'Grown-Ups Gala' To Benefit Friends Of North Shore Children's Museum

PEABODY, MA — The only museum on the North Shore specifically geared toward children is offering a chance for their parents to enjoy a fun night out for a good cause this spring with the museum's first "Grown-Ups Gala" set for the Black Box Theater in Peabody on May 17.

The North Shore Children's Museum special cocktail party will raise funds to support the museum's newly created 501(c)(3) Friends of North Shore Children's Museum. The initiative helps supplement the cost of income-based admission prices, educational exhibits and robust program offerings.

"Since opening in October 2022, we've welcomed over 50,000 visitors to our space at 10 Main Street in Peabody and 25 percent of those visitors have come for free or on a significantly reduced ticket price," Executive Director Ali Haydock said. "Philanthropy allows us to offer income-based admission so everyone can enjoy and benefit from our museum. We are also proud to offer 100 percent of our special programs at zero additional cost. Donations make this possible."

The theme for this year's gala is "A Night at the Carnival" and will feature special performers like magicians, jugglers, and live music.

Carnival games will help raise funds for the museum, and silent and live auctions will include unique items from local businesses and experiences including hot air balloon rides, sky diving, Patriots suite tickets, a trip to St. Thomas, and more.

Guest Emcee Katie Thompson from Channel 5 WCVB will be on stage throughout the night.

"We are excited to gather the community and our supporters for the Grown-Ups Gala," Mayor Ted Bettencourt said. "As the only children's museum in northeast Massachusetts, access is an important part of our mission. Donations support programs like our $3 tickets for EBT and WIC card holders. From the start, this museum has been a place for everyone and your support ensures that can continue."

Bettencourt said: "It's been tremendous to see the city and broader North Shore come together to support and enjoy the museum over the past 18 months since it opened on Main Street."

Tickets for the Grown-Ups Gala are on sale now here.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Haydock at 978-538-5776.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)