Concord, New Hampshire- Amid the customs and decorum of the New Hampshire Governor and Council Meeting, the Lighthouse Kids presented Governor John Lynch with their hard earned check for an impressive $110,000 to begin restoration of the endangered White Island Lighthouse. The North Hampton seventh graders were on the Governor and Executive Council’s agenda for Wednesday, June 22 at the New Hampshire State House in Concord. In accepting the check, the Governor and Council authorized the Division of Parks and Recreation to expend the money for conservation and restoration of the White Isla Station. The Governor personally congratulated and shook hands with each of the sixteen Lighthouse Kids in attendance for their dedication and hard work.

Executive Councilor Ruth L. Griffin also applauded the students, suggesting that they might consider a career in New Hampshire politics in light of their love for the state. She then proposed that the week of June 19 be forever declared Lighthouse week which was subsequently authorized by Governor Lynch.

The check represented money the Lighthouse Kids raised through corporate and private fundraising, foundation grants and merchandise sales. It will be matched by a portion of the $250,000 Save America’s Treasures grant, helping the Lighthouse Kids move closer toward their goal of raising a total of $550,000 for restoration of the White Island Station, Keeper’s Cottage, out buildings and landing.

Though total costs have not yet been realized, with the sum presented, restoration will begin this summer and continue over the next two years. The Lighthouse Kids are betting their current public art project, Lighthouse LobStars! will raise a significant amount of the remaining $190,000 necessary for restoration. Over 20 LobStar sculptures designed and painted or adorned by seacoast artists will be installed in locations throughout the seacoast this summer, then sold at auction on October 1 at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye. Numerous seacoast students have been selected to paint tabletop versions othe sculptures also to be sold at auction. The project has brought students, businesses and artists together all sharing the goal of saving the Lighthouse. To join the effort to save the White Island Lighthouse or for more information, visit lightousekids.com.

Contact: Jen King 964-6986