Raising Play and Possibilities – Ben Drutman and Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation
As a father of three young children, I’ve come to deeply value organizations that invest in early childhood development. Those early years are so important – they shape how kids learn, interact, and see the world. The first time I visited Pretend City Children’s Museum, it didn’t take long for me to realize that it was something special. It wasn’t just a place to take kids for a fun afternoon; it was a place where children learn, explore, and build confidence through play.
Seeing that impact firsthand made supporting Pretend City feel like a natural fit for me, and why I joined the board of directors and serve on the inaugural Playraiser: Building Big Dreams committee. I could immediately tell that what Pretend City does reaches far beyond entertainment. It’s meaningful, intentional work that truly benefits children and families in our community.
One of the most powerful things Pretend City offers is the chance for children to build critical life skills during their most formative years. Through play, they naturally develop confidence, creativity, problem-solving, and social skills—often without even realizing it. Every interaction, role, and imagined scenario becomes part of that growth.
Just as important is how Pretend City invites families into the experience. It creates a rare space where parents and caregivers can slow down, engage, and connect with their children through uninterrupted, imaginative play. That blend of child development and family connection is what makes their mission so impactful—and why I believe in it so strongly.
One moment in particular really captured that for me. I was visiting with my daughter, and we were playing in the auto shop exhibit, “working” on a car together. Out of nowhere, a young boy we had never met walked in and immediately joined us. There were no introductions, no instructions – he just stepped right into the experience.
Within seconds, we were all in character, taking on different roles as if we had known each other forever. We worked side by side, performing an oil change, rotating tires, and even logging inventory into the shop computer. Our imaginations took over completely. For those ten minutes, we weren’t strangers – we were just a team of mechanics getting the job done.
What struck me was how natural and seamless it all felt. That environment allowed all of us – kids and adults alike – to be creative, curious, and fully engaged without hesitation. It wasn’t just play. It was collaboration. It was problem-solving. It was connection. And to me, that small moment perfectly represents the kind of experience Pretend City creates every single day.
I think a lot of people see Pretend City as simply a fun place to take their kids. And it absolutely is! But what I wish more people understood is how intentional every part of it really is. Nothing there is accidental. Every exhibit, every interaction, every opportunity to play has been thoughtfully designed to help children grow.
For me, supporting Pretend City is about investing in those moments and in the long-term development of our children. It’s about making sure that more families have access to a place where play becomes purposeful and where learning feels like joy.
At the end of the day, it’s those small, powerful moments – like becoming “mechanics” for an afternoon – that remind me why this work matters so much.
