let’s play.
201 6 CH IL DR EN ’ S D I SCOV ERY MUS E U M
FOUN DAT IO N A NNUAL R E PO R T
FO U NDAT I O N B OAR D
officers
(FY 2016)
inspiration
Mark Jontry, President
The mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum is
Jeff Mavros, Vice-President
to inspire the love of learning through the power of
Monica Noraian, Secretary
play. The vision is to build confidence and foster
Sally Tucker, Treasurer
creativity in today’s youth; enhance critical thinking,
communication and collaboration in tomorrow’s
workforce; and inspire a more innovative approach
for educating future generations.
members
(FY 2016)
The mission and vision are accomplished by providing
Byron Blotcky
hands-on exhibits, classes and programs that actively
Jason Chambers
engage the visitor in experiences that stimulate
Chemberly Cummings
imagination, curiosity, and wonder.
Marlene Dietz
Caroline Halperin
Kelly Harbert
Ben Harmon
Paula Heinkel
Steve Malliet
Gina Mandros
Lesley Reeter
collaboration
The Children’s Discovery Museum Foundation is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to support the
mission and vision of the Town of Normal Children’s
Discovery Museum, to raise and expend funds for the
benefit of the Museum and to advocate on behalf of
the Museum in the community at large.
letter from the executive director
Museum Friends and Families,
It’s great to be part of a such an amazing organization! Although my tenure at the Children’s
Discovery Museum is relatively short, I can tell you 2016 was an exciting year for all at the Museum.
We kicked-off the summer with a grand opening of Hello from Japan traveling exhibit. Some of
the highlights from the opening event included: face painting, Japanese drumming, and sushi!
2016 attendance was up from prior year, coming in at 133,607 with over 1,700 member families,
and 8,849 total hours donated to the museum by our wonderful volunteers. Hello from Japan
was a great success!
In 2016, we also offered our first Girl Scout only – STEAM Night. Hosting over 185 girls and over
90 adults from all over Illinois. This customized event helped Scouts earn their Science and Art
Badges. This program is an ideal example of how we listen to the needs of our community, and
create tailored programming to accommodate their needs.
The Museum staff, Foundation Board members, and volunteers were hard at work hosting three
fundraising events benefiting the museum: Ladies Luncheon and Style Show, Doctors in Concert,
and Medici Craft Beer and Jazz Festival. Our community continues to be very supportive of our
efforts to bring programming, creative exhibits, and outreach to the communities we serve.
The Children’s Discovery Museum is here to inspire the love of learning through the power of play
for all that visit! Thank you for YOUR support, patronage, and your love of the Museum.
Shelleigh Birlingmair
Executive Director
highlights
( FY 2 016)
2016
more
than
133,000
visitors
3-12
months
A fresh foundation for learning — Recognizing that recent
research stresses the importance of learning in the first three
years of life, CDM educators began Love and Learn in January
8,849
hours
from
volunteers
of 2015. Now in its second year, the monthly program for
children 3 to 12 months and their caregivers focuses each
class on various types of play that promote learning, brain
development, and family bonding.
Growing Up —
As a part of
National Agriculture
Integrated approach to education — Starting in the spring
Week, a video
of 2016, the Art Studio and Maker Space Coordinators began
camera was added
working more collaboratively on their curriculum to cover
to our poultry
similar subject matter in both Museum exhibit areas for a
brooder providing
multidisciplinary approach to learning.
24/7, real-time
agricultural
education so
museum families
15,612 students, teachers, and
onsite and online
chaperones participated in Museum
alike could watch
fieldtrips with a learning impact
our cute little chicks
radius of 75 miles.
grow and develop.
Memory making to last a lifetime — Here at the Children’s
Discovery Museum, we recognize that we are a unique haven
in the community, allowing families to step away from other
distractions and spend quality time together.
