Marsha & Merritt Long received the “Great Friend to Kids Award.”
The Hands On Children’s Museum hosted Olympia’s favorite outdoor garden party, the Summer Splash! The fundraiser brings together 400 community and business leaders to support Access for All at the Museum. Held under the twinkle lights in the Museum’s beautiful half-acre Outdoor Discovery Center, the space was transformed into a “Sunset Soiree” with tropical plants, glowing orchids, and colorful uplighting the Museum’s vintage schooner.
Shannon & Jeff Delvin
The gala included the presentation of the “Great Friends to Kids Award” to Marsha Tadano Long and her husband Merritt Long for their significant contributions to strengthen education and advance the interest of children. A video showcasing the Museum’s work with the Washington State Department of Corrections to re-imagine family visiting rooms to strengthening family bonds and creating positive memories was also shared.
The Gala was the most successful fundraiser in Hands On history, raising nearly $700,000 to support free and reduced-fee access programs along with engaging learning experiences.