By Leigh Ann Woodruff
Come with me … and you’ll be … in a World of Pure Imagination! On Friday, October 4, Kaleideum will transform its four colorful floors into an enchanting vista that reflects the magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory for the museum’s annual Kaleidoscope Ball.
The Kaleidoscope Ball is the signature fundraising event for Kaleideum, the experiential learning museum in in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem. The inaugural ball was held in April 2018 after the 2016 merger of the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem and SciWorks to become Kaleideum, a name inspired by the combination of kaleidoscope, an instrument of art and science, and museum. To highlight the inspirational quality of the kaleidoscope, the museum reimagined and renamed its annual black tie fundraiser to be the Kaleidoscope Ball. and moved its location downtown to the Millennium Center. All of the past Kaleidoscope Balls have been held at the Millennium Center, including 2020’s pandemic version called “Let’s Have a Ball,” which was designed as a take home “party in a box” that could be picked up at the event space.
Post pandemic, the ball transitioned from a spring event to a fall fundraiser, and this year it has a new home. “The 2024 Kaleidoscope Ball is very exciting and is again being reimagined as we have moved into our new Kaleideum building at 120 West 3rd Street and opened the doors to the public in mid February,” said Elizabeth Dampier, Kaleideum CEO. “We have a fantastic team of extraordinary volunteers planning this event, and it promises to wow Winston-Salem.”
Chaired by Martha and Sam Metzler, and Sarah and Coleman Team, with Scottie and David Neill and Cathy and Chris Pace serving as the Honorary Chairs, this year’s ball promises to be truly spectacular. The team is working with Kaleideum’s rental partner Sterling Spaces to create an imaginative world of wonder spanning four floors including the rooftop and the adjacent Liberty Plaza. “Party on the Moon” — nationally recognized as America’s No. 1 corporate and private party band — will perform after guests enjoy elegant cuisine, cocktails, and silent and live auctions.
The 2024 Kaleidoscope Ball’s Presenting Sponsors are Flow Automotive and Mercedes Benz of Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Their support is the key to creating an evening of celebration to advance Kaleideum’s mission of inspiring wonder, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Funds raised through this signature event offer increased access opportunities, enhance educational programs, and contribute to hands-on learning experiences throughout Kaleideum.
Kaleideum’s access and opportunity initiatives are designed to ensure that all children in Forsyth County, regardless of their economic background, have the chance to discover and learn at Kaleideum. Initiatives include:
- Free Field Trips for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools. WS/FCS students can visit Kaleideum at no cost during a field trip, thus enriching their education with hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
- Programs for Title I Schools: Kaleideum offers free educational programs to schools with a high percentage of children from low-income families to foster a love for learning and exploration.
- Reduced Admission for Low-Income Families: Kaleideum makes the museum accessible to all by providing discounted admission to families through the Museums for All program.
- Community Access Passes: Available at local libraries, these passes offer free admission to Kaleideum, encouraging community engagement and learning.
“We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 Kaleidoscope Ball,” Dampier said. “Your presence and support help us continue to make a difference in the lives of countless children and families. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community, one filled with endless possibilities and boundless curiosity.”
Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and prepare for a night of pure imagination! For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit kaleideum.org/kaleidoscope-ball/ or reach out to Caren Hamrah at chamrah@kaleideum.org.
