DETROIT, MICH.- Founders Junior Council, a young professionals auxiliary of the Detroit Institute of Arts, announced a $1 million pledge to the DIA’s operating endowment. The museum will name its Egyptian gallery the “Founders Junior Council Gallery” in honor of the gift. This is the largest donation FJC has ever made to the museum and the largest single commitment from an auxiliary in the DIA’s recorded history. FJC has granted nearly $4 million to the DIA since its inception more than 50 years ago.

“We are deeply grateful to FJC for this generous pledge and amazed by FJC’s passionate support for our museum,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “FJC has been a philanthropic trendsetter whose members understand how crucial it is to give to the DIA’s operating endowment in order to achieve the museum’s permanent financial stability. We are all inspired and hope their example will encourage others to invest in the DIA’s future so we can continue to engage, enlighten and delight visitors for generations to come.”

FJC’s board of directors, who helped make the donation possible, will be recognized at a dedication event on July 19 at 6 p.m. Media are invited to cover the event, which is not open to the public.

“The FJC has always worked to support the DIA in any way possible, from bringing new visitors through the door to supporting museum operations,” said Amy Zimmer, FJC president. “This endowment gift is truly in line with our motto—Give, Connect, Inspire.”