Bombing memorial's fund-raising campaign passes $4 million

Wednesday, May 25th 2005, 6:38 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Oklahoma City National Memorial is nearing its goal in a $5 million fund-raising campaign that could yield matching donations from the state and federal government.

Kari Watkins, the memorial's executive director, said about 700 donors have given more than $4 million in the Second Decade Campaign.

``We're almost there,'' Watkins said Tuesday. ``As these latest numbers show, people have entrusted us with their money. They're investing in the future, to teach and train schoolchildren and the public about the impact of violence.''

The campaign, headed by the the memorial's founding chairman Bob Johnson, began Nov. 22 to raise private dollars to match a $5 million authorization from Congress and a request of matching funds from the state Legislature. Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation last month for $5 million in matching state funds.

The memorial, in remembrance of the April 19, 1995, federal building bombing that killed 168 people, plans to use the funds to spread its anti-violence message to people around the globe. Watkins said the memorial was able to reach 25,000 Oklahoma students plus people in 12 other states through its education outreach programs last year.

``We've also sent materials to Afghanistan and Iraq,'' Watkins said. ``Our mission is outreach, trying to touch as many people as possible and showing them the hope that can come out of violence and a very bad situation.''