Rob and Melani Walton pledged $15 million to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation (TRPLF), a $35 million shortfall from the $50 million from the couple that had originally been announced, according to Inforum. 

As part of the effort that included a $50 million match from the State of North Dakota, the foundation was able to raise more than $100 million. Made through the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation, the couple’s $15 million contribution included $10 million in support of a scholarship at the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University and to help with the presidential library’s obligations. The remaining $5 million supported the presidential library’s initial efforts.

“We believe strongly in the importance of honoring the extraordinary legacy of Theodore Roosevelt—which is why we are so pleased to have supported this project from its inception,” Melani and Rob Walton said in a statement. 

According to TRPLF president and CEO Ed O’Keefe, while the Waltons’ gift was smaller than expected, the foundation was able to meet the challenges. “TRPLF is very fortunate to have numerous generous benefactors,” he said.

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