FUNDRAISER GALA
We’ll see you for a night of wonder,
September 18, 2026
Be a part of the celebration!
Join us for an evening of whimsy and fun — an adults-only, after-hours celebration to support our mission of enriching the lives of all children by nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and a love of lifelong learning.
Enjoy a plated dinner, a live auction, signature cocktails, decadent desserts and a night of dancing at the Museum. All Gala proceeds go toward ensuring children and families can continue to experience the joy of MoChiMu regardless of financial barriers through our self-subsidized Access Programming.
Can't make it, but still want to support our mission? Click here to donate now!
Thank you to our presenting sponsor
And thank you to our many other generous sponsors!
Valley First Credit Union
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Atherton & Associates
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Gino & Katherine Patrizio
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Greater Modesto Oral Surgery
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Huff Construction, Inc.
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Huff Energy Solutions, Inc.
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GnarledOak Financial
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Ramsbacher Prokey Leonard LLP
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Mike & Amy Donohoe
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Diane & R J Heck
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Grimbleby Coleman Advisors & Accountants
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York Orthopedic Recovery
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Valley First Credit Union | Atherton & Associates | Gino & Katherine Patrizio | Greater Modesto Oral Surgery | Huff Construction, Inc. | Huff Energy Solutions, Inc. | GnarledOak Financial | Ramsbacher Prokey Leonard LLP | Mike & Amy Donohoe | Diane & R J Heck | Grimbleby Coleman Advisors & Accountants | York Orthopedic Recovery |
Live Auction Preview
At this year’s Imagination Celebration Gala, we are excited to host a live auction to raise funds for our Access Programs here at MoChiMu. The auction will begin after dinner is served. Thank you to our many generous donors for contributing items and experiences to our live auction!
1.) Lessons with Swim Barbara
Have kids that are ready to swim? Let local swim coach, Barbara Podesto, make sure your kids are ready for swim season! This includes priority registration and one free two-week session of swim lessons at Barbara’s home in Del Rio. Donated by Barbara Podesto.
2.) Emily Shores Photography Package
Win a fun-filled 30-minute family photoshoot with local photographer Emily Shores! Capture genuine smiles, laughter, and memories your family will treasure forever. Donated by Emily Shores.
3.) Pizza & Swim Party
Skip the planning - just show up and enjoy! Brad and Nancy Hawn are opening their home for a private artisan pizza party for up to 40 guests, with every detail handled for you. Meal to include salads, pizza and desserts; wine will be available if interested! Donated by Brad & Nancy Hawn.
4.) Vacation in Tahoe
Escape to beautiful South Lake Tahoe with your choice between two fantastic resorts! Enjoy a five-day, four-night getaway filled with breathtaking scenery, year-round adventures, and the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and create unforgettable memories. Donated by Gloriamar Gamez.
5.) six-bottle bourbon collection
Own the legendary Weller Rainbow! This ultra-rare six-bottle collection from Buffalo Trace features Special Reserve, Antique 107, 12 Year, Full Proof, Single Barrel, and C.Y.P.B. — a spectacular, must-have for any bourbon enthusiast. Donated by Karen & John McCabe.
6.) Lahontan Golf Resort Package
Tee off at the world-class Lahontan Golf Club, Lake Tahoe’s premier private golf destination! Enjoy an exclusive member-hosted round for three guests, followed by lunch or dinner at the beautifully remodeled clubhouse. A paradise and challenge for golfers of all levels! Donated by Michelle & Bowen Cardoza.
7.) Stay in Pacific Grove
Escape to Pacific Grove! Enjoy a five-day, four-night stay in a beautiful four-bedroom Beach Tract home, plus a $200 gift card to The Caledonian. Relax, explore the coast, golf, dine, and experience the best of the Monterey Peninsula. Donated by Karen & John McCabe.
8.) MoChiMu Package
Make memories that matter at Modesto Children’s Museum! This exciting package includes a private event rental, birthday party package, annual membership for four, and a bundle of MoChiMu Merchandise from the Mercantile. Donated by the Modesto Children’s Museum.
9.) Signed Taylor Swift Guitar
Own a piece of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour! This acoustic 6-string guitar features iconic Eras Tour imagery and is signed by Taylor herself. Complete with a certificate of authenticity, this unforgettable collectible is every Swiftie’s dream. Donated by Anonymous.
10.) Firefighter escort to school
Make a school day unforgettable! Ride to school with the Fire Chief escorted by a Modesto Fire Dept. fire engine. Enjoy exclusive photos with firefighters, plus an optional school visit for a fun public education opportunity. Donated by the Modesto Fire Department.
11.) Wine Country getaway
Take your getaway to new heights! Enjoy a private plane ride for four to your choice of Napa or Paso Robles, complete with private car service, wine tastings at two locations, and a $100 lunch gift certificate. Donated by Jake & Katie Barber.
support mochimu and our mission to enrich the lives of all children!
Interested in supporting the 2026 Imagination Celebration as a sponsor?
LAST YEAR…
MoChiMagic: A Whimsical Night of Wonder & Giving
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for our 2025 Gala. Together, we raised more than $69,000 to fund access programs that ensure every child in our community has the opportunity to learn, play, and explore. Your generosity helps open doors for children and families, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
If you were not able to attend, but would still like to help support the children in our community please email our Director of Development, Allie Schubert, at aschubert@modestochildrensmuseum.org.
FAQs
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The Modesto Children's Museum's Imagination Celebration fundraiser gala will be held on September 18th, 2026 from 6:00pm-10:00pm.
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The Imagination Celebration Gala is happening at the Modesto Children's Museum, located at 928 11th Street in Downtown Modesto.
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Enchanted cocktail attire is encouraged—think whimsical, vibrant, and full of fun. Let your creativity shine and embrace the magic.
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The Imagination Celebration is an annual 21+ gala event to celebrate and support MoChiMu.
The event will be a cocktail-style gala including creative culinary stations, bars with signature cocktails, music and dancing, interactive activities, and more!
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Imagination Celebration is a 21+ event. If you're looking to add more MoChiMu to your child's September, we suggest asking your school about a MoChiMu Field Trip or our Outreach Workshop.
