- This event has passed.
FriendsGiving at Stepping Stones Museum for Children
November 9, 2017 @ 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
On Thursday, November 9th, Stepping Stones Museum for Children will be hosting their 2nd annual FriendsGiving fundraiser at its iconic facility in Norwalk’s historic Mathews Park. Event proceeds will benefit the Open Arms initiative.
The festive fundraising fete brings together those who are committed to supporting the museum’s Open Arms initiative. Community leaders looking forward to enjoying a cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and networking hour beginning at 6:30 pm followed by an intimate harvest dinner, based on a delectable, Thanksgiving-inspired menu from Chef Matthew John at 7:30 pm.
“This exquisite fine dining experience will leave your heart warmed and a great number of local children and families deeply thankful for your role in making sure that the best educational opportunities are available to all children,” explained Rhonda Kiest, CEO and President of Stepping Stones Museum for Children. “Now, more than ever, as many families face greater challenges, it is vitally important we continue to receive financial support for Open Arms.”
Space for FriendsGiving is limited. Single ticket prices start at $275 and a table of ten can be reserved for $2,250. Special pricing for members is $250 per ticket.
Buy tickets at steppingstonesmuseum.org/friendsgiving
Simply put, many children and their families would not have access to Stepping Stones without the Open Arms Accessibility Initiative. Reaching more than 45,000 children, caregivers and teachers throughout the region this year, Open Arms offers monthly free admission evenings, parent workshops, free traveling exhibits for schools and numerous other educational, informational and learning experiences to inspire lifelong learning. However, this commitment to accessibility comes with an annual cost to the non-profit children’s museum of nearly $750,000.
Proceeds from FriendsGiving will support Open Arms programming including:
Angel Memberships – free annual memberships for families in need
Monthly Accessibility Days for special needs families
Monthly Get Into It! FREE evenings
Blue Star Museums – year-round free admission for active-duty military families
Museums for All – reduced-admission for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders
Community Admission Pass Program (CAPP) memberships – free passes for community partner organizations serving children and families in need
Financial assistance for Title 1 Schools
Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI) scholarships
The mission of Stepping Stones Museum for Children is to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children ages ten and under and enhance their understanding of the world. The museum seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and supports parents, caregivers and educators as facilitators of children’s explorations.
FriendsGiving is made possible by Platinum sponsors Kris and Marc Granetz and the Foster Family Fund, Gold sponsors Pitney Bowes and Marcia Selden Catering and Events, Silver sponsor SMG Corporate Services and Bronze sponsors Fairfield County Bank and the Aiello Foundation. Additional sponsorships are available and designed to celebrate and honor corporate and personal commitments to Stepping Stones Museum for Children. For information about opportunities, please contact Linda McDonald at 203-899-0606, ext. 246 or visit steppingstonesmuseum.org/friendsgiving.
Chef Matthew John is focused on all aspects of flavors, seasonality and freshness. He is a Saucier by trade and has worked with renowned chefs at Luchow’s, World Yacht, The Carlisle, as well as other talented professionals. He currently teaches Culinary Skills and Cleanliness at CT State Vocational Institutes.