Throughout the year, we provide special opportunities for memory
making and family learning that build upon the traditional museum
experience. From our quarterly, themed family fun nights to
our community events like the Worldwide Day of Play
and our annual El Dia de los Muertos celebration, we are
engaging children and their caregivers in fun learning
experiences that create unforgettable memories for all.
grants ( FY 2 0 1 6)
funding inspiration
The Children’s Discovery Museum is committed to actively reaching out to low-income
families and at-risk youth in the Central Illinois region with hands-on, play-based learning
experiences. A principle way we carry out this commitment is through our outreach
programs. Due to the generosity of local community organizations we have been able to
expand our initiatives recently to reach more youth.
Afterschool Outreach
A key component of the Museum’s outreach has been
and will continue to be the Museum’s relationship with
the children and families served by the afterschool
programs in McLean County. Due to generous grant
support from the CarMax Foundation, Golden K
Kiwanis Club, and the Normal Rotary Club, Museum
educators were able to reach nearly 1,000 students
during the academic year at over 15 afterschool
locations with free, hands-on Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) programming.
Innovation Institute
In 2013, the CDM began partnering with Illinois State
University and UNITY Community Center to offer the
Innovation Institute Program. This program supplements
the existing afterschool and summer activities at UNITY
and offers opportunities for youth in kindergarten
through college. Program curriculum provides a
positive learning experience focused on STEAM
related content which reinforces learning goals
related to Next Generation Science Standards. To
assist with the continuation and sustainability of the
Innovation Institute Program, the CDM received a
$25,000 grant from State Farm.
Creativity Garden
Grow Up Great
Expanding our community impact
Now in its fifth year, the Grow Up Great through the
further, CDM educators joined with
Power of Play program funded by the PNC Foundation
professionals at the Boys and Girls Club
is serving more early learning sites in the Bloomington-
of Bloomington-Normal to facilitate the
Normal area than ever before. The multi-faceted
bi-monthly Afterschool STEAM with
program offers classroom experiences, museum
the CDM program. The new program
fieldtrips, and professional development resources for
which was implemented during the past
teachers, and whole family learning experiences for all
academic year not only focused on
of the early learners at Heartland Head Start, the Early
teaching STEAM concepts to youth at
Learning Program at Unit 5 School District, Bloomington
the Club but also nurtured students’
Day Care Center, and Kids Club East Center.
curiosity, perseverance, communication
skills, confidence, and self-expression
through hands-on, open-ended activities.
The Afterschool STEAM with the CDM
Program was generously supported by
Disney, through an $8,000 Creativity
Garden grant, a nationwide project of
the Association of Science-Technology
The year’s success was celebrated with two private
parties at the Museum for all students and their families.
Due to a generous donation of nearly 600 meals from
Kroger, families were able fuel their play experience
with a nutritious meal, their minds with play-based
learning, and their hearts with fun memories to last
a lifetime.
Centers (ASTC).
Hello from Japan Traveling Exhibit
Continents, oceans, and long plane rides, didn’t stop
the Children’s Discovery Museum from bringing the
wonders of Japanese culture to Museum visitors this
summer. Due to a $15,000 grant from the Freeman
Foundation Asian Culture Exhibit Series Tour and a
$4,000 grant from the Illinois Prairie Community
Foundation — Laura Sullivan Arts and Culture
Endowment, the CDM was able to bring a slice of
Japanese culture and arts right here to Uptown
Normal. The Hello from Japan! traveling exhibit
allowed visitors of all ages to experience the vibrancy
of Japanese city life alongside the tranquility of the
traditional Japanese culture through an engaging
1,500 square foot exhibition and a whole season of
Japanese arts and culture programming.
fundraising
( FY 2 01 6)
Craft Beer and Jazz Festival
Lively music filled the air as handcrafted beer kept spirits high and glasses full
at the 2nd Annual Medici Craft Beer and Jazz Fair on July 18, 2015. Combining
fun and fundraising the event raised generous support for the Children’s
Discovery Museum Foundation. Thanks to the financial and volunteer support
of Medici, Kohl’s Cares Program Participants, and many community volunteers,
the event was a huge success.
