Goodnight Moon on the Lagoon presented by Children’s Hospital was the theme for the Louisiana Children’s Museum Play Soirée on Sept. 21. Inspired by the beloved children’s book “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, the gala evening unfolded at the museum campus.
“Play Soirée is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM), bringing together champions of education and child development from across the community to support LCM’s mission to be a relevant solution to the challenges and aspirations of our community,” said museum CEO Tifferney White.
Kicking off the festivities was the Great Friend to Kids Award ceremony, at which Anne and King Milling and Tracy and Calvin Mackie were honored. This was followed by the patron party where guests enjoyed jazz from Jenna McSwain.
The gala portion of the evening featured cuisine from Dickie Brennan & Co. Catering and Special Events and a silent auction that kept guests bidding 25 coveted items, including a private suite for the New Orleans Pelicans’ season opener, a three-day getaway to Walt Disney World Resort and “The Princess and the Frog”-themed artwork by Thomas Kincaide. The hottest bid? LCM’s exclusive “Night at the Museum” experience.
Live music set the tone, with Raw Deal delivering high-energy funk, and a vibrant second line led by Treme Lafitte — sponsored by the New Orleans Jazz Museum — bringing the night to close.
“This special evening also allows us to honor and celebrate positively impactful contributors and philanthropists in our community while offering adults a unique opportunity to explore the museum, usually reserved for children,” said White.
Event co-chairs were Rebecca Maisel and Hattie Collins, Emily Wolff and Josh Cox.
Fun Fact: The party decor was based on “Goodnight Moon on the Lagoon,” with a highlight being beautiful lighting and ambiance in the courtyard where the museum recreated “Goodnight Moon’s” beloved “great green room” as an 8’ x 10’ mural created by local artist Jess Joy.
