City Lights>>

What is City Lights?

City Lights is a group of generous individuals who support Pretend City’s vision to ensure every young child experiences the joy of learning through play. Collectively donors invest in bringing children and families a high quality and unique environment where foundational skills are built for a lifetime of success and well-being.

A message from our City Lights Co-Chairs, Janice Christensen & Jolie Nguyen Wyatt

What’s the Issue?

Only half of Orange County’s children are developmentally ready for kindergarten, regardless of income level. (Source: Conditions of Children Report, First 5 Orange County)

Children are considered developmentally ready for school if they are on track in all five domains: social competence, physical health & well-being, emotional maturity, communication skills & general knowledge, and language & cognitive development. In a study of our kindergarteners, children were least ready in their prosocial and helping behavior (59% not ready or somewhat ready), communication skills and general knowledge (58%), overall social competence (54%) and gross and fine motor skills (48%).

How Can I Help?

What happens in early childhood sets the course of a child’s whole life. 90% of a child’s critical brain development happens by age 5. (Source: Center on the Developing Child of Harvard University)

In addition to the important immersive play you’re giving young children, you’re helping ensure Pretend City can offer free developmental and health screenings, parent education, Neurodivergent Family Nights and Title 1 field trips, as well as cultural programming.

Let’s Light Up The City, Together!

Join today with your gift of $1,000. There are no limits to what your gift can do for Pretend City’s kids.
Your generosity ignites the boundless opportunities found in Pretend City where play has purpose, learning is endless, and parents find crucial support.

To learn more, contact Barbara Powers at barbara.powers@pretendcity.org

March
Grand Opening of Family moving into Home
March 27

April
Cultural Celebration – KIDSTOCK Music & Arts Festival
(April 3-14 – event TBD)

Start Smart Luncheon
April 26 at Newport Beach Country Club.
Tickets $175 & sponsorship opportunities available.

May
Meet Me at the Museum – Grand Opening of Summer Games in the City
May 30 (bring a friend)

June
Volunteer Impact Day with Second Harvest
June 7

July
Summer Soiree
July 18 Tickets & sponsorship opportunities available.

National Ice Cream Day Celebration
July 21

August
Pretend City’s 15th Birthday Celebration
August 30

September
Grandparents Day
September 8

October
Annual Poker Challenge
October 24 at Big Canyon Country Club.
Tickets & sponsorship opportunities available.

November
Exclusive member event
Light Up the City Celebration  TBD

December
Volunteer Impact Day with Second Harvest
December 6