Join Us for an Unforgettable & Festive Night of Fundraising

The Louisiana Children’s Museum’s 26th annual fundraising gala, Play Soirée (formerly CHARISHish the Children), will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the museum’s stunning 8.5-acre campus in the heart of City Park.

Play Soirée is the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM)’s biggest fundraiser, bringing together champions of education and child development from across the community to support LCM’s mission to be a relevant solution to the challenges and aspirations of our community.

This special evening also allows us to honor and celebrate positively impactful contributors and philanthropists in our community while offering adults a unique opportunity to explore the museum, usually reserved for children. The museum will be transformed into a curated experience for adults –because grown-ups deserve the chance to play, too! The event will be preceded by an awards ceremony at 6 p.m., followed by the patron party at 7 p.m. Gala guests are invited to enjoy the museum from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. Wear your best cocktail attire with a Goodnight Moon flair, and come party for a great cause! Get Your Tickets Here.

The evening will begin with the prestigious Great Friend to Kids Award, recognizing Anne and King Milling, and Tracy and Calvin Mackie for their invaluable contributions to the community.

The patron party to follow will feature live music, unique bites, and exclusive early access to the museum and silent auction. Savor delicious food crafted by Dickie Brennan & Co. Catering & Events alongside specialty cocktails and spirits. The main event will feature interactive activities, silent auctions with artworks and experiences, a raffle for special Taylor Swift/Four Seasons New Orleans package and sparkling jewelry by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, and live music by Raw Deal, New Orleans’ soul funk party experience.

2024 Gala Co-chairs:

Emily Wolff & Josh Cox and Rebecca Maisel & Hattie Collins.

This year’s gala theme – Goodnight Moon on the Lagoon – promises an enchanting evening inspired by the beloved children’s book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.

• Event: Louisiana Children’s Museum’s Play Soirée
• Location: LCM in City Park, 15 Henry Thomas Dr.
• Date: Saturday, September 21
• Gala Timeline:
  • 6-7 pm, Great Friend to Kids Award Ceremony honoring Anne and King Milling, and Tracy and Calvin Mackie.
  • 7-8 pm, Patron Party featuring live music, unique bites, and early access to the museum.
  • 8-11 pm, gala with live music, silent auction, Taylor Swift and jewelry raffle, and other Goodnight Moon-themed activations.
• Parking: Guests can park in the LCM lots on Henry Thomas Drive and across the street from the museum along Roosevelt Mall. Uber and Lyft are highly encouraged.
• Check-in: LCM staff and volunteers will check in guests on the museum’s front porch.
• Theme: Goodnight Moon on the Lagoon (Inspired by the classic children’s book Goodnight Moon).
• Attire: Cocktail Attire with a Goodnight Moon flair.
• Tickets: Get Your Tickets Here

**All proceeds from the gala will directly support LCM’s mission to foster learning through play, shared exploration, and strong relationships. Participation helps LCM provide integral financial support for the organization and ensures the museum is accessible to all children and caregivers in our region. **

Interested in sponsoring or donating auction items to The Play Soirée? Contact Lesley-Anne Rey, Development Manager, at lrey@lcm.org or (504) 266-2414.