Glazer Children's Museum

Every year at GCM is filled with curiosity, imagination, and PLAY... and Fiscal Year 2023 was no different! 🌈💜 Take a look at our Annual Report and play back the memories and milestones our board, staff, and partners in play helped us create and achieve in 2023. https://lnkd.in/ebPQbeeM

Today I have the pleasure and joy of finally announcing a BIG SECRET I have been keeping for weeks 🤐 !!! I am thrilled to announce that I have taken on a new role at the Glazer Children's Museum as their new Giving Manager! I am excited to transition into the incredible world of fundraising where I will be collaborating with corporate partners to help advance our mission to bring the joy of learning through play to all the families in Tampa Bay! As I was setting up my new office, I couldn't help but reminisce on the last three years of managing the wonderful team of Playologist and overseeing the guest experience here at the museum. I am so thankful for the opportunity to train and grow the team and to work on various projects like Birthday Bash, developing an outreach program, and creating and standardizing procedures for the museum throughout my time here at GCM. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the exceptional leadership and mentorship I received from Pam Hillestad, our VP of Play and Learning as well. I am so thankful for your wisdom and guidance over the last few years in gaining a deep understanding of the importance of play and learning and how all of the educational programs we offer help build and support the fundamentals of childhood development and help stir up curiosity in children. This place is truly magical and inspiring and a place where all are welcome to play and learn together. I have never been part of an organization as passionate about their community as GCM. I could tell you countless stories of little brains growing in curiosity, families learning and trying new things together, nonverbal kids saying their first words, caregivers learning how to support their littles, and so much more because of the wonderful work we do here at the museum. Of course, I will end this with a shameless plug so prepare to be sick of me as I will continue to talk non-stop about the museum and our mission! haha 😜 If you want to support the future of our children and continue to provide families and children with access to this amazing non-profit, please consider donating to the museum, and let's talk about how we can collaborate to continue to bring the joy of play to Tampa Bay! 😃 https://lnkd.in/ewJu5ChU Below is a picture of my first name badge back in May of 2021 through my most recent tag given to me last May. Cheers to three years at GCM and here's to many more!

Evening of Play was an evening of fun! 🤸🌈✨ Parachute play, Gaga Ball, endless building with Imagination Playground, a Baby John appearance, a Human Hamster Wheel... our guests put the ayyyyyy in play 👈😎👉 View even more pictures from the night in this photo album, available until June 14! https://lnkd.in/eD9AvhPE Having major FOMO? Don't worry, maybe you'll play with us next year 😉 And special thanks to our friends at Melting Spot Social for whipping up the specialty cocktail of the night!

A night at the museum awaits at Evening of Play! 🤹♀️🎈 Purchase tickets today for this active, playful, and exciting opportunity for you to support your favorite non-profit children’s museum. Bring out your silly side to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and special guests, all while exploring Glazer Children’s Museum in a fun new way. https://lnkd.in/e-zqC7Yq

Join Team GCM! 🤸✨🌈 We're looking for a talented and playful fundraiser to join our team as a Giving Manager! Bring your expertise to help us continue building a community of corporate donors through partnerships and special events. Together, we'll be able to foster engaging play experiences for all children and families! GlazerMuseum.org/careers https://lnkd.in/eR3VQmFD https://lnkd.in/e6nRtv4k

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood 🌳🏡 Our friends at WEDU PBS invited Team GCM to their first-ever Be My Neighbor Day! #TeamGCM Members Emily, Megan, and Samantha went and brought play to the neighborhood through rain and shine! They shared the magic of GCM with 300 guests, including information on our access programs AND Big John 💚🦴

Don't mind us, just reminiscing about our annual fundraising event, Imagination Factory! Our guests' and sponsors' playfulness and generosity made it possible for us to reach our goal of increasing our Title One School Scholarships to 7,000! Now, more Title One students than ever before can experience a free field trip to GCM 🌈✨ Thank you to everyone who made this night possible and for coming to enjoy a night at the Imagination Factory, where play is made 🤖💜

There's no slowing us down! In 2023, we saw almost 250,000 visitors, surpassing all previous attendance figures, and extended over $1 million worth of free access to families across Tampa Bay through our financial access programs! Play is for everyone and it's with help from donors and people like you that we can do what we do 💜🌈 https://lnkd.in/eyapsS5Q

#TeamGCM had a blast hosting Blippi's bestie, Meekah! Meekah was a dino detective and learned all about Big John and his world of prehistoric pals. Have about 13 minutes to spare? Watch her video featuring the dinomite fun below! https://lnkd.in/esRC-Vr3

Keep voting for GCM for Best Children's Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best awards! WE'RE IN SPOT 11 🤩 Keep voting daily until February 12 and help us crack the top 10! 💜✨ If we get into the top 10, we'll make the final list AND be able to reach new GCM friends from all over the country, possibly even the world 😎🌍 By voting, you're helping us bring new visitors to Tampa! Vote directly at the link below! No email or sign-up necessary.