“Help Us Restore The Original Graveraet School Courtyard And Fountains”

The Kaufman Auditorium Beautification Committee would like to share with the greater Marquette Community our plans to completely restore the original Graveraet School Courtyard and Fountains.

Long-Term Planning

With your help, The Kaufman Auditorium Beautification Committee can carry out their strategic plan to not only restore the fountains and beautify the courtyard, but make sure that there is a long-term plan and investment account so that people will be able to enjoy the school grounds for generations to come.

Secure Investment

The Kaufman Auditorium Beautification Committee has set up a Michigan School Liquid Asset Fund (MILAF) with the Marquette Area Public Schools for the first year of our project. After the construction and restoration is complete by next September, the Beautification Committee will take all remaining funds and open a long-term investment fund with the Marquette Area Public Schools Education Foundation (which is a governing board of both MAPS Employees and community members). The Education Foundation account will allow the Kaufman Auditorium Beautification Fund to grow at a rate higher than the average savings account and help secure the projects longevity and continuous upkeep.

Educational Opportunity For Our Students

By restoring the original Graveraet School Courtyard and Fountains, students will be able to learn hands-on ecology by helping to care for the new flora in the courtyard. Students will also be helping to raise money and awareness for the Ohio Street Beautification Project, planned in appreciation of retired Marquette Area Public Schools science teacher and local historian Fred Rydholm who has done so much for our students and community. The Ohio Street Project will contain raised flowerbeds for the students to plant flowers in and help to educate students about the importance of taking care of such a beloved, historic building.

2-1 Match For Donations Up To $50,000

The Kaufman Endowment Fund Board has announced a 2-1 match for all donations from community members and businesses. This means that for every $2 community members donate, the Kaufman Endowment Board will donate $1 up to $50,000 total.


Help us restore the Graveraet School Fountains and Courtyard today!

Gold Donor

$5,000+                           Name on brass plaque on fountain ledge

$2,500                             Name on a stone/cement bench

Silver Donor

$1,000                             Name on stone on rim of fountain ledge
$500                                Name on stone throughout terraced walkways
$300                                Name on stone on rim of retaining wall by school doors

Bronze Donor

$100                                Tree/Shrub in Courtyard
$50                                  Shrubs and Flowers
$25                                  Flats of Flowers/bulbs


*All donors will be mentioned on a wall plaque inside of the Graveraet School/Kaufman Auditorium* ____________________________________________________________________________

Your Donations will help us beautify the Graveraet School and all donations are tax deductable. Pay all at once or in installments. All donations requiring stone engraving are due by June 1st, 2008.

Make checks payable to the MAPS Kaufman Beautification Fund, 1201 West Fair Avenue, Marquette, Michigan, 49855.

Please contact Project Director, Sara Cambensy at 906-225-4302 Ext. 110 or scambensy@mapsnet.org for additional comments or questions.

Thank you for your support!