Release Date: February 10,2025
Grown Up Play Date Fundraiser to benefit Akron Children’s Museum
AKRON, Ohio, February 10, 2025 – The Akron Children’s Museum (ACM) is thrilled to announce its 8th Annual Grown Up Play Date: Ballers & Ballgowns, taking place on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This unforgettable night invites nearly 300 guests to enjoy the nostalgia of representing their favorite sports teams in an upscale setting, promising an evening full of fun and excitement. Guests can look forward to an engaging night filled with live music by Twin B Project, silent disco and casino games. A premier auction will provide supporters an opportunity to bid on exclusive items, while delicious food by Blue Heron Events & Catering ensures a delightful dining experience.
Net proceeds will benefit the museum’s operations including the All Access Kids’ fund and its Museums For All fund. The museum had an incredible year, welcoming over 44,000 guests and gaining 577 new memberships! In addition to hosting more than 6,500 guests who attended 211 unforgettable birthday parties. Akron Children’s Museum’s commitment to educational experiences was further highlighted by hosting over 4,000 children at on site field trips, allowing students to explore and learn in an interactive environment.
Executive Director Traci Buckner said, "The generosity of our community during the 7th annual Grown Up Play Date fundraiser is invaluable to us at the Akron Children's Museum. This support not only enables us to offer engaging and educational experiences for children but also reflects our community's dedication to nurturing creativity and inspiring the next generation.”
"We deeply appreciate the kindness and backing of our community, particularly our wonderful volunteers, as it empowers us to achieve our mission of sparking curiosity and promoting learning through play," said Betsy Hartschuh, Museum Co-founder.
Tickets are available from $100 to $165 per person, and may be purchased online at akronkids.org/GUPD2025. You do not need to be a ticket holder to participate in the Online Auction, which will launch on February 23rd, offering nearly 100 coveted items, including a ride on The Goodyear Blimp and over 15 vacation rentals! Doors open Saturday, March 1st at 7 PM, with early access available to MVP ticket holders at 6 PM for a live concert with Chris Reid of Twin B Project! For more information, contact Joy Edwards at Joy@akronkids.org. If you cannot attend but would still like to support the museum, please visit www.akronkids.org for more information on how you can contribute to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
About Akron Children’s Museum
ACM envisions a community shaped by lifelong learners, who provide innovative leadership inspired by creativity and diverse perspectives. Our mission is to be a gathering place for children and families, where play inspires exploration, discovery, and problem-solving. Akron Children’s Museum is working to establish partnerships and policies that will help ensure access for ALL children, regardless of income/ability to pay, and regardless of any developmental or physical disability. Since 2016, Akron Children’s Museum has welcomed over 200,000 guests, has remained devoted to its cause, and is excited for what the future holds.