Case Study for Development - Modesto Children's Museum (MoChiMu)
The Modesto Children’s Museum was founded in 2019, by three local families. Since then, their team has expanded considerably to include a large group of diverse professionals and talented individuals passionate about the future of children in the Central Valley.
Children’s museums provide exhibits and programs to stimulate informal learning experiences for kids. In contrast to traditional museums that typically have a hands-off policy regarding exhibits, children’s museums feature interactive, hands-on exhibits meant to be manipulated by children. They often include areas for climbing, water-play, STEM, and arts education. The vision for the Modesto Children’s Museum includes all these things and more.
The Modesto Children’s Museum will foster creativity, excitement about new ideas, a love of learning, and the confidence to try new things. There is truly no experience like this in Stanislaus County; this project will provide our community’s children the chance to learn and grow in this type of environment, right in their own backyard.
After 18 months of privately fundraising, MoChiMu has raised nearly all of its $7.5 million dollar private capital campaign goal. On August 13th, 2022, they kicked off our public capital campaign “Launch The Adventure… Make It Happen” with a family friendly event in downtown Modesto, right in front of the museum’s building on 11th Street. With a public goal of $1.5 million dollars, the museum looks ahead to building renovations and exhibit fabrication, with a grand opening planned for mid 2023.
Katie and Jake Barber will share about their initial fundraising campaign, how they got started and where they are today.
Katie Barber, Board President
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Katie has called Modesto home since 2014. She earned a degree in Biology from The Pennsylvania State University and worked as a Clinical Coordinator with the Transplant Programs at Stanford Hospital. She currently devotes her time to her children, Brooke, Matthew, and Lily, and also projects that serve the local community - particularly those that aim to improve the lives of children. In 2017, Katie and her husband Jake spearheaded a project to restore the pool and splash pad in Graceada Park as a memorial to their son Ryan. She is committed to community-driven projects that promote programs and resources for families and children.
Dr. Jake Barber, Board MemberA proud graduate of Oakdale High School, Dr. Jake Barber has always had a passion for helping others. He completed Dental School at University of the Pacific and went on to a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Alameda County Medical Center. For the past six years, Dr. Barber has been in private practice as owner/partner at Greater Modesto Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center. He is devoted to building a stronger community by investing in community improvement projects.
Where: Skewers
821 L Street, Modesto
*Street Parking Only*
When: March 2, 2023, 12:00 - 1:30pm
Networking & Announcements 12:00-12:15, followed by the presentation.
AFP membership not required.
AFP Members may bring a guest free of charge once each year.
AFP Members: $25.00
All others: $35.00
Please Note: Lunch is included in the price.
Register below using PayPal or email afpyosemite@gmail.com to RSVP and pay at the door.
Please register by February 28, 2023, 4:00PM.
Please select member/nonmember option: