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Pretend City Children’s Museum 9th Annual Start Smart FUNdraising Luncheon Raises Over $225,000
IRVINE, California (April 2026) – Guests gathered at the Newport Beach Country Club for Pretend City Children’s Museum’s 9th Annual Start Smart Luncheon on April 17. The event raised over $225,000 with proceeds funding early childhood development and learning for Pretend City. ‘Start Smart’ brought together champions - corporate and community leaders, education experts, and donors - who understand that healthy child development, early intervention, and play are critical for school readiness...
Six Youth Leaders Graduate from Pretend City’s Youth Board, Leaving Space for the Next Generation of Changemakers
As college acceptance letters arrive across the country, Pretend City Children’s Museum proudly celebrates the graduation of six outstanding members of its Youth Leadership Board. These teens have made a meaningful impact on the museum and their community, growing...
Pretend City Children’s Museum 8th Annual Start Smart FUNdraising Luncheon Raises Over $210,000
Guests gathered at the Newport Beach Country Club for Pretend City Children’s Museum’s 8th Annual Start Smart Luncheon on April 25. The event raised over $210,000 with proceeds funding early childhood programming for Pretend City. ‘Start Smart’ brought together...
Executive Director Ellen Pais Recognized as Woman of Distinction by State Senator Steven Choi
Pretend City Children’s Museum is proud to announce that Executive Director Ellen Pais has been honored as a Woman of Distinction by California State Senator Steven Choi, representing the 37th Senate District. This recognition celebrates Ellen’s visionary leadership...
Get Ready to Roll, Race, and Build at Pretend City’s Summer Exhibit: Tube-a-Palooza
This summer, families are invited to experience a whirlwind of STEAM-powered fun at Tube-a-Palooza, a limited-time exhibit at Pretend City Children’s Museum. Running now through September 1, this immersive adventure invites children to explore a vibrant world of...
Six Youth Leaders Graduate from Pretend City’s Youth Board, Leaving Space for the Next Generation of Changemakers
As college acceptance letters arrive across the country, Pretend City Children’s Museum proudly celebrates the graduation of six outstanding members of its Youth Leadership Board. These teens have made a meaningful impact on the museum and their community, growing...
Pretend City Children’s Museum 8th Annual Start Smart FUNdraising Luncheon Raises Over $210,000
Guests gathered at the Newport Beach Country Club for Pretend City Children’s Museum’s 8th Annual Start Smart Luncheon on April 25. The event raised over $210,000 with proceeds funding early childhood programming for Pretend City. ‘Start Smart’ brought together...
Executive Director Ellen Pais Recognized as Woman of Distinction by State Senator Steven Choi
Pretend City Children’s Museum is proud to announce that Executive Director Ellen Pais has been honored as a Woman of Distinction by California State Senator Steven Choi, representing the 37th Senate District. This recognition celebrates Ellen’s visionary leadership...
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