Please note: The museum will be closed to the public on Friday, October 25, to prepare for the event.
ROCHESTER, NY—Rochester’s most playful fundraising gala returns! Join Honorary Chairs Ken and Erin Glazer for an evening of fun and festivities highlighting the power of play in Rochester and beyond at The Strong’s Play Ball on Friday, October 25, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Be a superhero for the museum; funds raised from Play Ball support the museum’s outreach programs and play-based educational mission.
“For many years, The Strong has been an important part of our lives. We’ve watched our children play and learn here since they were babies—and as they grew, so did the museum. As we celebrate Play Ball 2024 in this incredible new space and expanded building, we’re reminded of the impacts The Strong has on our community—and our family,” said Ken Glazer, honorary co-chair and chairman and CEO of Buckingham Properties, as well as museum trustee.
This year, The Strong welcomes back the wonderfully weird and whimsical Tape Face to the Main Event. (Tape Face and his unique humor appeared on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, and he has a residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas.) Rochester favorites Joe Lomonaco and Nikki Rudd will emcee the evening and host a live auction that includes a NYC Toy Fair experience; getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; weekend package at the Del Monte Lodge complete with spa services; a chef’s table at Good Luck; family weekend at LegoLand; and more. The silent auction is open to the public and runs through the event—featuring playful packages such as one-of-a-kind autographed sports memorabilia, unique experiences, toys and games, and more.
Throughout the evening, guests can savor irresistible cuisine courtesy of Wegmans and sip creative cocktails from Good Luck’s team of mixologists. Guests will also enjoy music from DJ Crewz of BreakThrough Entertainment.
Leading Play Ball sponsors include, M&T Bank, Mary C. Valentine, Wegmans, Broadstone Net Lease Inc., Buckingham Properties, ESL Federal Credit Union, LeChase Construction Services LLC, Good Luck, Konar Properties, and The Toy Association.
About The Strong
The Strong is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the history and exploration of play. It is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play and houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play.