Circle of Friends Donates $225,000 to Kidspace Children’s Museum

Circle of Friends, the volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Kidspace Children’s Museum, held its Annual Meeting and Brunch on April 27, 2023 at The Valley Hunt Club recognizing fundraising efforts for the 2022-2023 year, in addition to celebrating its outgoing and incoming Board members.

Circle of Friends’ outgoing Board President Christine Muller and Benefit Chairs Jessica Cavic and Karen Sarabia presented a check for $225,000 to Kidspace Children’s Museum’s Chief Development Officer Natalie Dolishny, Board President Carrie Walker and Board Member David Ulick. The funds were raised during Circle of Friends’ Annual Benefit on Feb. 4, 2023, which consisted of a silent and live auction, raffle, dinner and dancing at the Jonathan Club. All funds will go towards Kidspace’s “Access for All” program, which includes monthly Free Family Nights, Kidspace camp scholarships, discounted admission for veterans and their families, free and reduced-cost school field trips, discounted admission for families with EBT cards, and virtual learning classes for LAUSD students.

The event also honored the work of Circle of Friends’ 2022-2023 Board leaders and inducted its new Board for the 2023-2024 year. Pasadena resident Annie Hewett will serve as Circle of Friends’ new president.

Kidspace leaders who provide meaningful assistance and guidance to Circle of Friends’ fundraising and volunteering efforts were also in attendance, including Events and Special Programs Manager Eric Brown, Development Coordinator Lisah Malika and Office Manager Chrissa Mobayen.

Established in 1991, Circle of Friends has raised nearly $5 million in support of Kidspace’s operating budget. The volunteer organization’s purpose is strictly charitable and consists of approximately 100 women from Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena and the surrounding communities. For more information about Circle of Friends, visit www.kidspacecircleoffriends.org and follow on Instagram at @kidspace_circleoffriends.

Kidspace Children’s Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational and cultural institution committed to serving the needs and interests of children and families. The museum hosts nearly 380,000 guests each year on a beautiful, 3.5-acre outdoor campus with more than 40 hands-on exhibits, a live animal collection, and a variety of creative play spaces and water features. Kidspace offers a wide array of free and discounted programs, field trips, and digital resources for schools to maximize access for children and educators. For more information about Kidspace Children’s Museum, visit www.kidspacemuseum.org and follow on Instagram at @kidspacemuseum.