MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation hosted its annual Power of MOXI spring brunch + learn event April 30, inviting guests to experience the impact of the museum and to generate support.
The event raised more than $65,000 for its Accessibility Fund, granting equitable access to programs for all children.
“MOXI is a hybrid children’s museum and science museum,” said Robin Gose, president/CEO, as she welcomed 110 guests, seated among the exhibits.
“Our educational philosophy is not only rooted in play-based learning but the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, introducing children to fundamental concepts and the joy of learning,” she said.
Quoting children’s TV icon Mr. Rogers, Gose said: “Play is serious business.” And it is.
According to Gose, the hands-on play at MOXI teaches critical thinking skills, creative problem solving, collaboration, resiliency and grit — valued qualities in leaders and in the workforce.
MOXI opened in 2017, thanks to widespread community support, and this summer it plans to welcome its one-millionth visitor.
On average, MOXI welcomes more than 160,000 visitors per year, and 10,000 of those represent students from Title 1 schools, serving low- to moderate-income families.
MOXI also offers free after-school programs; scholarships for summer camps; free and reduced-cost field trips; free admission for teachers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties; sensory-sensitive programs; and participation in Museums for All, offering $1 admission to CalFresh card holders.
A key to making MOXI accessible is breaking down barriers to entry, which could include physical barriers, cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and even differences in how children learn. This is all taken into consideration in the design of the museum and its exhibits. A video highlighting MOXI’s efforts addressing accessibility, diversity and inclusivity was shown at the event.
“It is so important to remove the barriers,” said MOXI board member Donna Barranco Fisher. Fisher is also the retired executive director of Storyteller Children’s Center, and she shared stories of bringing her former students and their families to MOXI. All but one of her 89 preschoolers had never previously visited the museum.
“Most of these children experienced trauma and/or homelessness, and families felt like they couldn’t afford MOXI, or didn’t belong,” said Fisher. Yet when she reached out to Gose, the museum opened its doors and welcomed the nearly 100 families for a special holiday outing, showcasing its commitment to partnering with local organizations and dismantling cultural barriers.
“As a museum for the community, we have to represent the community,” said Gose.
“A child’s heart and mind are limitless,” she said. “But circumstances can be limiting, and while we may not be able to change those circumstances, we can make sure that this museum makes every opportunity accessible so that those children can explore their limitless potential.”
The event was chaired by board member Amber Kaplan and Angie McGrath. Mayor Randy Rowse and newly elected 1st District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Roy Lee attended.
Sponsors included Marcia and John Mike Cohen, Alixe and Mark Mattingly, Angie and Christian McGrath, Bank of America, Kelly and Kevin Almeroth, Eji events, Amber Kaplan, Mieko Kusano, and Isabel Wendt.
For more information, or to contribute to MOXI’s Accessibility Fund, visit https://moxi.org.