Kansas City, Mo. ? The eternal flame atop the Liberty Memorial will continue burning thanks to a successful financial campaign.

National World War I Museum officials said Thursday that the Save the Flame campaign received more than $60,000 for operating costs, exceeding the needed $45,000.

The 217-foot memorial has towered over Kansas City since the 1920s. But officials decided to turn off the steam used to give the tower its glow after the city recently announced $620,000 in budget cuts.

Pioneer Services, a company providing financial serves and education to military members and families, financed the flame for more than a month. It also matched contributions up to $22,500.

Liberty Memorial spokeswoman Denise Rendina said the museum would continue to accept donations for the flame.