GALA 2026 PLAY AT NEW HEIGHTS NOVEMBER 13, 2026
Join us for Play at New Heights , a visionary Gala at a new venue, with special programming, as we look to the future of Chicago Children’s Museum. The museum’s Annual Gala raises vital funds to help us continue expanding the programs, exhibits, and community initiatives that inspire children and families every day. When children play, create, and connect, they gain the
SPONSORS AS OF AUGUST 18, 2026
PLAY AT NEW HEIGHTS A NIGHT CELEBRATING CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM GALA 2026
LEAD SPONSORS The Beidler Family Outline Interiors and the Tribbett Family
SUPPORTING SPONSORS Ellenna and Jon Berger The Bundy & Sichol Families Tara and Marc Giuliano Cathy Fan and Justin Horvath Karen Harrison Russ and Kathy Ivinjack
confidence and skills to reach new heights. That belief is at the heart of this year’s event, Play at New Heights .
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2026 6 PM TO 11 PM
WITH SPECIAL GUEST, Peter Sagal Host, NPR’s Wait, Wait... Don’t Tell Me!
The Jiménez Family Megan and Matt Noel Cole & Noel Patterson Teresa Poggenpohl and Steve Steiner Susan and Steve Rappin Neetika Singh and Family Jennifer Vachon and Craig Bonnell Carly and Brennan Warren
ROCKWELL ON THE RIVER 3057 NORTH ROCKWELL STREET CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60618
ATTIRE Creative black tie
TICKETS Individual $800 Pair $1,500 RSVP by September 30, 2026.
VALET PARKING INCLUDED
GCM Grosvenor ITW KPMG LLP Russell Reynolds Winston Taylor LLP Wintrust Bank
MORE INFORMATION Visit CCMGala.org or contact Molly Todd Madison at MollyTM@ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org.
YOUR IMPACT MATTERS
Here are just some of the ways Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) uses your generous sponsorship support in our museum and within our communities.
Access Play has the power to lift every child to new heights— but only when every child has the opportunity to play. At Chicago Children’s Museum, we are committed to removing barriers so all children, regardless of income, ability, or circumstance, can experience the joy and lifelong benefits of playful learning. Because when children play, they build confidence, spark curiosity, strengthen relationships, and develop the skills they need to thrive. That commitment is reflected in our access initiatives. Museums for All welcomes more than 50,000 visitors experiencing food insecurity each year through steeply discounted admission. Play for All offers free museum experiences for children with disabilities and their families, featuring inclusive, multisensory exhibits and specialized programs. Kids Free Days provide complimentary admission for all children to explore, imagine, and learn through play, while veterans and active-duty military families receive free admission year-round. Together, these initiatives ensure that more children can reach new heights through the power of play.
Programming Chicago Children’s Museum champions the arts and STEM learning through our nationally recognized and innovative play-based programming. The Thaddeus Wong and Emily Sachs Wong Art Studio is a vibrant, facilitated workshop space providing children with hands-on opportunities to develop their creativity and self-expression. Tinkering Lab is Chicago’s premiere space for children and families to engage in authentic, inquiry based STEM learning through the tinkering process, with opportunities for joyful engineering. Through creative play based experiences, children build confidence, spark curiosity, and develop critical skills needed in an ever-changing, complex world.
SPONSOR LEVELS
$20,000 Lead Sponsorship SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS:
GALA CO-CHAIRS
Jay Beidler Co-Founder, Distillate Capital Laura Tribbett Owner and Principal Designer, Outline Interiors
Visit CCMGala.org for full sponsorship details.
• PREMIUM SEATING for two tables of ten guests each • 10 Family Passes to visit Chicago Children’s Museum • 8 tickets to Chicago Children’s Museum’s Day of Yes , an all- ages event welcoming guests into our space in mid-April • Recognition in/on: · Event program book ad (half-page design) · Night-of presentation and event website (logo) · Event signage (consortium listing; logo) · Chicago Children’s Museum’s social media (consortium post; logo) · Chicago Children’s Museum’s Donor Wall (name) $10,000 Supporting Sponsorship SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS: • One table for ten guests • 5 Family Passes to Chicago Children’s Museum • 4 tickets to Chicago Children’s Museum’s Day of Yes , an all- ages event welcoming guests into our space in mid-April • Recognition in/on:
$50,000 Presenting Sponsorship SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS: • EXCLUSIVE SEATING for three tables of ten guests each • Opportunity to deliver night-of remarks • Opportunity to host a company retreat OR private event for 30-50 people at Chicago Children’s Museum. (Includes 1 hour of facilitated team building with skilled trainers) • Invitation for a corporate representative or individual to join CCM’s Associates Board • 10 Family Passes to visit Chicago Children’s Museum • 12 tickets to Chicago Children’s Museum’s Day of Yes , an all- ages event welcoming guests into our space in mid-April • Recognition in/on: · Front inside page of event program book ad (full-page design) · Gala invitation, press materials, night-of presentation, and event website (logo) · 1 month of recognition on Chicago Children’s Museum’s website homepage (logo) · Event signage (logo) · Chicago Children’s Museum’s social media (two dedicated posts; logo) · Chicago Children’s Museum’s Donor Wall (name)
GALA COMMITTEE
Jodi Block Bruce Comiskey Julia Eiden Ashley Gauntlett Tara Giuliano Russ Ivinjack Megan Jiménez Ashley Kegan Andrew Miller Nia-Nicole Mitchell Winston Pauling Teresa Poggenpohl Courtney Theo Ronna Zoll
· Event program book (consortium page; logo) · Night-of presentation and Event Website (logo) · Event signage (consortium listing; logo) · Chicago Children’s Museum’s Donor Wall (name)
CCMGALA.ORG
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