Pretend City Children’s Museum Receives $30,000 Contribution from U.S. Bank to Support Early Childhood Programs and Access
Irvine, California, (September 14, 2026) – Pretend City Children’s Museum announced that it has received a $30,000 contribution from U.S. Bank to support the museum’s work serving young children and families throughout Orange County.
The contribution includes $20,000 in support of Pretend City’s annual Start Smart Luncheon and $10,000 for the museum’s participation in Museums for All, an initiative that helps make museum experiences more accessible to families experiencing financial barriers.
“We are incredibly grateful to U.S. Bank for continuing to invest in Pretend City and the families we serve,” said Ellen Pais, CEO of Pretend City Children’s Museum. “This support helps us welcome more families through our doors while strengthening the programs and resources that give young children a strong start during their most important years of development.”
Pretend City Children’s Museum provides hands-on experiences and resources designed specifically for young children and their families. Through its learning spaces, developmental resources, community programs and family events, Pretend City creates opportunities for children to build skills, curiosity and confidence while connecting families with resources that support healthy development.
The $10,000 contribution to Museums for All will help reduce financial barriers for families who may otherwise be unable to visit the museum. Through Museums for All, eligible families can experience Pretend City at a reduced admission rate, helping ensure that more children have access to the museum’s early childhood experiences and resources. Since January 1, approximately 12,000 guests have visited Pretend City using discounted admission or membership.
For families like Esther H.’s, affordable access to Pretend City can provide ongoing opportunities for young children to grow, explore and build important skills.
“Museums for All has made it possible for our family to afford a Pretend City membership,” said Esther H., a Pretend City member. “My 18-month-old has experienced some milestone delays, and being able to visit Pretend City gives her opportunities to practice important play skills and continue working toward her developmental goals. Having access to a reduced-cost membership has made such a difference for our family.”
The additional $20,000 supported Pretend City’s 2026 Start Smart Luncheon, the museum’s annual fundraising event bringing together community leaders, supporters and partners around the importance of investing in early childhood.
“We build strong communities when people have opportunities to connect, create and be active,” said Wendy Chau, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank. “By supporting organizations like Pretend City Children’s Museum, we’re helping make communities more vibrant and inclusive.”
U.S. Bank is committed to powering human potential and creating lasting change in communities. The bank does this through the Community Possible platform, including philanthropy and team member volunteerism.
For more information about Pretend City Children’s Museum and its programs, visit www.pretendcity.org.
About U.S. Bancorp
Headquartered in Minneapolis, U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. Our three major business lines serve 15 million clients globally, and our team of nearly 70,000 people invest our hearts and minds to power human potential every day. Ranked 110th on the Fortune 500, we are deeply respected for our culture and long-term stewardship and admired for our diversified business mix and product capabilities.
About Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting healthy child development and strengthening families through purposeful experiences, community connection and resources. Located in Irvine, California, Pretend City provides hands-on learning spaces, developmental programs, family resources and community experiences designed specifically for young children.
For more information about Pretend City Children’s Museum, visit www.pretendcity.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Yessie Rosas
Marketing & Communications Manager
Pretend City Children’s Museum
949-428-3900 x 208
