The Imagination Ball gala supports the essential work of the Museum and celebrates champions of childhood flourishing in Philadelphia.

Emcee’d by 6abc Meteorologist Adam Joseph and Please Touch Museum President & CEO Patricia D. Wellenbach, the 2024 Imagination Gala raised nearly $300,000 to date with proceeds supporting the Museum’s free, and low-cost community benefit programs and educational initiatives.

Portia and Otto Sperr Legacy Award

Hallee Adelman

Hallee authors “small books about big feelings” that teach social-emotional skills to young readers. During the pandemic, Hallee donated more than 1,000 books to be included in PTM’s Summer Discovery Backpacks for distribution throughout the Parkside neighborhood. Hallee also donated books to Ready. Set. School., helping young visitors understand the social-emotional learning needed to be healthy and happy. Her contributions exemplify the legacy of the Museum’s Founder Portia Sperr and her husband Otto in transforming the lives of children. 

Children & Families Impact Award

Mighty Writers

Mighty Writers annually teaches more than 4,500 kids between the ages of three and 17 to think and write with clarity so they can achieve success, through daily writing programs. At the start of the pandemic, the nonprofit began distributing groceries and other essentials — reducing food insecurity and enhancing the social-emotional well-being of families in our communities. Mighty Writers shares the Museum’s commitment to enriching the community and bettering the future for Philadelphia youth.

Corporate Philanthropy Award

Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross has offered longstanding support of the Museum dating back to a leadership gift in 2008 that was instrumental in the Museum’s move to Memorial Hall. Since that time, the partnership between IBX and the Museum has deepened.  Their most recent support of Ready. Set. School. in 2022 and 2023 has had a major impact on children and families as they prepare for a new school year.

During the gala, Trish Wellenbach and Greg Deavens shared the news that Independence Blue Cross will become the Official Health & Wellness Partner of Please Touch Museum!

This multiyear commitment includes renaming the Museum’s beloved Carousel House to the “Independence Blue Cross Carousel House” and continuing to support the Museum’s Ready. Set. School. program, offering three free admission community days with school readiness programming during the summer.

Learn more here