You never know who will participate in the Temple Children’s Museum fundraiser. Perhaps a group of “big kids” playing Twister, or Mario Bros., or a gang of barbarians storming the door.
The fourth annual Celebrity Host Dinner in museum history will be held on April 25 in the Cultural Activities Center. This year’s theme is “Your Favorite Childhood Games.”
Local “celebrities” are participating in the fundraiser, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Each celebrity will host a table of up to eight people and solicit donations from those at the table through tips, donations, challenges, and their own belongings. It cannot be put up for sale, said Emily Smith, executive director of the Temple Children’s Museum.
“So far, we have about 30 tables,” she said. “We encourage hosts to decorate their tables with their favorite TV shows. Costumes are optional, but highly recommended.”
Fundraiser tables are still available and can be reserved at templechildrensmuseum.org. A table for eight people costs $800, and each additional person on that table costs $100.
The coveted Traveling Trophy will be awarded to the table host who raises and donates the most money.
Prizes will also be awarded for Best Costume, Best Decorated Table, and Best Overall Interpretation of the Selected Game. The latter category takes into account costume, decoration, attitude, and entertainment.
“You never know what’s going to happen at this event,” Smith said. “It all depends on the host and the guest.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the museum and its programs.
CAC (3011 N. Third St. in Temple) will be open all day and teams can get in early to decorate their tables.
This year’s dinner will be catered by Pignetti’s Italian Restaurant.
“They cater our dinners and create menus based on our themes,” Smith added.
“It’s a fun night. The funds raised will help the museum continue to grow, with visitor numbers increasing by 23% between 2022 and 2023. We want to serve as many children as possible. That’s what I think.