They often say you can't go back home but former Gridley resident, Bill Harkey and his wife Laurie have never forgotten the town where Bill was the first baby born in our local hospital. A third generation Gridley High graduate (Class of 1967 ), Harkey has often included a visit to the Gridley High School Band when here to see family and friends over the years, always with his checkbook in hand.

Former Band Directors John Haeberle and Austin King probably grinned from ear to ear anytime they saw Bill walking in to hear the band and give his encouragement. For Harkey, it was always a highlight of his trip to visit his alma mater and yell "HooRAH" as he left.

Harkey and his wife have always supported the hospital's Foundation over the years and many times Bill's visit home to see his Mom Fran coincided with the Foundation's annual Golf Tournament.

Once again it is a happy time for Gridley as Harkey recently sent a challenge to the Gridley Museum.
Raise $10,000 by May 31, 2021 and he will match it. The amount of $10,000 may sound like a lot, until you break it down. Ten donations of $1,000 will do it. Twenty donations of $500 will match the challenge. Hitting the mark with 400 donations of $25 will meet the amount and of course any and all donations will be greatly appreciated.

Along with all other groups, businesses and individuals, the Museum has been hit hard financially with no fund raising efforts over the past year and none in the foreseeable future.....until now.

The museum recently took over ownership of the former Family T-Shirt Factory next door which has
been painted along with antique ceiling panels replaced and new flooring soon to be installed.
It is the support of many, whether local or those who have moved away who make projects such as this possible. It is people like Bill Harkey who give the museum a shot in the arm, who never forget their hometown and still want to be involved.

Donations of any amount can be mailed to 601 Kentucky Street or delivered Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call 846-4482 for more information.