SACRAMENTO, CA.- The Crocker Art Museum announced today that the capital campaign for its expansion project has reached $80 million of its $100 million goal, in large part due to the generosity of two Sacramento families who have increased their initial gifts to the project. The Joyce and Jim Teel Family Foundation has increased its initial commitment of $8 million to $13 million, and Mort and Marcy Friedman have doubled their initial commitment to $10 million.

The Teel and Friedman families were among the first donors to the project in 2001, allowing the museum to enter into master planning for the expansion project. Soon after master planning, the Crocker launched the silent phase of the largest cultural capital campaign ever undertaken in the Sacramento region. With 80 percent of the campaign goal met, the museum will soon bring the capital campaign to the public, beginning with its membership.

�With 80 percent of our fundraising goal achieved, we are now beginning to talk more widely to museum members and friends who share in our conviction that a world-class museum will be central to cultural growth in our region,� said Campaign Co-Chairwoman Marcy Friedman. �The generosity that has come from this community is unprecedented for a cultural institution. These gifts come from individuals who, not only love art, but who clearly recognize the economic and public value that will come to Sacramento with the expanded facility.�

The $80 million total is comprised of gifts from 164 donors as well as $18.5 million from three public entities. Sixteen donors have made contributions of $1 million or more:

Gifts of $10 million or more: Anonymous, Joyce and Jim Teel Family Foundation, Marcy and Mort Friedman, and The City of Sacramento.

Gifts of $2-5 million: Melza and Ted Barr, County of Sacramento, Lawrence Family in memory of Carl and Marjorie Lawrence, The Setzer Foundation, and State of California

Gifts of $1 million: Anonymous (2), Claudia and William Cummings, Gloria and Vern Jones, Nancy and Dennis Marks, Tom Minder, and Judith and John Reynen in memory of Mathew Mahan.

�The expansion is extremely important for the future of the Crocker � it not only improves operational efficiencies, it also greatly enhances the visitor experience, and it will provide a gracious gathering space for all,� said Lial A. Jones, Director, Crocker Art Museum . �And whether it�s through the added prestige to our capital city, more revenue from tourism or simply access to an incredible artistic experience, surely every person in our region will be touched by this project.�

The new wing is approximately 125,000 square feet and will more than triple the size of the current facility, adding four times the space for traveling exhibitions and three times the space for permanent collection exhibitions. The expansion will also provide dedicated programming space, including an education center and auditorium; onsite collections care including secure art storage and a conservation lab; a loading dock and freight elevator for easier art handling; a caf�; and an additional 7,000-square-foot courtyard.