Providence Children's Museum's Annual Gala Nets Nearly $67,000

On Thursday, April 3, Providence Children’s Museum welcomed over 200 guests to the Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park for its annual gala fundraiser, “Unplugged – The Way to Play.”  The festive event netted nearly $67,000 to benefit the Museum and help provide valuable play and learning opportunities for children and families in need.  The evening celebrated healthy children and strong families, and the Museum’s role in bringing families together for interactive play and learning experiences.

Generous Museum patrons bid nearly $15,000 on 66 live and silent auction items, including an E-Z-GO golf cart and a party for 50 from Flatbread Pizza Company; they also supported Museum exhibit projects to inspire children’s love of learning.  Throughout the evening, guests mingled in the vibrant gardens and enjoyed delicious fare by Russell Morin Fine Catering. 

The event honored these committed community leaders who support, advocate for and affect the well-being of children and families:

• Elizabeth Burke Bryant of East Greenwich – executive director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, a children’s policy and research organization that provides information on child well-being, stimulates dialogue on children’s issues, and promotes accountability and action.

• Dr. Rajiv Kumar of Providence – founder and CEO of Providence-based health startup ShapeUp, a venture-backed company that delivers social networking and gaming-based wellness programs to large employers and insurance companies. Under his leadership, ShapeUp has grown to include over two million people across 100 countries, serving clients including HP, Boeing, Bank of America and Aetna.

• Jamie Oliver at Home (JOAH), a direct sales business founded on British chef Jamie Oliver’s belief in better food for a better life.  Headquartered in Pawtucket, JOAH teaches that healthy food is essential to our culture and overall well-being.  Accepted by Tim Brown, founder and CEO.

• The Partnership for Providence Parks, which collaborates with the Providence Department of Parks + Recreation and community partners to provide support and resources for volunteer groups seeking to transform their neighborhood parks into thriving green spaces that reflect the needs and character of the community.  Accepted by Wendy Nilsson, executive director.

Learn how you can Fund a Need and inspire children’s love of learning!

Learn more about the Unplugged honorees.

See photos of the event, by Susan Sancomb Photography.

Providence Children's Museum Gratefully Acknowledges the Unplugged Sponsors

Unplugged Committee

Bintou Chatterton • Laura Elkhay • Wendy Gray • Suzanne M. Hall • James J. Nagelberg
Christine Peabody • Heather A. Pierce • Tiffani Schmitt-Signorelli • Krista Thomas