2008-Present Memorial Hall
1976-1978
Academy of Natural Sciences
1978-1983
Cherry Street
1983-2008 21st Street
PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM Mid-Year Report 2016
In 1976, Portia Sperr was inspired. A Montessori educator, she understood the learning inherent in play, and recognized the need for a space dedicated to it. Faced with a dearth of places to bring a class of five-year-olds for play-based hands-on learning, she decided to create one. Thus, Please Touch Museum was born.
Forty years later, that legacy of creating meaningful learning experiences through play burns
bright in the inquisitive minds of the children we welcome to Memorial Hall each and every day. Ours is a story of enduring transformation, a journey from there to here. From a 2200 square foot installation on the top floor of the Academy of Natural Sciences, to 65,000 square feet of exhibition and programming space in an awe-inspiring historic building. From a space staffed generously by volunteers that could only accommodate 25 children at one time, to an iconic building that welcomes hundreds of thousands of children each year. From one woman’s vision, to a regional and national treasure that has been the backdrop for generations of memories. The passion driving us forward is the constant that connects us to our beginnings: unwavering dedication and commitment to our mission. Its pursuit has seen many milestones along the way, including the expansion of our collections, the reinvention and innovation of our exhibits and programming, and of course the expansion of the Museum itself. Arguably the boldest step on our path, the move to Memorial Hall in 2008 literally and symbolically positioned us for a promising foundation for the future.
The financial challenge that ensued proved a test of the strength and will of the organization. In 2015, Please Touch Museum encountered both its largest struggle and perhaps greatest triumph to date, as the consistent and universal recognition of this great institution’s merit helped us emerge stronger than ever. That journey inspired a broad and inclusive re-examination of our mission and critical role in early childhood learning, which we take on now with excitement and vigor. We now have a unique opportunity to build on our legacy, and see it through into the future with a renewed appreciation for our own vitality. This work has already begun. We have rebuilt our executive staff with some of the finest minds in our field, and have raised over $8.3 million in less than six months for the Foundation for the Future campaign. Those contributions have enabled us to reinvigorate the Museum for twenty-first century children and families, and include a $750,000 Advancement Grant from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage to help us develop new blended digital and hands-on exhibitions and programs. Finally, we have begun a comprehensive strategic planning process as well as a rebranding initiative that will establish a strong identity and guiding course moving forward. These efforts, coupled with the energy and enthusiasm that our talented staff brings to their work each and every day, herald more great things to come. With pride in our rich history and awe at what we’ve achieved so far, we look eagerly towards the future.
Patricia D. Wellenbach Sally Stetson President & CEO Chair, Board of Trustees
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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2015
From Furry Friends to 500,000 FY 2015 saw Please Touch Museum continue on our forward-facing path, with steadfast focus and commitment to our mission.
FEATURE EXHIBITS
A wonderful way to bring new stories and experiences to Please Touch Museum on a regular basis, feature exhibits primarily showcase themes drawn from popular culture. In 2015, the plans were laid to reinstate our feature exhibit program, presenting limited-run exhibitions that offer children and their grown-ups the chance to play and learn alongside some familiar faces. The program boasts an impressive schedule planned through 2020.The inaugural exhibition, Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog, opened to great acclaim on October 17, 2015 and provided a wonderful opportunity for learning during its run here through January. Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! has an extended run February through Labor Day, and The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head will open in early October 2016. In the fall of 2017, we’ll welcome Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Uniquely memorable experiences for visitors as well as excellent vehicles for publicity and recurring visitation, feature exhibits will undoubtedly remain notable highlights for many years to come.
In September of 2015, former Please Touch Museum CEO Lynn McMaster served as the keynote speaker in Seoul at the International Symposium of the Children’s Museum, National Museum of South Korea (NMSK). Themed Museums Where Children Have Fun: Results and Challenges of Education at Children’s Museums, it was held as part of celebrations to highlight the 10th anniversary of the NMSK reconstruction and opening of their children’s museum. The conference dealt in depth with the achievements of and future challenges for education at children’s museums in South Korea and internationally. McMaster’s keynote address was titled Make Believe, Make Memories: A Commitment to Our Youngest Learners.
The Elaine Wideman-Vaughn Program Room was the home of Living Laboratory, one of 2015’s numerous programmatic highlights. Children met real scientists and discovered how people develop and process information through play-based activities that made any budding scientist feel welcome. For example, one of our team-led exercises showed the children a series of images, then let them demonstrate their familiarity of the odors for the objects they observed by identifying smells presented via a “smelly pen”. This program also included a partnership with Monell Chemical Senses Center, conducting scientific studies on the Museum gallery floor.