Ladies Luncheon and Style Show
On March 4, nearly 250 attendees enjoyed great fashion, food, and fun with
friends at the annual Ladies Luncheon and Style Show hosted by the Children’s
Discovery Museum Foundation and presented by CEFCU. This year’s program
included inspiring attire from 13 local boutiques showcasing stunning new looks
for any occasion. Attendees also supported the Museum by shopping the
event’s eclectic vendors and participating in the silent auction. All proceeds
from the event benefited the mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum—
enabling us to reach more children with quality, hands-on exhibit experiences
and innovative programming.
Doctors in Concert
Then, on April 22, beautiful melodies filled the air at Second Presbyterian
Church as local physicians shared their musical gifts with museum supporters
gathered for the 11th Annual Doctors in Concert event. Attendees savored
decadent desserts provided by Chef Maria at Beyond Decadence Bakery and
took part in the silent auction at the post-concert reception. Funds raised
from the event supported the renovation of several medical related exhibit
components at the museum that had been well loved by visitors.
Fundraising events provide crucial financial support
for the Children’s Discovery Museum Foundation. Every
sponsor, donor, performer, participant and attendee plays
an integral role in our success. The CDM is grateful for
those that have given so generously toward these events.
financials
statement of activity
( FY
ended
J U NE 2 01 6)
statement of activity
(FY
Revenue
ended
JUNE 2015 )
Revenue
Private Support
$26,273
Private Support
$22,377
Special Events
$67,879
Special Events
$44,308
Grants
$95,662
Grants
$281,000
Investment Income
($451)
Investment Income
$1,621
Total Support
$189,363
Total Support
$349,306
Expenses
Expenses
Exhibit and Education
Exhibit and Education
Program Support
$108,812
Program Support
$350,500
Administration
$40,585
Administration
$37,608
Fundraising
$47,933
Fundraising
$27,242
Total Expenses
$197,330
Total Expenses
$415,350
Increase (decrease)
in net assets
($7,967)
Increase (decrease)
in net assets
($66,044)
Net assets at the
beginning of year
$547,162
Net assets at the
beginning of year
$613,206
Net assets at the
end of the year
$539,195
Net assets at the
end of the year
$547,162
donors ( FY 2 0 16 )
$10,000 +
$100 - $499
Association of Children's
Museums
Advocate BroMenn
Medical Center
Freeman Foundation
Emily Martin and Ara
Aprahamian
PNC Foundation
State Farm Companies
Foundation
$1,000 - $9,999
Anonymous (2)
Avanti's Italian
Restaurant
Linda and John Chizmar
Disney
Illinois Prairie
Community Foundation
McLean County Medical
Society Alliance
Medici
Barbara and Robert
Hathway
Darla Heath
Susan and Jesse Smart
Nephele Delis
Carol and Rodney
Smithson
Steve Delis
Lisa Spachman
Brenda and Al Azinger
Jennifer Burge Heller
Kathy and Dan
Steadman
Erin and Nicholas Baker
Houska Dental
Linda and Denny Steele
Rebecca Barelka
Sue and Chuck Hurliman
Amanda Streenz
Jean and Gary
Baumhardt
Adrienne Osborne Ives
The Gingerbread House
Jill and Robert Jones
Town of Normal
Diana and John Behnke
Chris and John Kibler
Dawn Billings
Stacie and John Killian
Sharon and Richard
Trowitch
Bloomington Thunder
Hockey
Jennie and Scott King
Sherry Detloff
Jiebing Shui and
Bretton Douglas
Rosemary Dustman
Pam and Herb Eaton
Sue and Jay Edmondson
Donna Edwards
Amy and Matt Edwards
Judy Ehlers
thanks
Association of ScienceTechnology Centers, Inc.
