Nikki Bonomo
Nikki Bonomo and her husband Jim are the co-founders of the Findlay Children’s Museum located in the Findlay mall. A brain child they developed after moving here four years ago from the Detroit area, Nikki found Findlay had a need for a place for children to learn, play, immerse themselves in activities that would stimulate the children. Modeled after the Children’s Museum in Cleveland they wanted a simple place, built by the community that would draw children and adults in to explore. They formed a board, raised money, had sponsors step up to support who also saw the vision and opened the doors nearly a year ago. To date they have had 13000 visitors and have 220 members. They want the museum to always be growing and evolving.
They credit many for it’s success. “The Mall has been wonderful in it’s support and is allowing the museum to expand in 2016 to nearly double it’s size.” They just received a Community Foundation grant to fund employees for the next two years. They have many great sponsors including John LaRiche of LaRiche Chevrolet who was the first to step up and join the cause, There is also Whirlpool, Findlay Fire Department, National Lime and Stone and Great Scot. There is a bank, a dentist office, a car repair shop and a realistic fire station.
Nikki works in IT at Marathon and is a Navy veteran serving four years in the IT field. She graduated from the University of Maryland Universal College with a degree in Computer Studies.
She and Jim are parents to Edna and Enzo and owners of a pointer named Genny. (Here they are showcasing the fire truck display with Edna.)