Please note: The museum will be closed to the public on Friday, October 23,
to prepare for the event.
ROCHESTER, NY—Rochester’s most playful fundraising gala returns! Join Honorary Chairs Dan and Denise Burns and Steve and Jeanne Epping for an evening of fun and festivities highlighting the power of play in Rochester and beyond at The Strong’s Play Ball on Friday, October 23, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Funds raised from Play Ball support the museum’s outreach programs and play-based educational mission.
“The Strong National Museum of Play is one of Rochester’s greatest assets, creating opportunities for children and families to learn, connect, and make lasting memories together. Play Ball is a wonderful celebration of that mission, and we’re proud to support an event that helps expand access to the museum’s programs and experiences for more families across our community,” says Dan Burns, M&T Bank Area Executive for Upstate New York and Pennsylvania.
Rochester favorites Joe Lomonaco and Nikki Rudd will emcee the evening and host a live auction that includes a VIP concert experience at CMAC, Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins premium game day experience, golf at Oak Hill, a Chef’s Table at Good Luck, and a Del Monte Lodge and Spa weekend getaway. The silent auction is open to the public and runs through the event—featuring playful packages such as one-of-a-kind autographed sports memorabilia, unique experiences, toys and games, and more.
“Play has a unique ability to bring people together, spark curiosity, and create moments that stay with us for a lifetime. Through Play Ball, our community comes together in support of The Strong’s mission to inspire learning, imagination and discovery, ensuring future generations can experience the same sense of wonder that makes this museum so special,” says Steve Epping, M&T Bank Rochester Regional President.
Throughout the evening, guests can savor irresistible cuisine courtesy of Wegmans and sip creative cocktails from Good Luck’s team of mixologists. Guests will also enjoy music from DJ Naps of BreakThrough Entertainment and playful stilt walkers from Aerial Arts.
Leading Play Ball sponsors include Mary C. Valentine, M&T Bank, Ed and Shari Charitable Foundation, Wegmans, Broadstone Net Lease Inc., Crowley Webb, Entertainment Software Association, ePlus, Inc., ESL Federal Credit Union, Hasbro, LeChase Construction Services LLC, Good Luck, OnServices, and The Toy Association.
About The Strong
The Strong is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the history and exploration of play. It is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play and houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play.
