Esther Moolick of Snowflake has donated a quarter of a million dollars to support the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, according to an announcement by the board of directors at the 29th annual National Mining Hall of Fame Induction Banquet held Sept. 24 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. She is the widow of Richard Moolick, longtime board chairman and 2009 Hall of Fame inductee. The gift kicks off a campaign to raise $6 million for a Permanent Sustaining Fund. Chairman of the Board Frank McAllister made the announcement to an audience of 450 assembled to celebrate the induction of four new members into the Hall of Fame. He also announced that the formation of a Permanent Sustaining Fund Committee composed of former mining executives is underway. The committee’s charge will be to build upon the Moolick gift through nationwide fundraising to create a permanent fund, the proceeds from which will be used to support the mission of the NMHF&M and contribute towards strengthening the organization’s sustainability. NMHF&M Executive Director Stephen Whittington commented, “Mrs. Moolick’s donation demonstrates her continuing faith in the mission of our organization, and honors the important legacy Richard Moolick left through his years of board leadership and personal financial support.” The mission of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is to tell the story about mining, its people, and its importance to the American public. It is located in Leadville, Colo., a historic mining center.
