2025 Date to be Announced | Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
Welcome to an awe-inspiring event where adults come together to unleash their imagination and craftsmanship through PLAY! Sparking their inner child, teams of 6 will use an array of loose parts to design and build extraordinary sculptures. Spectators are invited to witness their craft firsthand, cheering them on as they bring their visions to life. With interactive experiences, themed challenges, and opportunities for collaboration, this event promises to ignite creativity and foster teamwork like never before.
Award Winners
Judges Choice 1
Brennan Companies
Top Fundraiser
Exclusively Diamonds
Judges Choice 2
Schwickert's
Judges Choice 3 & People's Choice
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Thank you all that were involved!
Committee
Back Row: Jamie Jacobs (chair), APX Construction Group Jessica Wolfe, Taylor Corporation Carrie Kijenski, Goodtimes Manufacturing Sue Schwickert Becky Wagner, West Bank Front Row: Courtney Malone, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Crystal Olson, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Christi Wilking, Mayo Clinic Health System Jenna Worrell, Taylor Corporation Nicole Bardon, Hatanpa Insurance Agency Jaci Sprague, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Not Pictured: Josh Mazur, Mankato Clinic Jenny Benzel, Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
Judges
Heidi Boyum Sarah Richards, Jones Metal, Inc. Sue Schwickert Charlie Liftridge, Carnegie Art Center Supt. Paul Peterson, Mankato Area Public Schools
Agenda
5:30pm
Team Arrival
6-7pm
Cocktail Hour
serving light apps
7-8pm
Show
8-8:30pm
Judging
8:30pm
Announcement of Winners
8:45pm
Free Play
Attention all creative and crafty minds!
REGISTER YOUR TEAM
Cost: $1500/team | 12 teams max
Join us for an exhilarating event where twelve teams of six adults will ignite their imagination and craftsmanship through PLAY! Spark your inner child as you collaborate with your teammates to design and build extraordinary sculptures using an array of loose parts.
Gather your friends and colleagues as we showcase our ingenuity and camaraderie in action for a great cause!
Light apps included. Cash bar.
Space is limited – get your tickets before they sell out!
GET YOUR TICKET
Cost: $100/each
Spectators are invited to witness the teams craft their exhibits firsthand, cheering them on as they bring their visions to life.
Light apps included. Cash bar.
Become a Sponsor
Welcome to an extraordinary opportunity to support creativity and teamwork!
We invite your business to be a sponsor of our exciting new fundraising event, promising excellent visibility and engagement with over 200 participants and spectators in a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere. In addition to brand exposure, several sponsorship levels include complimentary tickets to join in the fun either as a spectator or team! Enjoy music, food, and entertainment as you watch the teams build extraordinary (or not) sculptures. Join us in making this unforgettable event possible while showcasing your commitment to the community—become a sponsor today!
Sponsorship Levels
Presenting “IGNITE” Sponsor | $10,000
- VIP Lounge for 20 in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft or
ONE complimentary team with 10 tickets. - Drink Tickets, VIP Beverage Services, Appetizers
- Largest logo on all marketing: electronic program, posters, projection screens, signage, promotional media
- Logo on Children’s Museum website & Facebook
- On-air recognition with our on air and Media Sponsors
- Event recognition throughout the program
- Premier Event Signage in multiple locations
- Signature Drink
- Corporate Partner Membership valued at $5,000
- Opportunity to speak at the event
“FLAME” Sponsor | $5,000
- VIP Lounge for: 10 in Cecil’s Imagineering Loft or
ONE complimentary team. - Corporate Partner Membership valued at $1,000
- Drink Tickets, VIP Beverage Service, Appetizers
- Logo on marketing: electronic program, posters, signage, promotional media
- Logo on Children’s Museum’s website & Facebook
- Event recognition
“SPARK” Sponsor | $2,500
- 8 tickets and includes appetizers
- Drink Tickets + VIP Beverage Service, Appetizers
- Logo on marketing: electronic program, posters, signage, promotional media
- Logo on Children’s Museum’s website & Facebook
- Event recognition
“EMBER” Sponsor | $500
- 4 tickets
- Logo on marketing: electronic program, posters, signage, promotional media
- Logo on website
“Kindling” Sponsor | $155
- Monetary donation towards sponsoring Family Membership for a child and family experiencing barriers to Play.
- Can’t make it? You can still make an impact.
- Electronic program and social media recognition
Team Registration | $1500
- Team of six adults includes ticket to the event.
- Drink Tickets and appetizers
- Logo/Team Name on marketing: electronic program, posters, signage, promotional media
- Logo/Team Name on Children’s Museum’s website & Facebook
- Event recognition
- Team Shirt with custom team name
- Fundraising tool-kit provided.
Event Partner | TBD
- In-Kind support of the event
IGNITE THE NIGHT SPONSORS
IGNITE
FLAME
SPARK
EMBER
- Ignite
- Taylor Corporation
- Flame
- APX Construction
- KPGM
- Spark
- ISG
- Jarraff Industries
- Mankato Motors
- The Free Press
- Radio Mankato
- Ember
- ABDO
- Community Bank
- Community Insurance
- Frandsen Bank & Trust
- Guaranteed Electric Services
- Hatanpa
- Herdstar
- Mayo Clinic Health System
- Snell
- United Prairie Bank
- Kindling
- West Bank
Ready to join the Ignite Society?
Become a member by donating $500 or more today.
FAQs
01.
— Why is the Museum launching the IGNITE SOCIETY?
In celebration of the support the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota receives each year, we are launching the Ignite Society to show our most invested donors the impact they provide through a variety of recognition and engagement opportunities. With special events and advanced notice about new exhibits, we hope the Ignite Society will deepen our donors’ relationship with the Museum and encourage more support for the Museum in the future.
02.
— Why does the Museum need support?
Admission and membership revenue alone does not balance the Museum’s budget each year. We depend on donations to not only close the gap not covered by fees. More importantly donations provide a margin of excellence at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota allowing us to focus on creating engaging experiences for all children.
03.
— How can I join the IGNITE SOCIETY?
It’s easy! Simply make a gift or pledge of $500 or more to our Annual Fund. Gifts can be made through a one-time contribution or by setting up multiple payments throughout a 12-month period. You can give online here or by calling Louise Dickmeyer at 507.344.9104.