6 August 2014

On Thursday 7 August at Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), the announcement was made that the Copulos Family, through the Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation, pledged to donate $3 million over the next 10 years in the local Shepparton community.

Stephen Copulos said:

‘It would be fantastic if we could establish a self-sustaining Museum development within 10 years. It could be the first museum in the world that can pay its own way, right here in the heart of Victoria, something we can be proud of.'

To kick start the pledge, the Copulos Family has donated $20,000 to the SAM Foundation in the form of a fundraising initiative, the Tree of Giving, for a New SAM. The Tree of Giving is displayed in the entrance of SAM, allowing for the public to pledge their support by buying a Gold ($300), Silver ($200) or Bronze ($100) leaf, with their name inscribed, to be placed on the Tree of Giving. Alternatively you can buy ‘A New SAM' lapel pin for $20 to help spread the word about why an expanded Art Museum would be good for Shepparton. The Tree of Giving and SAM lapel pin proceeds will go toward the capital fundraising drive for a new SAM.

SC: ‘Our goal is to fill the tree within 12 months. When the Tree of Giving is filled with leaves, it has the potential to raise $500,000 dollars. It will make a stunning addition to the gallery as well as a great talking point for the community where we can all proudly show off our part in the involvement of a new SAM.'

The official launch of the Tree of Giving will be at SAM's next major exhibition opening of Delinquent Angel: John Perceval's Ceramic Angels and Friends of SAM event A Toast to the Angels gala dinner and wine auction, to be held on Saturday 30 August. Bookings for this event can be made at the SAM shop in the entrance to SAM, or by phoning (03) 5832 9861.

Another $1.5m will be donated by the Copulos Family to various local health services in the Goulburn Valley to assist with the much needed improvement of health services in the region. Stephen Copulos stated this may include hospital and cancer services. It is well known that Peter Copulos is very passionate about country areas getting the same medical treatment as those in the city.

Peter Copulos said:

‘In making this commitment today, our family is humbled and showing our appreciation for the community we live in. We try and play our part in giving better access to more services and facilities. I have always been passionate about health, and believe that we in regional Australia should be entitled to expect an equal standard of health services to those offered in the big cities. I trust that others in our community will share my vision, and I take this opportunity to encourage other local businesses and families to make a contribution for our community's benefit. No matter how large or small, every bit helps.'

Greater Shepparton Mayor Jenny Houlihan said:

‘The Copulos family has once again demonstrated their genuine commitment to the development of Greater Shepparton and the wellbeing of our community, with a pledge of $1.5 million to assist with the creation of a new SAM. Their support has given the fundraising project huge momentum and is a solid base from which to build. I urge our community and all others who are interested in being part of this exciting new SAM project to visit the current museum and donate by purchasing a leaf to place on the Tree of Giving, another wonderful initiative of the Copulos family.'

SAM is open 7 days from 10am to 4pm (public holidays 1pm to 4pm).
Shepparton Art Museum is proudly provided by Greater Shepparton City Council, located at 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton. For general SAM enquiries and program/event bookings please contact: (03) 5832 9861, email art.museum@shepparton.vic.gov.au, or visit www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.

Image: (l-r) Peter and Stephen Copulos place their leaves on the new Tree of Giving for a New SAM at Shepparton Art Museum.

ENDS

For more information regarding this media release, and for interview and photo/video opportunities, please contact SAM Marketing Co-ordinator Amina Barolli on ph: (03) 5832 9522 E: amina.barolli@shepparton.vic.gov.au