Through your incredible generosity and support, we raised over $33,000 in support of children and families - and that number is still rising! Thank you for your endless support during these unprecedented times. With your help, our team will be able to continue providing access to hands-on educational resources for all children and families. While the event may have ended, the need never does. Please consider making a donation in support of the Museum and our efforts.
Tune in for a virtual celebration of the Museum's past 20 years and look ahead to all the incredible opportunities the future holds with a family-friendly event from the comfort of your home!
This year, we’re trying something new and exciting for our annual event—we’re going virtual! This means that your whole family can enjoy the show, bid on exciting silent auction items, and donate in support of the Museum from the comfort of your own home. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the Museum’s past twenty years, and come together to ensure all children and their families have access to hands-on learning at a time when it matters most.
Virtual Gala Program
5:00 p.m.
Pre-Show
Silent Auction & Wine Pull are Open
6:00 p.m.
Welcome from Kim Dunham, Board Chair
20th Anniversary Celebration & Stories of Impact
Special Message from Susie Walton, Parenting Educator, Author & Founder of Joy of Parenting
Musical Performance by Hullabaloo
7:00 p.m.
Silent Auction Closes
Thank You & Farewell
The Silent Auction is now closed! Click Here to view the items and the winning bidders.
Our Mission
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum’s mission is to inspire children to learn about our world through exploration, imagination, and experimentation through science, art, and world culture activities.
We believe all children should have access to hands-on learning, regardless of financial or physical restrictions.
Proceeds from the 20th Anniversary Virtual Gala will support the Museum’s ongoing efforts to develop online educational resources for children and families as part of our Access for All initiative—which is at the heart of our commitment to serving our mission and supporting our community’s needs in new, innovative ways during these unprecedented times.
Watch how the Museum is making a difference for San Diego families
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
Register by visiting our Virtual Gala and Silent Auction page here. Once on the site, click "Register Now".
How much does it cost to attend the Virtual Gala?
There's no cost to register! This family-friendly event and auction is free and open to all, however you must register in order to view and participate in the program.
How do I watch the Virtual Gala?
For the best viewing and bidding experience, guests can watch the live showherebeginning at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 17. Additionally, anyone who has registered for the event will have received a confirmation email that contains a secure unique link to view the event. Simply click the "View My Event" button in the confirmation email to view the show.
What if I cannot attend the Virtual Gala?
You will be missed, but we understand! We hope you'll still register and "Raise Your Paddle" or "Fund-A-Need" to support the Museum. You can also help spread the word about this event to your friends and family.
When does the Silent Auction open and close?
The Silent Auction will open on Thursday, September 10 and close during the live Virtual Gala on Thursday, September 17. To participate in the Silent Auction, please register for the event here. Once on the site, click "Register Now".
Donate to our Silent Auction
Consider donating to our Auction with an in-kind item or service. Your donation item will be listed in the event program and webpage, and displayed during our Silent Auction with your logo and business description. We will also provide you with a letter recognizing your charitable donation to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Support the Museum through a sponsorship of the Virtual 20th Anniversary Gala. We offer wonderful benefits built into our sponsorships such as complimentary admission passes, Museum family memberships, print and media exposure, and recognition at the event. We will also provide you with a letter recognizing your charitable donation to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Kim Dunham Bergsma, M.S., Board Chair
Carmen Nava, Ph.D., Board Vice Chair
Chad Vargo, Board Secretary
Jason Davis, Board Treasurer
Erick Altona
Brian Brillo, M.A.
Bob MacMahon
Rich Martin
Vincent Pandes
Tashonda Taylor
Jessica Winchenbach
Sabrina Covington
Heather Disher
Nan Katona
County Supervisor Kristen Gaspar
Javier Guerrero
John Henkel
Mayor Paul McNamara
Lori Pfeiler, Former Mayor
Escondido Kiwanis Club
Rotary Club of Escondido
Leila Sackfield
Katie Ragazzi Stokes
Ruth and Nick Tsoulos
Tishmall Turner
Paul and Nel Van Elderen