Thank you for believing in Discovery Playhouse

By Jennifer Mullix

As we take down the decorations from our Seuss-themed FUNdraiser and the excitement of upcoming graduation ceremonies is in the air, I reflect back to my own high school graduation. Our class valedictorian read "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. That book's words have never rung so true to me than in this moment. As Discovery Playhouse celebrates one year since opening its doors, it allows us to reflect on how we got here. As I gathered up photos to include in the museum's FUNdraiser slide show, I found myself not even able to recognize what I was looking at. Is this the Broadway location? I asked myself. It still amazes me that there were so many people who could see the potential of what this old building could be.

"You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care. About some you will say, 'I don't choose to go there.' With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down a not-so-good street."

Serving over 25,000 children and their families this first year, it is clear that the founding board of directors, staff, tireless volunteers and donors went down a "good street."

Donors. To many that means that those are the people with money. It is true that these generous individuals, companies and organizations have provided financial support, but what is also true is that they went down the "good street" with us. They didn't point us in the right direction and then turn their cars the other way. They didn't drive us to our destination and drop us off. They followed, right next to us, to make sure that we were OK. But, they allowed us the freedom of getting there on our own.

Jim Riley, Jon Rust and Jim Mauer are some of the children's museum's biggest cheerleaders. In addition to being great businessmen, they are amazing advocates for the children and families in our region.

Our early exhibit sponsors were given the guidance of: "If you build it, they will come." Rather than running away, screaming in fear, they hopped on board. We thank you: Montgomery Bank, Schnucks, Midamerica Hotels/Drury Restaurants Inc., Procter & Gamble, SoutheastHealth, Southeast Missouri Dental Society/Cape Girardeau Dental Study Club, Shivelbine's Music Store, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Optimist Club and the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.

Our exhibits have been enjoyed by many. In addition to being a popular destination for local families, early data is showing that 45 percent of Discovery Playhouse guests come from outside of Cape Girardeau and Jackson. We are grateful for the support from the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau as we continue to help bring families to the area. Resources provided by Mayor Harry Rediger, the city of Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and Old Town Cape are all a key element of our success.

A few weeks ago we opened our most anticipated exhibit: Kim's Secret Water Garden. This new water play area was made possible thanks to gifts from Wendy and Gary Rust, Jon and Victoria Rust. And, most importantly, Terry McDowell, who helped create a wonderful design in honor of his wife, Kim. Terry also invested countless hours, often late into the night, helping to give the space a special touch. After Kim's recent passing, a memorial fund was set up in her name at Discovery Playhouse. Those donations, from Kim's family and friends, went to support the new Secret Water Garden exhibit. Thanks to Terry and his wife Kim, and Rust & Martin, our guests are greeted by colorful kites, an inviting new staircase and beautiful carpet and tile on our second floor.

Thank you to the Southeast Missourian for your continued coverage of the new programs, events and milestones that occur at Discovery Playhouse. You are able to tell our story while capturing the heart and soul of our organization.

What lies ahead? This summer, Discovery Playhouse will open "Grandma Ruth's Farm." This exhibit, supported by Dori Lage, will teach children about how our food goes from "farm to market." Whether harvesting from the veggie patch, picking fruit from the orchard or milking the dairy cow, children will be able to get "hands-on" without getting their hands dirty! Expanding into the museum's second floor, creative juices will be flowing as we open the "The Dogtown Press Renew Children's Theater." This multipurpose stage can host an impromptu play, show movies or be the platform for local children performers.

At this time last year our second floor was a dusty space with no electricity, cracking walls and you could see through the floor. Now it's something totally different. Imagine what it will be like in a year -- and in five years. Children playing and learning as they explore what makes an airplane fly, take on the role of a veterinarian to heal a sick puppy, design a new bridge for the city, or create their own artistic masterpiece. We need continued support to make these dreams our reality.

Thank you to all of our guests and members who support us each and every day. Thank you to our future donors and sponsors who will take Discovery Playhouse to the next level. Like many Oscar winners, we are sure to forget to publicly thank a lot of important people. Feel free to drop-in to the Children's Museum to see the results of all your hard work and dedication: children having a blast.

For information about Discovery Playhouse or how you can sponsor an exhibit, please contact us by phone at 573-335-7529; email us at info@discoveryplayhouse.org; or go to our website at www.discoveryplayhouse.org.

Jennifer Mullix is the executive director of the Discovery Playhouse in Cape Girardeau.