Circle of Friends, the volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Kidspace Children’s Museum, held its Annual Meeting and Brunch on April 27, 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, which consisted of a silent and live auction, raffle, dinner and dancing at the Jonathan Club. All funds will go toward 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 kidspacecircleoffriends.org and follow on Instagram at @kidspace_circleoffriends.
EVENT PHOTOS | Photos by Susan Bradforth
