our signature fundraiser—may 2, 2026

play soirée

a whimsical evening where play powers purpose

National Children's Museum President and CEO, Kiryn Hoffman, with event co-chairs John Drew, Sepe Zuccari, and Jason Zuccari, posing in front of the event photo backdrop

the details

may 2, 2026
6 pm reception 7 pm dinner + program 9:30 pm Museum afterparty
andrew w. mellon auditorium
afterparty at the Museum
colorful black tie

a whimsical evening

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our signature fundraising event, the Play Soirée! It was a magical evening filled with inspiration, joy, and playful moments as we celebrated our incredible community and a shared vision for a brighter future.

A special thank you to our amazing co-chairs, host committee, and sponsors for making the night possible.

Together, we can inspire more children to care about and change the world!

2026 honorees

Victor Hoskins is President and CEO of the Fairfax County (Va.) Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). He is an MIT trained Urban Planner and Real Estate Executive currently overseeing the growth of the largest economy in Virginia (GDP $167 billion), the #1 State for Business, as ranked by CNBC, for a record-breaking 6th time in 2024. Having worked in the public and private sectors, his career has taken him from Wall Street to Main Street, and he has expanded economies from Los Angeles/Long Beach to the Mid-Atlantic region.

watch victor's honoree video

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a Professor of Psychology at Temple University, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and a Visiting Professor at Oxford University, was declared a “scientific entrepreneur” from the American Association of Psychology. She examines the development of early language and literacy, the role of play in learning, and learning and technology.

watch kathy's honoree video