"Save Space Camp" Interview

Cases are from the last 2 weeks.

This morning -- we're learning new information about the u-s space and rocket center's "save space camp" campaign.

Right now -- it's raised nearly 300-thousand dollars.

That's in less than 24-hours!

Due to the pandemic -- the center must raise at least 1.5-million dollars to keep the museum open past october and be able to re-open space camp in april of next year.

Here's a look at the pandemic's impact on the center.

The center said it lost two- thirds of revenue.

In may -- it laid off a third of its full-time employees.

We also know it wasn't able to employ an additional 700 part-time employees -- who typically work there.

The center told us the museum and space camp are crucial to the growth we are seeing in the area.

"the community, when the city, when the chamber brings intentional companies to huntsville for possible investment and infrastructure, this, what i have been calling the statue of liberty for huntsville, is ground zero it seems to always culminate and center right here at the us space and rocket center the center said it usually generates about 120-million dollars in annual revenue for the state.

If you want to donate -- we have a link on our website waay-tv-dot-com.

Joining us now live via zoom, pat ammons with the u-s space and rocket center, pat good morning.

You have to feel good about the response so far with the donations you are seeing to save the museeum and space camp.

We want to remain optimistic, but what happens if you do not reach the goal of 1.5 million dollars by next april?

Here we are talking about "huntsville's statue of liberty" as it was called.

Last time you were on our show two months ago, we talked about funding sources knowing this day of a potential shutdown could come.

You said the museum could not receive money from the cares act.

Why can't there be a mechanism in the alabama department of tourism or other funding source to properly fund this state and national treasure?

Have any lawmakers stepped up with a potential funding solution to avoid this from happening again?

Idea to go to facebook live and hold a telethon inviting astronauts and space camp alum to zoom video conference and people donate.

Parting thoughs - what's at stake here.

Why should people donate to keep space camp and the space and rocket center alive?

We should mention, we have a link on our website if you would like to donate.

Pat ammons with the us space and rocket center.

Good luck with "save space camp" effort.

Thank for joining us.

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