Circus Spectacular

The New Children’s Museum Gala Will Be The Greatest Show On Earth

The New Children’s Museum will host its annual fundraising gala on Saturday, November 5, 2022. The downtown museum has earned a reputation for engaging and interactive galas, and Circus Spectacular is shaping up to be their most creative yet. This year’s event is chaired by community philanthropists and long-time museum supporters Dr. Laurie Mitchell, Jennifer Luce and Dr. Ellen Moxham. Along with the volunteer gala committee, the Chairs hope to raise funds to support a wide range of programs that provide access to the Museum at little to no cost.

“The New Children’s Museum is a vitally important institution in San Diego, introducing our community to the power of art in engaging and approachable ways,” shared Dr. Laurie Mitchell, Co-Chair and one of the Museum’s founding Board Members. “We are raising funds to enable children and families from all over San Diego to access our educational and creative programming, regardless of their life circumstances.”

Each year the Museum transforms its multi-level contemporary building into a vibrant, club-like atmosphere, while showcasing their immersive art and playscapes. Gala guests will have free rein inside the 50,000-square-foot Museum and be encouraged to play in the installations, including sliding down the 40-foot slide of El Más Allá (Panca), climbing up into the room-sized crocheted Whammock! (Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam) and engaging in a magical theater experience in Teatro Piñata (David Reynoso).

To build on the “greatest show on earth” theme, Island Avenue in front of the Museum will serve as the colorful “big top” with a fair-inspired midway complete with Ferris wheel, food, cocktails, engaging games and booths. Guests will be dazzled and delighted by performances both inside and outside the Museum, including feats of strength and fortune tellers. There will be a pre-event reception for the Gala Honorary Committee and VIP ticket holders, including the opportunity to be among the first to ride the Ferris wheel and experience exclusive performances.

“Playful costumes have long been a hallmark of The New Children’s Museum galas and part of what makes our events so much fun,” added Dr. Laurie Mitchell. “While dressing up is always optional, we anticipate our guests will express their creativity with circus and carnival-inspired attire.”

Forgoing a live or silent auction, the Museum will have multiple opportunities for gala guests to “fund a need” via an art show, games and onsite donations.

www.thinkplaycreate.org/circus-spectacular