Over 150 local people made what contribution they could, and it all added up. The McDermott Foundation of Dallas known for its strong support of the arts gave the initial generous gift, and the Meadows Foundation, also of Dallas, matched it. Other foundations that contributed were The King Foundation, Dunnigan Foundation, Mabee Foundation, and one who chose to donate anonymously. The Rockwell Fund of Houston and Rockwell Fund of Albany also gave generously. Albany native, Mrs. Nancy Birdwell of Austin, lent her expertise in assisting the fundraising.
Small towns can work together in accomplishing even big projects by marshaling resources.
They CAN revitalize their downtown areas using historical preservation to develop tourism. Albany has demonstrated a long history of everyone pitching in on the level that they can afford. These transacations, plus a sincere pride in their community have created a town that accomplished grand things and suprises people who live outside of it.