donors being tapped, ie Lions, Tigers, Pistons etc.?? I am a DZS contributor but am disappointed to hear of the lack of support given by them.
$65	I pledged before, but that's an addition to my previous pledge.

	I hope you can pursue & dig out the real information about the DNR's offer to run the aquarium."
$100	The Board of the Riverfront East Alliance (REAL) pledges $100 and our assistance in your efforts in any way possible.
$30
	Would you, please, e-mail me an address to use for I don't use the internet for any financial transactions. The aquarium is a gem and should be kept open if possible.
$150.00	Save our Aquarium!!! My pledge is only to go towards saving it and not to any other area...
$25.00	One of the longer term things you should consider is membership like the DIA -- various levels of membership from "Fish" = $25 to Patron and Spnser = $$$$+Also: payroll deduction from willing City of Detroit employees (I'm one -- and no: I have NOT received any promotion information about the aquarium). If you succeed in setting up any long term membership or donations, I would be interested. I could probably do $25 every 2 weeks either as payroll deduction or automatic payment through my credit union. Also: make sure someone who knows something about PR gets seriously involved"

$1,000.00	I asked myself, "Which can I afford least, my 5 year old son's broken heart or the money?" Also, my message to corporate Detroit which has not stepped up to the plate is to forget the politics and act--now!! A Big-3 auto company just pulled their sponsorship of the Jazz Festival--how about earmarking those funds for the aquarium now?
$100.00	Good work!
$500.00	WE all have to contribute to keep this city of Detroit legacy opened
50

50
$50	FOBIA has no fear! Fight the good fight!!
50	My sincere thanks to the FOBIA for your unselfish efforts to save part of the soul of Detroit.
100 dollars	I took my wife and kids there and thoroughly enjoyed it...I mentioned it on the radio show I do with Wojo...Everyone should check it out....Michael ""Stoney"" Stone WDFN radio - Mike Stone



15
$25.00	To Help keep this historical building in operation for generations to come.

$100
40
40	WE NEED PLACES LIKE THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM ...it is a nice place just to relax and enjoy. the history there is amazing... it is a remarkable beautiful building and the fish there are fascinating. We need the aquarium and the conservatory and belle isle itself for a nice close place to get away from the city for awhile
$50.00	The City has too few attractions left and it would be criminal to let this building stand vacant and become vandalized.

$100
$25.00	I would also be willing to donate on a yearly basis, to keep this aquarium open. I would buy a membership to the aquarium even, as I have to the Detroit Zoo, the Science center, and the Charles H Wright Museum.
40

50
$100
200,00	We must save the past so we have a future, and the Belle Isle Aquarium is a great place to share with the generations to come. The history of the past is taught to us in school, but in the Aquarium you can see and feel it. Saying building a new place will be better is just a cop out. The cost will increase and people will not feel the connection to the past.
10	Hope this helps!
$25	I am a college student and can't afford too many extras right now but Detroit can't afford the aquarium to close ever. I am giving a speech in my college course Monday. I'm supposed to persuade my classmates to do something. I think I am going to try to get their support for the aquarium also.
$50.00	The Albert Kahn Building should be on the National Register of Historic Places (along with the Conservatory), or at the very least, be given a Michigan Historic Site plaque.
25	Please keep this Detroit Landmark open! I have enjoyed it throughout my whole life and still go many times a year
50


$20.00	I wish you the best of luck in saving the aquarium. It would be so sad to see such a lovely place and wonderful place of family tradition in the greater Detroit area shut down. With all of the Auto industries, etc in our area, it would be nice to see someone like them, who can afford it, pitch in and save the aquarium.
Total so far 16728.49

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