Children’s Museum of Atlanta evokes childhood memories with inaugural play-inspired gala: Imagination Ball, April 22
Whimsical benefit supporting the power of play will be held at the Stave Room at American Spirit Works
Children’s Museum of Atlanta welcomes guests to experience its inaugural Imagination Ball presented by Chick-fil-A, Inc. On Saturday, April 22, the Stave Room at American Spirit Works will transform into an adults-only wonderland that inspires guests to rediscover the power of imagination, fantasy, storytelling and childhood.
This inaugural benefit, an evolution of Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s well-known Amuse’um, will take place from 7-11 p.m. Guests will celebrate the city’s only children’s museum with passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, performances by renowned cellist Okorie “OkCello” Johnson and hands-on experiences that will remind all of the pure joy of childhood play. The charity event curated by Richard Garner and featuring a beautiful seated dinner and live auction, supports the Museum’s mission to change the world by sparking every child’s imagination, sense of discovery and learning through the power of play.
Stephanie Blank, Chair of Imagination Ball, promises an enchanting evening as the Museum honors President & CEO of Crown Media Family Networks (Hallmark Channels) Wonya Lucas with the inaugural Power of Play award. Former chair of the Museum’s Board of Directors, Ms. Lucas has been instrumental to the Museum’s success since its opening in 2003. A tireless advocate of the Museum’s mission, she continues to advocate for providing children from all over Atlanta the opportunity to learn through the power of play.
“We are deeply honored that Stephanie, who has played a crucial leadership role in the creation and ongoing support of the Museum, and who is a strong and recognized advocate for children’s causes throughout the state, stepped forward to chair this inaugural evening,” said Executive Director Jane Turner. “And we are thrilled to be honoring Wonya with the Museum’s first annual Power of Play award. Wonya has been endlessly generous with her knowledge, ingenuity, time, and friendship to the Museum. Because of her strong and strategic leadership she has helped us to think big and to break down barriers to ensure that children of all backgrounds have the opportunity to experience learning through the power of play.”
Imagination Ball will include an enchanting lineup of activities, including a whiskey pull and interactives from the Museum. Patrons will also have a chance to win a one-in-a-lifetime chance at a walk-on role in a Hallmark Channel film and an exclusive in-home chef experience from Chef Duane Nutter and restauranteur Reggie Washington, whose newest restaurant is opening in summer 2022 in Summerhill. f
All proceeds raised from Imagination Ball will directly support Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s early childhood educational programming and community outreach that impacts the lives of more than 220,000 children and families annually. Serving young children, schools, parents and caretakers, the Museum has welcomed more than 3 million visitors since opening in 2003.
Understanding that meaningful play provides the essential foundation for life-long learning, Children’s Museum of Atlanta features hands-on exhibits designed to spark imagination and inspire discovery. These exhibits introduce young learners to core educational concepts, laying the groundwork that helps children succeed in school, life, and ultimately in the global economy, through the power of play.
Tickets are $250 per guest. For more information on Imagination Ball visit imaginationball.org. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities, the advancement office at 404.527.5908. To learn more about the raffle or to purchase a ticket, visit https://bit.ly/ImaginationBall2022.
