Since opening, Cayton Children’s Museum has welcomed nearly one million visitors and become an essential resource for Los Angeles children and families. This year’s gala supports The Cayton’s bold vision for the future: deepening the experiences offered within the Museum and expanding access to the power of play for more children and families beyond its walls.

That vision comes to life across the Cayton’s work, from museum programs and PLAY4ALL, which helps make visits more accessible, to Community Connections, our mobile museum program bringing play-based experiences to parks, schools, libraries, festivals and neighborhood gathering spaces. Your support helps sustain this work and create new opportunities for children and caregivers to explore, learn and play together throughout Southern California.

This year’s Playmakers Gala honors three special friends and champions of Cayton Children’s Museum whose leadership, partnership and generosity help make meaningful play possible for children and families across Los Angeles: John Derderian, Vice President of Animation Series, Kids & Family TV at Netflix; Spencer Kallick, Partner at Allen Matkins and a member of The Cayton’s Board of Directors; and Dan Timmons, PNC Regional President, on behalf of PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great initiative. 

Their commitment reflects the spirit of Playmakers: a community coming together around the belief that play can enrich children’s lives, strengthen families and build more connected communities.