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U.S. Bank
Powers Play and Possibility for Families at Pretend City

At Pretend City Children’s Museum, we believe that every child deserves access to high-quality early learning experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical developmental skills. Our work is built on the idea that play is not just fun — it is the foundation of learning. Pretend City is proud to highlight U.S. Bank as a valued supporter that shares our commitment to opening doors of opportunity for children and families.

Through a generous $15,000 contribution for Pretend City’s Museums for All program and a $5,000 sponsorship of our Start Smart Luncheon, U.S. Bank is helping children from all walks of life access Pretend City’s resources and thrive in their most critical, formative years. Together, we are making play and learning possible for thousands of children across Orange County and beyond.

Museums for All: Breaking Down Barriers to Early Learning

Economic hardship should never stand in the way of a child’s opportunity to learn and grow. With support from U.S. Bank, Pretend City’s Museums for All program opens our doors to families who may otherwise be unable to visit. By offering free and reduced-cost admission, Museums for All ensures that children from low-income households can participate in interactive exhibits, hands-on programs, and creative play experiences that support their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

In 2024 alone, Pretend City welcomed more than 17,000 visitors through Museums for All. These children and families not only gained access to joyful play, but also to important resources — from developmental screenings and parent resources to connections with community services. The $15,000 contribution from U.S. Bank strengthens this impact, allowing Pretend City to continue to expand outreach and welcome even more families in need.

“All of us deserve to experience the joy we receive from opportunities to play, create and immerse in arts and culture. We’re proud to work with organizations like Pretend City to help more people access the benefits of play and make our communities stronger and more vibrant,” said Wendy Chau, community affairs manager, Orange County/LA Central Coast, at U.S. Bank.

Start Smart: Celebrating and Sustaining Impact

In addition to supporting Museums for All, U.S. Bank served as a sponsor of Pretend City’s 2025 Start Smart Luncheon — our signature fundraising event that brings together community leaders, educators, and advocates for early childhood education. Its $5,000 sponsorship helped power an inspiring day of philanthropy that raised critical funds for Pretend City’s programs.

The Start Smart Luncheon is more than a fundraiser; it is a rallying point for the belief that when we invest in children early, we shape the future of our community. The support from U.S. Bank for the luncheon amplifies this message and underscores its dedication to powering human potential right here in Orange County.

Volunteering:

U.S. Bank employees also give as volunteers, and Pretend City has benefited from its team of volunteers over the past couple of years at our annual Start Smart Luncheon, Summer Soiree, and Poker Challenge.

“Pretend City Children’s Museum has been a cornerstone of early learning and foundational play experiences for generations, my family included.  It is my personal and professional joy to give back and serve on Pretend City’s Development Committee advocating for children and their families.”, shared Lori Irving, Assistant VP, Project Manager, Law Division, U.S. Bank.

A Shared Vision Through Community Possible

Working with Pretend City aligns closely with the bank’s Community Possible platform, which focuses on three key areas: Work, Home, and Play. Through “Play,” U.S. Bank supports charitable investments in community programs that expand opportunities for children and adults to play, create, and connect.

Pretend City embodies this vision by providing a one-of-a-kind space where children can learn through play, parents can engage in meaningful bonding experiences, and families can connect with community resources that help them thrive. The collaboration with U.S. Bank demonstrates how corporate philanthropy can be deeply local, fueling transformative change where families live, work, and grow.

Creating opportunities for our community requires resources, and we appreciate the support from U.S. Bank, which helps us continue to build and expand the innovative programs we’re proud to offer, said Ellen Pais, Pretend City’s Executive Director.