FriendsGiving at Stepping Stones Museum for Children

The award-winning Stepping Stones Museum for Children takes pride in listening to its community and responding to its needs and interests. Fundamental to Stepping Stones since the day it opened its doors in 2000 has been a commitment to ensure that this important educational resource is accessible to every child, family and school regardless of financial, language or special needs barriers. That commitment is embodied by the museum’s Open Arms Accessibility 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 pmfollowed by an intimate harvest dinner, based on a delectable, Thanksgiving-inspired menu from Chef Matthew John at 7:30 pm.
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 the museum’s accessibility initiative, Open Arms, which includes:

• • Family memberships
  • Monthly Get Into It! FREE evenings
  • Community Admission passes
  • ELLI scholarships
  • Financial assistance for schools

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.
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.
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 www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/friendsgiving.