Children's Museum of Manhattan to Hold Annual Gala

The Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) will host its annual, fundraising event celebrating a year's worth of joyful environments and arts programs that promote fun and learning on Wednesday, October 25th at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, in New York City.

Honorees include halley k harrisburg and Michael Rosenfeld, owners of the Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, who will be presented with the Laurie M. Tisch Award. The Corporate Leadership Award will be presented to The Toy Association™ and The Genius of Play™.

Proceeds from the night will help fund the programs and services the Museum delivers to 350,000 people each year at its Upper West Side location (212 West 83rd Street) and to thousands more through outreach programs at schools, libraries, homeless shelters, Head Start centers, and hospitals throughout New York City.

The Laurie M. Tisch Award is presented to an individual, or family, who exemplify the civic spirit, visionary leadership and philanthropic commitment to positive social change of CMOM founding Board Member Laurie M. Tisch. This year halley k harrisburg and Michael Rosenfeld will receive this award in recognition of their unwavering support for the Museum, their deep commitment to the arts, creativity, and diversity, and in honor of halley's service on the CMOM Board of Directors.

The Corporate Leadership Award is presented annually to entities demonstrating philanthropic leadership and dedication to the arts, children, health, and education. This year, The Toy Association™ and The Genius of Play™ will receive this award for their commitment to raising awareness of the vital role of play in child development. The Toy Association™ and the Children's Museum also celebrate the 10th anniversary of PlayHelps. This partnership launched programming designed to help children express their emotions through play in response to the ravages of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. PlayHelps programming has subsequently been adapted by Louisiana Children's Museum and continues today.

In 2017, CMOM's accomplishments have included securing a national travel schedule for their groundbreakingAmerica to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far exhibit. It will travel to Tennessee, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. The Children's Museum has also expanded its work with New York City agencies, providing health and literacy resources and training to 24 Head Start centers and homeless shelters. All the Way to K and Beyond! is CMOM's newest initiative, which offers parents and caregivers resources and activities to help build their child's language and literacy. With funds raised at the Gala, CMOM is poised to make even greater contributions allowing it to improve the lives of children and families for years to come.

To purchase tickets or learn more about the gala, visit cmom.org/gala.

For more information about the Children's Museum, please visit www.cmom.org