The Arlington Museum of Art announced at the opening of their new exhibit "Modern Masters" that it has secured a $550,000 gift to retire the mortgage on the building. It is the largest single gift the museum has ever received.

"Local philanthropist Sam Mahrouq and his wife, Rania, very generously gave this $550,000 gift to retire our mortgage and lay the foundation for future growth" said Chris Hightower, the museum's Executive Director.

The recent success of the museum, the expanded programming and the collaborative effort with other Arlington arts organizations caught the eye of the philanthropist. In addition to the gift to retire the mortgage, Sam and Rania have pledged an additional $20,000 in challenge funds for facility renovations and enhancements. The Mahrouq's will match contributions up to $20,000 to allow the museum to make needed improvements and enhancements. Updates slated for the museum include new flooring, updated lighting, enhanced gallery space and smart classrooms for children.

"This extraordinary foundational gift paves the way for the Arlington Museum of Art to continue on its upward trajectory by enhancing our facilities and programs. We are humbled and thankful for the support and trust the Mahrouqs have placed in us," said Hightower.

Mahrouq is an Arlington businessman and owner of Auto Max. "Rania and I are excited to support the Arlington Museum of Art. We are proud to invest in the future of the museum because of their extraordinary work in Arlington through summer art camps for at risk children for 25 years, collaborating with the other arts organizations and bringing world-class art to Arlington including Ansel Adams, Toulouse-Lautrec, Frank Lloyd Wright and Rembrandt," said Sam Mahrouq.

Hightower said, "The Arlington Museum of Art is grateful to the Mahrouqs and stand ready to begin working on raising $20,000 to receive the additional challenge funds of $20,000. The museum hopes this gift will inspire others to give, thereby continuing to position the Arlington Museum of Art as a leader of the arts in Arlington. Sam and Rania Marhrouq represent the best of what we hope our children become - successful business leaders with a commitment to high moral values and to impacting the lives of others in significant positive ways."