The USS Midway Museum has launched a $10 million matching-gift campaign for the Freedom Park project in honor of philanthropist Malin Burnham, who was instrumental in bringing the historic aircraft carrier to San Diego over 20 years ago.
Known as Matching for Malin, the Midway will encourage donors to help reach its goal by matching every dollar donated, up to $5 million, in Burnham’s name.
To thank Burnham for his lifetime of contributions to San Diego, the USS Midway Foundation and the Port of San Diego will incorporate his name into Freedom Park, which will be known as Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier.
The announcement was led by Terry Kraft, president and CEO of the museum, Port Commission Chair Danielle Moore, and Jack McGrory, Freedom Park capitol campaign co-chair.
Each speaker not only shared kind words about Burnham but also shared a sense of gratitude for his part in making the Midway a treasured symbol of San Diego.
On stage, Moore reflected on Burnham’s lifelong commitment to community and philanthropy. She said his dedication to the community stretches beyond the Midway to other important landmarks in San Diego that locals have cherished over the years.
“There’s hardly an institution in this great city that Mr. Burnham has not touched,” Moore said. “His fingerprints are all over the tidelands and our member cities. He helped establish a U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. He helped make the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park a reality.”
“We, thank the Midway for our ongoing partnership and your commitment to service. Mr. Burnham, we thank you for the legacy you’re leaving right here on the San Diego Bay waterfront. This city is a better place because of you.”
At 97, Burnham continues to live by his motto of “community before self,” and through his efforts, Freedom Park will soon become the largest tribute to veterans on the West Coast, stretching 10 acres from Navy Pier to the Bob Hope Memorial.
“It is deeply humbling as you see this recognition, and I value it very much, but truly it is our heroes in uniform, serving our country, willing to pay the ultimate price, whom we honor today and every day, and that’s what this ship has accomplished,” Burnham said.
“Thank you for including my family as we dedicate this incredible park and pier to all those who have served and sacrificed for our country.”
Currently, $45 million has been committed to the project with an additional $32 million being raised by the 2023 Midway’s Freedom Park Capital Campaign. For more information on how to become a donor for the Matching for Malin campaign, visit the official campaign link here.
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