The Long Island Children’s Museum’s signature gala, “Cupcakes & Cocktails,” was a night to remember, raising more than $1 million to support the museum’s exhibits, educational programs and community outreach.
More than 300 guests filled the building on Oct. 9, exploring hands-on exhibits and enjoying a festive evening of games, live music and immersive experiences.
“We are proud to share that this year’s Cupcakes & Cocktails fundraiser exceeded our ambitious $1 million stretch goal — an extraordinary show of support from hundreds of individuals and businesses across our community,” the museum’s president, Erika Floreska, wrote in an email.
The funds raised at the gala account for 16 percent of their facility’s annual operating budget — and will also help mitigate the loss of federal grants. Half of the museum’s revenue comes from donations, and the other half from its gift shop and activities such as theater birthday parties.
In past years, the museum has received consistent federal support — including a $250,000 grant in 2023 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for a new permanent exhibit titled “Saltwater Stories.” But with no new grants listed for 2024 or 2025, that pipeline now appears to be in jeopardy.
The museum has not confirmed whether any grants were revoked, but nationally, nearly 10,000 institutions have lost federal funding this year due to executive actions targeting cultural agencies. The shift underscores the importance of local support — including fundraising efforts like Cupcakes & Cocktails — to sustain educational programming.
“This level of generosity is more than financial — it’s a powerful endorsement of the Museum’s mission and the role we play in the lives of children and families,” Floreska wrote “Most importantly, it allows us to keep championing the ‘power of play’ — as a vital tool for learning, creativity, and connection.”
The gala honored four individuals and one organization for their commitment to children, creativity and community. Community Leadership Awards were presented to Selby Drummond, senior strategic officer at Plum Alley Inc., and her husband, Steven Dubb, principal and president of the Beechwood Organization. And the Great Friend to Kids Awards went to Gay Thomas, author and founder of GR Thomas Advisors, and Jeff Hanson, founder and president of Hanson Advisors.
The Long Island Association was also recognized as the museum’s inaugural “Nonprofit Partner.”
LIA President and Chief Executive Matt Cohen accepted the award, and highlighted the organization’s growing partnership with the museum.
“We are proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to strengthening the region’s economy and enhancing quality of life across Long Island,” the association stated on social media.
Thomas and Hanson described the evening as both humbling and celebratory. “I think what is so impressive about the museum is the staff,” Thomas said. “They work together — they’re an incredible team — to make things both incredibly fun and creative.
“We were incredibly excited, and I’m optimistic in the future,” he added, “because they need to continue to find ways to partner with capital and local businesses — and hopefully (the gala) was a good start.”
Thomas, author of a children’s bee-themed book, “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” gave a theatrical reading at the museum with a 3D puppet play on Aug. 16 — National Honey Bee Day. All visitors who purchased a ticket that day got a free signed book.
In addition, the museum held an event called “Honey Hoopla,” at which children met a local beekeeper, learned facts about bees and created bee-themed crafts.
“It’s very experiential,” Thomas said. “There were honey tastings, beehive tours, and a real opportunity for families to engage deeply,” she continued. “It was both educational and super experiential.”
Hanson, whose support for the museum focused on behind-the-scenes improvements, helped fund critical tech upgrades, from internet infrastructure and public Wi-Fi to new computers for staff.
“It’s not super glamorous,” Thomas said. “But it’s what makes a total difference for the staff, and then for the experience of guests.”
“If you’re very passionate, (and) you’re using outdated equipment to try to create content, brochures, whatever else it is, it can be a little demoralizing,” Hanson said.
The museum’s theme — the Power of Play — was echoed throughout its sprawling space. A violinist dressed as a mermaid, Olga Tourkina, owner of New York Music Entertainment, wandered among the crowd as she played. And two children dressed to impress, Victoria Sunhe and Jayden Romero, from LICM’s Together to Kindergarten summer program, played junior reporters, interviewing guests about the new “Saltwater Stories.” Their interviews were on the museum’s upper level.
Guests also tried their hand at carnival-style games, including a popular “ring toss for wine.” And a 360-degree photo booth, in which participants stood on a platform while a camera spun around them, created memorable videos. Food and drink stations were spread across two levels of the museum.
Event co-chairs Lisa Warren and Alexandra Marino directed the complex, multilayered experience.
“It’s amazing, because they orchestrated and curated so well,” Hanson said. “The evening was a reflection of what the Museum does 365 days a year.”
