Y COLLECTION A L P E TH Celebrating a Decade of Play! 10 Hosts. 10 Experiences. 1 Extraordinary Mission.
A community-wide series of intimate fundraising events benefiting Akron Children’s Museum.
OUR STORY A Decade of Play For ten years, Akron Children’s Museum has inspired children and families through hands-on exploration, creativity, and joyful discovery. Every exhibit invites children to imagine, build, create, experiment, and learn through play—developing confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills that last a lifetime. As we celebrate our tenth anniversary, we invite ten community leaders to help write the next chapter. Rather than hosting one traditional gala, the Museum is launching The Play Collection—a collection of unforgettable experiences hosted by friends of the Museum throughout our community. Each gathering will introduce new supporters to the Museum while raising funds to ensure every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of learning through play.
THE VISION The Play Collection The Play Collection is a signature anniversary fundraising series built around one simple idea:
Great conversations begin around great experiences. Throughout the year, ten generous hosts will open their homes, businesses, restaurants, wineries, galleries, and favorite gathering places to create one-of-a-kind events benefiting Akron Children’s Museum.
Each event is unique. Each event reflects its host. Every dollar raised helps inspire the next generation of curious minds.
Fundraising Goal
10 X
EVENTS
40
$125 X GUESTS MINIMUM MINIMUM TICKET (space for up to 50)
= $50,000+ RAISED
WHY HOST? Become One of Only Ten Hosts Hosting a The Play Collection event is an opportunity to: • Celebrate Akron Children’s Museum’s 10th Anniversary • Introduce friends and colleagues to the Museum’s mission • Support educational opportunities for local children • Showcase your favorite restaurant, venue, business, or home • Create a memorable experience that reflects your personality • Join an exclusive group of community champions The Museum Provides • Event planning support • Registration and online ticket sales • Marketing and promotional materials • Guest communications • Payment processing • Event consultation • Recognition in anniversary materials • Social media and website promotion Host Responsibilities • Underwrite event expenses, Minimum $1,000 • Select a date and venue • Invite approximately 40 guests • Partner with Museum staff • Help create an unforgettable experience
YOUR IMPACT Every Ticket Makes a Difference When guests purchase a The Play Collection ticket, they are investing in: • • • • • • •
Hands-on educational exhibits STEAM programming Family learning opportunities Community outreach School partnerships Accessible play experiences Future exhibit development
Because hosts generously underwrite event expenses, every ticket sold directly supports Akron Children’s Museum’s mission. Together, ten evenings of generosity can inspire thousands of children.
SAMPLE PLAY COLLECTION EXPERIENCES
e h t e n i Imag bilities! Possi
Sweet as Honey
Honey, beer, cheese, and artisan tasting.
Sunset & Sips
Private pre-concert reception at Blossom Music Center.
Bourbon, Brisket & Backstories Chef dinner with bourbon pairings.
Vine to Table
Seasonal wine dinner at a local vineyard.
Pizza from Scratch
Hands-on Italian cooking class.
Craft Cocktails & Mocktails Interactive mixology experience.
Bloom Into Play
Seasonal floral workshop.
Lights, Camera & Cocktails Private movie screening.
Sparkle & Shine
Jewelry-making or art workshop.
Poolside Playcation
Summer evening at a private residence.
Books & Bordeaux
A sophisticated evening for wine and literary lovers.
Read Between the Wines
Casual girls’ night out meets book club.
Hosts are encouraged to create an event that reflects their own passions and interests. More potential concepts include: •
Chocolate & Wine Pairing
•
Chef’s Table Dinner
•
Cigar & Bourbon Experience
•
Ice Cream Social
•
Spa & Champagne Evening
•
Private Home Garden Party
•
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Dinner Excursion
•
Mixology Masterclass
•
Farm-to-Table Dinner
•
Wine & Chocolate Pairing — Richfield Winery
•
Scoops After Dark — Mary Coyle Ice Cream tasting with specialty desserts
•
Smoke & Sip — Alexander Pierce Cigar Lounge featuring premium cigars and bourbon
•
Rails & Ales — Private evening excursion on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad with wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music
•
Beauty & Bubbly — Meglio Salon featuring skincare demonstrations, mini spa services and champagne
•
Pizza & Pinot — Richfield Winery pizza-making class
•
Chef’s Table — Exclusive tasting menu at 1818 Grille
•
Holiday Cookie Decorating & Cocoa Bar
•
Charcuterie Board Workshop
WHAT HOSTS ARE SAYING “Hosting an intimate event allowed us to introduce friends to a cause we care deeply about. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings we’ve ever organized.” — Community Host
“Supporting children’s learning through an experience people genuinely wanted to attend made fundraising feel effortless.” — Local Business Owner
“We loved sharing our favorite restaurant while helping ensure future generations can experience the joy of learning through play.” — Museum Supporter
THANK YOU! Become One of Only Ten Hosts For ten years, Akron Children’s Museum has sparked imagination, encouraged exploration, and inspired countless young learners. With your partnership, the next decade will be even brighter.
Become one of only 10 Play Collection Hosts and help create extraordinary experiences that strengthen our community while investing in its future.
Y COLLECTION A L P E TH Celebrating a Decade of Play! 10 Hosts. 10 Experiences. 1 Extraordinary Mission. 216 S. Main Street, Akron OH 44308 330.396.6103 | AKRONKIDS.ORG
HOST COMMITMENT Yes! I’d Like to Host a Play Collection Event Host Name(s): ___________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Business (if applicable): ___________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________________ Preferred Event Idea: _____________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Preferred Venue: _________________________________________ Preferred Season: Spring Summer
Fall
Winter
Estimated Number of Guests: _______________________________ I understand that as a Play Collection Host, I will: • Underwrite event expenses (minimum $1,000) • Select a date and venue • Invite approximately 40 guests • Partner with Museum staff • Help create an unforgettable experience
Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________________________________________ After your form is received, our Event Coordinator, Joy Edwards, will reach out to you to assist with the process.
AKRONKIDS.ORG • 330.396.6103