Party in the Playground 2026

Events

Party in the Playground is Smiths annual fundraiser where the adults take over! Each year we honor Play Champions for their dedication and commitment to providing and promoting unstructured play for all children. The event features live music, an auction and raffle and fabulous local food and drink.

Saturday, May 16, 2026
5:30pm - 9pm

Party in the Playground is all about fun, so dress comfortably and casually - and make sure your outfit is 'slide appropriate' if you want to take a ride down our famous Giant Wooden Slide!

Join us as we honor three extraordinary and long-standing supporters of Smith.

Play Champion: Claire Donato, President, Mark B. Thompson Associates, PC
Volunteer Champions: PECO
Community Champion: Ms. Ruth Birchett

About our Honorees

Claire Donato

Claire Donato is President of Mark B. Thompson Associates, PC (MBTA), a Philadelphia-based architecture and planning firm with a distinguished reputation for historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and community-focused design. A registered architect and LEED Accredited Professional, Claire has led restoration projects at some of the nations most treasured cultural landmarks, including Fairmount Water Works, Eastern State Penitentiary, and Strawberry Mansion.

Since 2008, Claire and MBTA have been Smith Memorial Playgrounds trusted architectural partners, guiding a multi-phase restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Playhouse. Their work has safeguarded the buildings structural integrity, restored its historic character, and adapted spaces for modern use, including preschool classrooms, upgraded restrooms, and renovated gathering areas, ensuring Smith remains a vibrant, welcoming place for generations of children and families.

Known for her collaborative spirit and deep respect for Philadelphias architectural heritage, Claire brings technical expertise and a passion for community stewardship to every project. She lives in Center City with her husband, Greg, and is a lifelong advocate for preserving places that connect people, culture, and history.

PECO

PECO employees give their most precious resource - their time. Through the companys strong culture of volunteerism, PECO team members dedicate thousands of hours each year to supporting nonprofits across the region, including at Smith.

For many years, PECO employees have rolled up their sleeves at Smith, helping with playground cleanups, special projects, and community events. Their commitment reflects PECOs deep belief in corporate citizenship, where volunteer service develops leadership and teamwork while making a tangible difference in childrens lives.

Smith is proud to count PECO among its longest-standing partners, whose generosity and service help ensure that free, joyful play is possible for every child.

Ms. Ruth Birchett
Ruth Birchett is a lifelong Philadelphian and respected civic leader with deep roots in North Philadelphia. Raised in the community she continues to serve, Ruth has dedicated her life to strengthening neighborhoods and uplifting local voices. She works with Heritage Corp in Philadelphia, where her commitment to community development and preservation reflects her passion for protecting cultural heritage and expanding opportunities for residents. Known for her leadership, advocacy, and vision, Ruth is recognized as a trusted partner and tireless champion for equity, history, and neighborhood pride.

Options	Price	Select/Qty
Presenting Sponsorship ($15,000+)Sponsorship includes 20 event tickets; 2 Reserved VIP tables; Premier recognition in the event program, on-site signage, and Smith’s e-newsletter; Logo and hyperlink on Smith website; Listing in all press materials; Two (2) features on social media recognition (before and after event) ; Special recognition in event remarks; Exclusive opportunity to host a Play Date at Smith for employees and their families with private porch access	Price$ 15,000.00	Select/Qty
Sponsorship: Ann Newman ($10,000)Sponsorship includes 10 event tickets; 1 Reserved VIP table; Premier recognition in the event program, on-site signage, and Smith’s e-newsletter; Logo and hyperlink on Smith website; Listing in all press materials; Two (2) features on social media recognition (before and after event); Special recognition in event remarks; Opportunity to host a “Family Play Morning” at Smith for employees and their families	Price$ 10,000.00	Select/Qty
Sponsorship: Build Adventure ($5,000)Sponsorship includes 8 event tickets; Recognition in the event program, on-site signage and Smith’s e-newsletter; Logo and hyperlink on Smith website; Listing in all press materials; One (1) feature social media recognition before the event.	Price$ 5,000.00	Select/Qty
Sponsorship: Straz Land ($2,500)Sponsorship includes 6 event tickets; Recognition in the event program, on-site signage and Smith’s e-newsletter; Logo and hyperlink on Smith website; Listing in all press materials	Price$ 2,500.00	Select/Qty
Sponsorship: Smithville ($1000)Sponsorship includes 4 event tickets; Recognition in the event program, on-site signage and Smith’s e-newsletter; Recognition on Smith’s event webpage	Price$ 1,000.00	Select/Qty
Sponsorship: Nature Explore ($500)Sponsorship includes 2 event tickets; Recognition in the event program , on-site signage and Smith’s e-newsletter; Recognition on Smith’s event webpage	Price$ 500.00	Select/Qty
Buy a Pair of Tickets	Price$ 200.00	Select/Qty
Buy a Single Ticket	Price$ 125.00	Select/Qty
Give a TicketSponsor a ticket to Party in the Playground for a Smith community partner or program participant.	Price$ 125.00	Select/Qty
DonationIf you can't attend but still want to support Smith, or if you want to make an additional donation, please use this option.	Price$ 0.00	Select/Qty

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