Discovery Playhouse: 'Where fun and learning come full circle'

While most office environments are filled by the sounds of ringing phones and copy machines, mine is filled with children's giggles. This ambient background may be viewed, by some, as distracting. At Discovery Playhouse, hearing squeals of glee reaffirms that we are doing great things. Since opening two years ago, I reflect on the more than 60,000 guests who have played at the children's museum. We have met many new faces, developed friendships with familiar ones and even watched baby bumps transition into toddlers.

This past year was filled with a lot of excitement. Some things were great and others were not so good (a truck running into the side of our building). We brushed ourselves off and opened Grandma Ruth's Farm just one week later, in memory of Ruth Schomberg. Alice's Wonderland visited us from the San Jose Children's Museum, taking kids on wonderful adventures down the rabbit hole. Our newest exhibit, SoutheastHEALTHy Beginnings, has become an instant hit. Children role play as doctors, nurses and new parents has they take care of their new bundles of joy. The icing on the cake was to have such a successful third annual FUNdraiser: Birdhouse Bash.

The March 23 garden party-themed event raised more than $25,000 to support Discovery Playhouse's operations and educational programs. Proceeds from the Birdhouse Bash helped the museum to reach 50 percent of its yearly fundraising goal. In addition, the museum received more than $20,000 of in-kind donations. Our Friends of the Playhouse committee, co-chaired by Jennie Beltz and Katie Matthews, hosted a spectacular event.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Rhodes 101, Advanced Dermatology, Macy's, Port Cape, The Bank of Missouri, Primo Vino, First Missouri State Bank, Schnucks and The Printing Co. We had wonderful special guests chef Heather Terhune, Lauren Keith, Mayor Harry Rediger and Rep. Ellen Brandom. Special thanks to Friends of the Playhouse, Amy Crumpecker, Cafe Soupe, Cape Career and Technology Horticulture Class, city of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation, Chartwells, Kohlfeld Distributing, Lacey's on the Hill at SoutheastHEALTH, Lamar, Law Dogg, Lazy L Safari, Lumber Jills, Major Brands, Montgomery Bank, Ramblewood Garden Club, Rental Land, Resa Armstrong, Rischi Tea, River Eagle Distributing, Southeast Missourian, Stonies Sausage Shop, Sweet Confections by Ashley and Wedding Rental Solutions. Thank you to all of the local and national product donations, for our silent auction, valued at more than $9,500.

While so much has been accomplished since incorporating as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, in 2006, this feels like only the beginning. There are such exciting plans for Discovery Playhouse, including the expansion of hands-on, interactive exhibits on our second level. We are so grateful for the continued support from our staff, board of directors, museum members, donors and guests. Discovery Playhouse is truly "where fun and learning come full circle."

Jennifer Mullix is the executive director of Discovery Playhouse in Cape Girardeau.