Good EGG Awards presented at annual San Bernardino County Museum Bucky Ball

Above: Melissa Russo (left), Director, San Bernardino County Museum, and Good EGG recipient Al Arguello for Bank of America

Redlands, Ca – Each year, the San Bernardino County Museum Association selects individuals, businesses, and community partners as Good EGGS. The award recognizes those who demonstrate exemplary guidance and generosity in helping the County Museum thrive. This year, three recipients were honored at the association’s annual Bucky Ball on Saturday, May 19: Johnnie Ann Ralph, Bank of America, and the Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society.

The Bucky Ball is the Museum Association’s annual fundraising gala in support of the San Bernardino County Museum. This year’s event, the third annual, raised more than $83,000 in support of Museum programs and exhibits, and included a preview of the museum’s newest special exhibit, “Mechanized Magic: 40 Years of Garner Holt Productions in San Bernardino County.”

Johnnie Ann Ralph of San Bernardino joined the SBCMA’s board of directors in 1998 during her tenure as dean of the library at Cal State San Bernardino. As a SBCMA board member, Ralph served in various capacities including secretary of the nonprofit’s board of directors and a member of the executive committee. Ralph is a steadfast and generous supporter of the association and the museum, contributing to exhibits and programs, including CuriousCity at the Victor Valley Museum. “The friendships and the service ethics of my fellow SBCMA board members were and remain a high point in my community service,” she said. In addition to her work with the association, Ralph’s community service includes her involvement with the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, The Salvation Army, San Bernardino City Foundation, and the Miniature Schnauzer Club of Southern California. The Association of Fundraising Professionals Inland Empire named Johnnie Ann its Philanthropist of the Year in 2016.

Al Arguello accepted the Good EGG Award on behalf of Bank of America. Since January 2017, the San Bernardino County Museum has been a partner in Bank of America’s Museums on Us program, which allows Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders free museum admission the first weekend of each month. According to Bank of America, the program’s goal is to provide customers with “artistic and cultural experiences at some of the nation’s most celebrated cultural institutions.” More than a thousand San Bernardino County Museum visitors have benefitted from this program since its inception.

“We see the arts as an important economic driver that also strengthens communities through shared cultural experiences. It is an honor to be recognized for our partnership with San Bernardino County Museum, which has been a major local leader in increasing access to the arts for people of all backgrounds. From providing opportunities for youth to bringing unique exhibits to the region, we look forward to our continued work with the museum to help them reach even more families through the arts,” said Al Arguello, Bank of America market president for the Inland Empire.

The Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society was founded in March 1972 to help restore, maintain, and furnish the John Rains House. The organization’s signature fundraiser has been a Christmas open house, which is attended by hundreds of visitors each year. The organization also provides docents and volunteer assistance at the site. The Rains House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the San Bernardino County Museum system.

“The Bucky Ball is not just a fundraising event. It is an opportunity for the association to celebrate the support of our community partnerships,” said Maggie Latimer, the Museum Association’s executive director. “We were so pleased to honor Bank of America, the Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society, and our former board member, Johnnie Ann Ralph this year.”

The San Bernardino County Museum’s and Museum Association’s exciting exhibits, events, and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.