CEFCU
Rebecca and Ben
Harmon
Myers Family
Charitable Trust
The CarMax Foundation
Charlotte Kinkade
Sally and Todd Tucker
Heather and
Jared Wagner
Bloomington-Normal
Convention & Visitors
Bureau
Cindy Ladage
Rachel and James
Wayne
Anita Brock
Lauren and Matt Lurkins
Peter Whitmer
Willie Brown
Joyce and Brian Mason
Mary and Bill Caisley
Katie and Jeff Mavros
Carolyn and Duane
Yockey
Joan and Jack Capodice
Pat and Dean Messinger
Ruth and Gary Kuipers
Grace and David Chow
Darlene and Marc Miller
Carol and Gerry
Chrisman
Tammy and Joe Monk
Laura and Dave Coe
Vanessa and Chris
Youngmark
Courtney Zell
Anita Embree
Jennifer Ewan
Sandy Fedden
Bonnie Floyd
Carol and Donald J. Fox
Fox & Hounds
Hair Studio
Kathy and John Freyman
Cheryl Gaines
and John Hicks
Pam Gilbert
Ryan and Nicholas
Gillhouse
Fred Moore
Commerce Bank
Kathryn Bohn and
Thomas Nielsen
Robin and Eric Cooper
Kathy Niepagen
Anonymous
Jan and John Couillard
Elaine Noyes
Janet Auer
Up to $99
Matthew and Tiffany
Giordano
Kate Greene
Nancy Greer
$500 - $999
Country Financial
Miranda and Will Noyes
Lisa Becker
Shari and Mark
Buckellew
Linda and Walt Crowley
Catherine and James
Palmer
Rachel Bedecker
Judy and Joe Bertsche
Jill and Awadagin Pratt
Jenni and John Blum
Sandra Lynn and
Frederick Groves
Cheryl and David
Denslow
Laura Randolph
Frances and Herman
Brandau
Eric Dhom
Suzann and Dennis
Readey
Heather Hall
Marlene and Larry Dietz
Pam and Jay Reece
Carolyn and Norman
Brown
Lesley and Paul Reeter
Karen Calvert
Marci and Randy Rich
Rachel and Nathan
Carpenter
Joe Cronenberg
Linda and Bob Goodall
Illinois State University
Katy Hansen and
Mark Jontry
Kohl's Department Store
Monica and Kirk Noraian
Parker Kemp Foundation
Pro Air HVAC
Vickie and John
Robertson
The Normal Rotary Club
Chemberly and Quincy
Cummings
Wayne and Marilyn
Ericson
Tracy and Jon Farney
Linda Fischer
Marilyn and John Freese
Susan Gardner
Deb and Jerry Grieco
Caroline and Ira Halperin
Cathy and Reid Richards
Carole and Jerry Ringer
Carol and Mons Schrantz
Cathy and Rick Sikora
Susan Silvey
Emilie and Brian Chase
Janet and Michael
Gremer
Angie and Brad Gulley
Shelly Hanover
Ruth Hargis
Melissa and Peter
Hartman
Margaret and Michael
Heger
Amy and David Coffman
Paige and Travis Holt
Carrie and Ryan Corson
Sarah and Brian Day
Mary and George
Houska
Teresa Decker
Ellen and Thomas Howe
Marlon and Betsy Huls
Julie and Jeff Payne
Mary and Roger Hunt
Kaitlin and Tyler Pilchard
In Memory of
Mr. James Watson
Fleet Feet Sports
Bloomington
Mary Lou Hutson
Ann and Dave Pontius
Janet Auer
Forget Me Not Flowers
Barbara and Arnold Insel
Jenny and Kevin
Raisbeck
Brenda Weir
Wendy and Tim Ives
Melinda and Curtis
Reiners
Hansa Jaggi
Holly and Chris Jaynes
Wayoka Jere and Daniel
Johnson
Lisa and Bryan Kendall
Janet and Fred Render
Pat and Victor Rochelle
Margaret Rutenbeck
Fresh Pearls and More
Gold's Gym
Grady's Family Fun Park
In Memory of
Mr. John Wayne
Rachel and James
Wayne
Kelly and Rand Harbert
Heartland Foot and
Ankle Associates
Holiday Inn Express
Refine 309
Rodan and Fields
Royal and Reese
Ruby Ribbon
Shelly Hanover
Shoo Shoo Baby
Stave
Stella and Dot
Subway
The Pampered Chef
again
Karen Killingsworth
Pat and William King
Valmere Knapp
Julie and David Koh
Georgia and Daniel
LaFayette
Maureen Langellier
Lori and Scott Laughlin
Xandra and Robert Lee
Rachelle and Ryan Leuty
Theresa and Nick Lilak
Rebekah Litchfield
Shirley and Larry Lowe
Pam and Steve Malliet
Chris Marquardt
Anne and Steve Matter
June McClister
Christine and J. Alan
McDowell
Joseph McGuckin
McLean County Retired
Teachers Assoc.
