our signature fundraising gala—june 10, 2027
play soirée
enter our world, set dreams in motion
the details
june 10, 2027
6 pm reception 7 pm dinner + program 9:30 pm Museum afterparty
andrew w. mellon auditorium
afterparty at the Museum
whimsical black tie
an evening of play and purpose
Dreams are where inspiration is born, passions take shape, and creativity runs free. On June 10, we invite you into our world for an evening of play and purpose, and a chance to make dreams a reality for children across the country.
Like a dream, Play Soirée is more than it appears. It’s more than fine dining and late-night dancing. It’s an opportunity to dream of tomorrow, to invest in that future, and to set in motion our next generation of innovators, leaders, and dreamers.
honoring champions of play
Every year, Play Soirée celebrates leaders who champion the power of play. Our honorees open doors to hands-on STEAM learning and help more kids explore, discover, and dream big.
The National Children’s Museum Playful Learning Honoree will exemplify the Museum’s commitment to expanding access to play-based, hands-on learning and demonstrate a personal commitment to advancing STEAM opportunities for children through education, innovation, and community impact.
The Inspiration to Innovation Honoree recognizes an exceptional leader whose vision, curiosity, and commitment to community have driven meaningful progress toward a future where all children and families have access to powerful STEAM experiences. Through advancing education, expanding economic opportunity, and championing transformative initiatives, this honor reflects the Museum’s mission to ensure every child can explore, discover, and grow into an individual prepared to shape the world.
honorary chairs
victor + diane hoskins
dr. kathy hirsh-pasek
john drew + helene drew
susan lacz
jason + sepe zuccari
co-chairs
courtney + jon spaeth
jermaine + rae ann johnson
host committee
joinHelp make play possible. As a member of the Play Soirée Host Committee, you will join a dedicated group of advocates, leaders, and champions who believe every child deserves access to joyful hands-on STEAM learning.
If you're interested in joining our Host Committee, please fill out the form above.
sponsor the play
Become a Play Soirée sponsor today and help expand hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong confidence to care about and change the world.
presenting sponsor $50,000
- two (2) tables of ten at National Children’s Museum’s Play Soirée with premier seating
- tabletop logo + presenting title on sponsored table at the Play Soirée
- name recognition in president + CEO remarks as presenting sponsor
- full screen recognition in Soirée Program Slides
- name included in event press release
- logo + presenting sponsor listing in event digital promotional materials ( website, social media, email, digital invitation, program)
- logo + presenting sponsor listing in event physical promotional materials (invitation, signage, print coverage)
- one (1) pre-event spotlight post on the National Children’s Museum’s LinkedIn page
- opportunity for a corporate representative to film a 30-60 second video of why their company supports National Children’s Museum and the Play Soiree
- opportunity to host a corporate family day for employees and their families (conditions apply regarding dates)
- opportunity to provide a free field trip for up to 100 Kids
- 20% off discount code for National Children’s Museum memberships
- 150 National Children’s Museum tickets
explorer $25,000
- one table of ten at National Children’s Museum’s Play Soirée with premier seating
- tabletop logo recognition on sponsored table at the Play Soirée
- name recognition in president + CEO remarks
- logo recognition in Soirée Program Slides
- name included in event press release
- logo + prominent feature in event digital promotional materials ( website, social media, email, digital invitation, program)
- logo + prominent feature in event physical promotional materials (invitation, signage, print coverage)
- one (1) pre-event spotlight post on the National Children’s Museum’s LinkedIn page
- opportunity for a corporate representative to film a 30-60 second video of why their company supports National Children’s Museum and the Play Soiree
- opportunity to host a corporate family day for employees and their families (conditions apply regarding dates)
- 15% off discount code for National Children’s Museum memberships
- 100 National Children’s Museum tickets
tinkerer $15,000
- one (1) table of ten at National Children’s Museum’s Play Soirée
- name recognition on sponsored table at the Play Soirée
- logo recognition in Soirée Program Slides
- name included in event press release
- logo featured in event digital promotional materials ( website, social media, email, digital invitation, program)
- logo featured in event physical promotional materials (invitation, signage, print coverage)
- one (1) pre-event spotlight post on the National Children’s Museum’s LinkedIn page
- post-Event thank you on National Children Museums Social Media Outlets
- 10% off discount code for National Children’s Museum memberships
- 75 National Children’s Museum tickets
wonderer $10,000
- one (1) table of eight at National Children’s Museum’s Play Soirée
- name recognition in Soirée Program Slides
- name featured in event physical promotional materials (invitation, signage, print coverage)
- logo featured in event digital promotional materials (website, social media, email, digital invitation, program)
- name featured in event promotional materials (social media, email)
- name listing in all event collateral (invitation, program, signage)
- 50 Tickets for National Children’s Museum
friend of play $1,000
- Name listed on all event promotional materials (website, social media, email, print media)
- Name listed in all event collateral (invitation, program, signage)
play soirée 2026 photos
step into our world
contact us
For more information, please contact MK McCann, Manager of Special Events + Membership, at mmccann@nationalchildrensmuseum.org.
