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?
What are the benefits of joining?
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
Neon Night
Neon Night is MCM’s signature summer fundraising event which brings the venue to life with glowing lights, electrifying music, specialty drinks, and savory snacks. Guests are invited to “dress up” with glowing necklaces, rings, and bracelets, and dance the night away.
This event was established by a dedicated group of young professionals who are a part of MCM Partners and who value and support MCM’s mission to promote literacy, health, and education for children. As MCM’s “youngest” signature event, Neon Night has quickly become a must-attend party for the young and young-at-heart adult crowd.
Neon Night: July 20, 2024
A Very Merry Night
Previously known as Discovery Night, A Very Merry Night is MCM Partners’ newest family fundraiser that will be the premiere holiday event of the year by taking place on the opening night of MCM’s popular Journey to the North Pole holiday exhibit in Jackson!
This magical evening will give families early access to photos with Santa, while also continuing to celebrate children’s literature and the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through fun and interactive holiday-themed programming.
MCM is committed to developing in children’s critical thinking and communication skills, creativity and collaborative, and real-world problem solving by engaging them with innovative science and math-based exhibits, programs, and special events. Developing these skills is vital to the creation of lifelong learners, and promoting positive futures for Mississippi’s children.
The proceeds from this event help support MCM’s STEAM initiatives, as well as provide critical operating revenue that will enable the museum to remain accessible to all children.
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