• 7.31.24
• Member News

ADKX Gala Raises Record-Breaking $440,000 for Programs and Operations

The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX), held its annual Benefit Gala & Harold K. Hochschild Award ceremony on Sat., July 27, that resulted in record-breaking attendance of more than 300 guests and raised over $440,000. Of that, $170,000 was generated during a lively paddle raise to directly fund its free education program for public schools in all 12 counties within the Adirondack Park. 

As the museum’s major fundraising event of the year, the celebration highlighted ADKX’s service to the Adirondack community. Active community leaders Lee and Nancy Keet and their Cloudsplitter Foundation received this year’s Harold K. Hochschild award. Hochschild was the museum’s founder, and in his honor, the award recipients were selected based on their passion for the Adirondacks, its people and environment. The ADKX campus was open exclusively to Gala attendees to explore special exhibitions and participate in an outdoor dinner, silent auction, and paddle raise. 

“Not only were we thrilled to honor the remarkable dedication of the Keets and the Cloudsplitter Foundation, but we are extremely grateful to all attendees who joined us for such a significant event. Their generous donations will ensure the continuation of our successful regional education programs free of charge,” said David Kahn, ADKX Executive Director. “To date, the ADKX Education Team has connected with thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students and teachers in 2024 through our in-classroom programs, virtual sessions, and on-site museum field trips. This year’s record fundraiser is truly remarkable and a testament to the deep community support that helps foster the next generation of learners.”