Above / DuPage Children’s Museum’ Play Soiree will host a hybrid celebration of creativity, resilience and perseverance on Sat., June 12, 2021. Watch in person at the DCM by entering the big red door at 301 N. Washington Street or watch from home.
DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) will host its annual Benefit Ball: Play Soirée on Sat., June 12. Participants can choose to attend an in-person Watch Party at the Museum beginning at 5:30PM or watch from home, streaming the program at 6:30PM. This event is the top fundraiser for DCM, a nonprofit which depends on donations and grants to cover a large portion of its operating budget.
The celebration will highlight the many success stories the Museum generated by designing and implementing new strategies, as a response to the pandemic, to meet audiences wherever and whenever they needed access to quality hands-on early learning and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) experiences. DCM partners and participants will share their experiences and explain how the Museum made an incredible impact on the lives of children throughout the region.
DCM provides access to early learning and STEAM experiences
“Our vision is that all children have access to exceptional early learning and STEAM experiences,” explains DCM CEO Andrea Wiles. “We cannot reach this vision alone. We are committed to work in partnership with parents, caregivers, and all who serve them to build the pathways, the bridges, the tunnels, and the momentum to ensure the opportunity for each child to reach their full unique learning potential. The path to our future; the path to equity; begins in early childhood and traverses through exceptional experiences in play, discovery, science, math, and engineering.”
All Play Soirée participants, whether attending in-person or streaming from home, will gain access to the virtual program with exclusive content from DCM, including a dynamite keynote address by J’Tia Hart, PhD, Nuclear Engineer.
Also of note, Andrea Saenz, Chief Operating Officer for The Chicago Community Trust, will introduce and present the 2021 Great Friend to Kids Award to Andrea Beaty. This award honors those who make outstanding contributions toward enriching the lives of children.
Andrea Beaty is the bestselling author of many beloved children’s books which empower young readers to think critically about the world, encouraging them to help others and tackle big problems. Notably for DCM, Beaty created the beloved Questioneers series: Rosie Revere, Engineer; Ada Twist, Scientist; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Sofia Valdez, Future Prez. The Questioneers’ world of unique and spirited characters also inspired a new exhibit exclusively created by Dupage Children’s Museum.
Questioneers: READ. QUESTION. THINK. PLAY!
The Questioneers: READ. QUESTION. THINK. PLAY! opens in October 2021, and Play Soirée participants will get a sneak peek of exhibit elements!
While there is much excitement ahead for DCM and guests, the Play Soirée serves as an important time to reflect on the Museum’s pandemic survival story and the strategies that helped DCM thrive. Despite the many challenges faced after the coronavirus pandemic forced the Museum to close its doors on March 13, 2020, DCM increased relevance and deepened impact with the trust and support of donors and the communities the Museum serves.
“We are grateful for a community that has funded, volunteered, celebrated, and advocated for DCM throughout the years, stated DCM Chief of Development, Renee Mikloskik. “Together, we have made DCM a trusted resource and critical partner in early learning and STEAM activities that advance the mission and vision of the Museum to promote learning through the hands-on exploration of art, math, and science.”
Emmy-award winning “Outstanding On Camera Talent” ABC7 meteorologist, Larry Mowry, will emcee the 40-minute program. In preparation for the event, Mowry noted, “As a scientist, I want to instill in my kids the curiosity of learning, and play is the way to develop that skill early. Science and learning are about making mistakes and finding ways to solve problems. Play provides that for kids. We are so fortunate to have a place like DuPage Children’s Museum to show kids the Power of Play, but also to engage parents in the importance of creating shared learning experiences together.”
Be part of a hybrid event, fundraising, too
Hosting a hybrid event this year means that even more friends of DCM can participate. To purchase tickets to the event or access to stream the exclusive program, visit dupagechildrens.org/benefit-ball.
In addition to the event itself, Peer-to-Peer fundraising is happening now to help support the work of the Museum. Access the event page at p2p.onecause.com/dcmplay2021 and join or start a team of your own to help support DCM.
DuPage Children’s Museum
The Museum helps develop curiosity, creativity, thinking, and problem solving in young children through its mission: “DuPage Children’s Museum ignites the potential of all children to learn through hands-on exploration by integrating art, math, and science.” Interactive exhibits and programs make learning fun for children and adults playing together. DCM serves over 300,000 visitors annually representing all 50 states and 575 zip codes just in Illinois. DCM’s reach and support represent well beyond the Chicagoland area. The Museum’s impact extends across cultural, financial, and educational boundaries. It touches the lives of children from all regions, providing the building blocks for success in school and life.
The Museum is located at 301 N. Washington Street in Naperville, www.dupagechildrens.org or call (630) 637-8000.
One more thing… The DuPage Children’s Museum reopened on Sat., June 5. Cheers!
