Discovery Playhouse raises more than $25,000 at annual fundraiser

Ellen Lorberg's eyes lit up as she described the joy her 15-month-old grandson experienced the first time he visited Discovery Playhouse children's museum.

"He learned how to go down the slide," Lorberg said. "He just had a ball."

Lorberg and her husband, John, were among about 300 people attending Discovery Playhouse's third annual FUNdraiser Friday.

The Birdhouse Bash -- chosen as the fundraiser's theme from now on -- featured an evening wine tasting and silent auction with more than 80 items available. In 2011, 80 people attended and the event raised more than $10,000. Organizers said the goal this year was to raise $25,000. Organizers hoped money from the event would help them develop new interactive exhibits.

"We set a really aggressive goal for ourselves," said Jennifer Mullix, executive director of Discovery Playhouse. She said Saturday that more than 270 people attended the event and that the Playhouse had raised just more than the $25,000 goal. Items in the auction included custom-made birdhouses, restaurant gift cards, jewelry, dresses, golf products and pet products.

People attending the silent auction milled about the museum, sampling local wines and snacking on fruit and cheeses. They caught up with old friends and met strangers. The Lumber Jills, a folk group made up of two women singing their own take on pop songs and playing ukuleles, provided background music.

One table on the second floor of the museum featured desserts prepared by Tamara Johnson, of Elegant Edibles of Dexter, Mo. Using some 15 pounds of flour, 8 pounds of butter and 5 pounds of sugar, she created dozens of cookies, cupcakes, birdhouse-shaped cakes and other confections.

Mary Ann Phillips of Morley, Mo., slowly walked along the tables of items up for auction. She prodded, poked and pulled at bags with items hidden inside.

"I'd hate to accidentally buy some golf-something I wouldn't ever use," she said as she peered into a green paper bag.

Larry and Shirley Bock of Jackson said their grandchildren often attend the museum. Larry Bock said he came to the event Friday night because he just wanted to support the museum, although he did have his eye on a lawn chair that was up for auction. And although he hadn't placed a bid early Friday, he was certain his wife had.

The auction was held on the second floor of the museum, an open, warehouse-like space. Museum board member Cliff Brooks said organizers hoped people would see the potential for the second story of the museum, not only for future exhibits, but also for use as a venue. He said the museum had already started using the space for birthday gatherings.

"The Birdhouse Bash is an event we want to build on every year," Mullix said. "We wanted to just let people come out and party for a cause."

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