Mariner Foundation — Opening Doors for Every Child
For the Mariner Foundation, supporting Pretend City Children’s Museum isn’t just philanthropy — it’s rooted in lived experience. Their connection to the museum began with the joyful visits of one of their own: Scott Mesa, an employee of Mariner Wealth Advisors, who recommended Pretend City as the beneficiary of a $5,000 grant for Access for All programs.
Long before the foundation made its first gift, Pretend City had already become a cherished part of Scott’s family life. “We brought my first child here many times when she was young — she’s now nine,” he shared. “Our four-year-old just came to Breakfast with Santa and loved it. She’s still talking about her time at Pretend City.” Those early memories sparked a deeper appreciation for the museum’s mission and the impact it has on families across the community.
What resonated most with Scott and the foundation was Pretend City’s unwavering commitment to early childhood development, inclusivity, and access. They saw firsthand how the museum creates a safe, welcoming environment where children learn through play and parents find meaningful support. As Scott became more involved — through board relationships, research, and ongoing conversations — supporting Pretend City felt like a natural extension of values they already shared.
A Safe Space Where Every Child Belongs
When asked what he believes is Pretend City’s most important work, Scott didn’t hesitate: creating a space where all children can learn, grow, and explore freely.
Pretend City is such a safe space for kids to learn through play and for parents to find early childhood–focused resources,” he said. “We love how inclusive Pretend City is to all of our community members.
That intentional inclusivity — reflected in exhibits, programming, and culture — is a core reason the Mariner Foundation felt compelled to invest.
Investing in Access for All
The foundation’s philanthropic focus aligns seamlessly with Pretend City’s belief that every child deserves access to high-quality early learning experiences. Their $5,000 grant supports Access for All, a suite of initiatives designed to remove barriers for underserved families.
This support helps fund:
- Free tickets distributed through nonprofit partners serving at-risk children
- Free Title I school field trips
- Free Neurodivergent Family Nights
- Access-driven programs like Museums for All that keep Pretend City affordable
We are excited to partner with the amazing leadership team of Pretend City to make these vital program offerings possible, Scott said. Our investment helps create moments of joy, discovery, and connection for families who might otherwise never experience the museum.
More Than a Museum
While Pretend City is widely known as a children’s museum, the Mariner Foundation hopes more people recognize the depth of its impact.
“Pretend City is a community asset,” Scott emphasized. “It’s a partner for education, a resource for parents and caregivers, and a true investor in early childhood development.”
Scott’s own commitment to community — including his volunteer work with The Association of Latino Professionals of America — aligns naturally with Pretend City’s mission of inclusivity, mentorship, and helping all children grow into happy, productive members of society.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The Mariner Foundation’s support reflects a shared belief in the power of play, the importance of early learning, and the need to create spaces where every child feels seen and supported. And perhaps the most meaningful endorsement comes from Scott’s own children, who continue to carry their Pretend City memories with them — a reminder of why this work matters and why investing in early childhood experiences strengthens the entire community.