Sue and Steve Seibring
Debra and David Skillrud
In Memory of
Mrs. Ruby
Cronenberg
Lois and Harold Skillrud
Rev. Joe Cronenberg
Steve Silver
Connie and Robert Stefl
Brad Stefl
Jimmy John's Gourmet
Sandwich Shop
Katy Hansen and Mark
Jontry
Sally and Todd Tucker
Tumbling Leaves
Photography
Uptown Gifts
and Accessories
Viva la Flora
Karen Stivers
Arcadia
Laurie and Jeffrey
Swartz
Avanti's Italian
Restaurant
Talbots
Bathfitter
Maggie Miley's Irish Pub
Windy City Wieners
Bethany Thomas
Beauty Counter
Young Living
Kathryn Tornquist
Beyond Decadence
Marriott Hotel and
Conference Center
Vicki and Robert Varney
Beyond Normal
Dee Volle
bopi
Marie and Matthew Vose
Dr. Dan Brownstone
Patsy Webber
Buffalo Wild Wings
Brenda Weir
Chemberly and Quincy
Cummings
Miller Park Zoo
Cumulus Media
My Lean Body
Bootcamp
Amanda Weissgerber
Anne Weltha
James Messer
Cheryl Whelan
James Nevin
Rob Widmer
Linda Nichelson
Erin and Mark Reichert
Dayna and Adam
Nielsen
Madge Williams
Elisa Palmer
Jack Lewis Fine Jewelry
Jesse's Grille
In-Kind Donors
April and Tom Wheeler
Terry and Bamidele
Ogunleye
Illinois Symphony
Orchestra
Town of Normal Parks
and Recreation
Department
Joann Steinberg
Kathy and Bob Meeks
Velma Nordine
Hy-Vee
The Craig Satchwell
Family
Joan Willis
Bonnie Yedinak
Harriett Zoeller
Marlene and Larry Dietz
Discover More Store
Doubletree Hilton
DP Dough
Emack and Bolio's
Event Experience
Fabulous Affairs
Firehouse Pizza and Pub
First Edition
First Edition / Beer Nuts
Kathi Sheetz
Kroger
LuLaRoe
Vivi Jewelry
James and Rachel
Wayne
Mary and Martha
Your Reflection,
My Style
Mary Kay
Zozzaro Chiropractic
Katie and Jeff Mavros
Medici
Merry Ann's Diner
Nerium AD
Noonday Collection
Monica and Kirk Noraian
Normal CornBelters
Ohmfit Activewear
Pastelle Magazine
Pepsi Ice Center
Pub II
Lesley and Paul Reeter
Town of Normal
Children’s Discovery Museum Foundation
101 E. Beaufort Street
Normal, Illinois 61761
let’s play.
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
TOWN OF NORMAL
CHILDREN’S
DISCOVERY MUSEUM
FOUNDATION
201 6 CH IL DR EN ’ S D I SCOV ERY MUS E UM
FO UN DAT ION A NNUAL R EP O R T