Join Partners

What is MCM Partners?

A volunteer organization with members throughout the state of Mississippi committed to promoting and financially supporting the Mississippi Children’s Museum.

What does MCM Partners do?

  • Plan and staff annual fundraisers and/or designated special events
  • Collectively present a financial gift to MCM as funds become available
  • Increase community awareness of MCM and related special events
  • Promote MCM and grow its membership throughout the state of Mississippi

What are the benefits of joining?

  • An investment in shaping Mississippi’s future by supporting an institution dedicated to improving the lives of children
  • 10% off MCM memberships
  • 10% off Facility Rental
  • 10% off Red Rocket Café purchases
  • 10% off Trading Post purchases
  • Monthly e-blasts about upcoming MCM events, activities, and volunteer opportunities

Partner Levels

Includes Benefit Package and the following:

  • Host Ignite the Night (2 event tickets & name recognition)
  • Host Neon Night (2 event tickets & name recognition)
  • Host A Very Merry Night (4 event tickets & name recognition)
  • Annual Family Museum Membership (9 members) giftable
  • A donation to the Inspire a Child Annual Fund
  • Invitation to Spark Society Dinner
  • Recurring payments available online

Includes Benefit Package and the following:

  • Host Ignite the Night (2 event tickets & name recognition)
  • Host Neon Night (2 event tickets & name recognition)
  • Host A Very Merry Night (4 event tickets & name recognition)
  • A donation to the Inspire a Child Annual Fund
  • Invitation to Spark Society Dinner
  • Recurring payments available online

Includes Benefit Package and the following:

  • Host Ignite the Night (2 event tickets & name recognition)
  • Recurring payments available online

Includes Benefit Package and the following:

  • Host A Very Merry Night (4 event tickets & name recognition)
  • Recurring payments available online

Includes Benefit Package and the following:

  • Annual Family Museum Membership (4 members)

Includes Benefit Package and the following:

  • Neon Night (2 event tickets & name recognition)

Signature Events

Ignite the Night

2024 Ignite the Night: Lunar New Year

Every February, adults are given permission to play after hours at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) during its signature fundraising event, Ignite the Night. Each gallery comes to life with festive food, mesmerizing music, and amusing activities. Hosted by the Mississippi Children’s Museum Partners, a group of volunteers and donors who support the museum, this is not your typical party. It is imaginative, entertaining, and, most importantly, fun!

Ignite the Night supports the museum and its efforts to reach children across the state so they can discover and achieve their potential. Proceeds from the event provide critical funding for museum operations including meeting ongoing exhibit and program needs.

Ignite the Night: Feb. 10, 2024

About MCM Partners

Since the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) opened in 2010, MCM Partners has served as a steadfast support system through sponsorships, fundraisers, and volunteer hours to help MCM succeed in their vision of inspiring Mississippi’s children from all backgrounds to discover and achieve their potential. Last year, MCM Partners raised in excess of $376,935 of which 100% went directly back to MCM in support of Mississippi’s future, our children!

MCM’s Statewide Impact

The first-class experience that we offer each child who visits the Mississippi Children’s Museum would not be possible without the generosity of our community. By joining Partners you are playing a vital role in making our museum accessible to all children. Since opening, MCM has served over 1.6 million visitors from 135 school districts, all 82 counties, all 50 states, and over 20 countries.

Literacy Outreach Programming

Throughout the summer, MCM hosts three family literacy sessions where families from the Jackson Public School District gather for breakfast, early literacy training, and end the program with free play in the museum. The goal of the summer sessions is to focus on each student’s summer reading, helping to ensure they are prepared for the next school year.

2023-2024

Executive Committee

President: Amanda Overby
President-Elect: Rachel Lott
Past President: Lori Quarles
Recording Secretary: Susan Murphy
Vice-President of Finance: Ross Weems
Vice President of Outreach: Joyce Marion
Vice President of Fundraising: Janet Spain
Vice President of Membership: Bethany Stanfill
Vice President of Promotions: Lindsey Gresham & Madison VanLandingham

Leadership Team

Advisors: Alicen Blanchard, Jeannie Hood, Elizabeth Mehrle, Mary Preston Dubberly
Policies & Procedures Chair: Christy Malatesta
Annual Meeting Chairs: Swayze Pentecost 
Records Chair: Gretchen Gentry 
Staff Recognition Chairs: Anne Dulske & Heather Ward 
Rocket Club Family Night Chairs: Blann Lutken & Katherine Puckett
Summer Missions Chairs: Courtney Wood & Allison McMinn
A Very Merry Night Chairs: Barbara Byrd & Manisha Patel
Ignite the Night Chairs: Rivers Walker & Melissa Boyd
Neon Night Chairs: Madison Keyes & Gregory Alston