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FY 2015 enjoyed commendable overall visitation. We welcomed over 500,000 visitors throughout the year, engaging the public both inside and beyond our doors in innovative programming. It is a testament to the talent and professionalism of our staff that in the midst of sweeping changes behind the scenes, the quality of our visitors’ experience maintained its consistently high standard.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
of Learning through Play
The triumphs of 2015 have seen us through to our 40th year, and we have a lot to celebrate. Please Touch Museum’s incredible legacy lives in the hearts and minds of our visitors, and is best represented by their moving and inspiring stories. We are planning a broad series of programs and events in commemoration of our birthday, sharing those stories and helping create new ones. Although we have incorporated this important milestone into the visitor experience for the entire year, the month of October will be the epicenter of our birthday celebrations. On Sunday, October 2 we will host a community day, and each subsequent weekend throughout the month will celebrate a different decade. The new feature exhibit The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head will open on Saturday, October 8, and we will cap it all off with our 40th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, November 3. A fitting tribute, this special evening will honor the PNC Grow Up Great program with our Corporate Philanthropy Award, and present the Portia and Otto Sperr Legacy Award to Gie and Lisa Liem.
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INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL POSITION
From Dollars to Cents
The successful emergence from Chapter 11 on March 31, 2016, along with the elimination of debt, will reduce the administrative expenses of the Museum by approximately $4.4 million annually and will allow the Museum to focus 100% of our efforts on our core mission. The Museum also recognized that in order to sustain long-term viability, additional cost reductions would be required. As such, it initiated major decreases in overhead costs across the institution throughout FY 14 and 15. Significant management time and attention was devoted to the administrative tasks involved in Chapter 11 activities, with time spent by all levels of management. Our emergence from Chapter 11 allows management to direct their efforts once again toward Museum experience, performance, and growth. An analysis of the FY 15 functional expense allocation shows over $900,000 in management salaries and benefits were allocated to management in support of the Chapter 11 efforts.
Going forward, this time and money can and will be allocated to program expenses. The entire management team is focused on expanding its resources while minimizing overhead. Please Touch Museum has continued to provide unmatched play and learning opportunities for the region’s children and be an economic engine for Philadelphia. With our current momentum and the generous investment of its supporters, Please Touch Museum is uniquely positioned to be an innovative center for early childhood learning in the twenty-first century.
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Statement of Financial Position
October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015
Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities Grants and contributions receivable Other current assets Total current assets Grants and contributions receivable after one year Property, equipment, and exhibits, net Cash held in escrow Deferred financing costs TOTAL ASSETS Current Liabilities Current portion of bonds payable Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrued interest Current portion of capital lease obligation Total current liabilities Long-term portion of capital lease obligation Liabilities subject to compromise: Bonds payable Accrued interest Capital lease obligation Accounts payable and accrued expenses Total liabilities subject to compromise TOTAL LIABILITIES Net assets (deficit): Unrestricted Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted TOTAL NET ASSETS TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
2015 $ 2,682,520 2,217,936 1,168,500 367,095 6,436,051 99,659 30,000,000 7,594,599 583,780 $44,714,089
2014 $ 1,604,537 8,567,023 233,200 381,917 10,786,677 66,748 54,790,640 5,384,830 632,868 $71,661,763
$
– 905,884 – – $905,884 –
$59,721,964 753,034 248,972 15,210 $60,739,180 48,163
59,635,970 3,265,690 48,164 773,582 63,723,406 64,629,290
– – – – – 60,787,343
(21,495,285) 148,000 1,432,084 (19,915,201) $44,714,089
9,184,389 257,947 1,432,084 10,874,420 $71,661,763
Statement of Financial Position
October 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 Current Assets
Mar ’16
Sep ’15
$ 1,741,803
$ 2,682,520
$ (940,717)
2,083,923
2,217,937
(134,013)
Grants and contributions receivable
326,912
808,363
(481,451)
Other current assets
508,190
318,218
189,972
Total current assets
4,660,828
6,027,038
(1,366,209)
Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities
Grants and contributions receivable after one year Property, equipment and exhibits, net of accumulated depreciation Cash held in escrow
1,100,195
508,673
591,522
29,906,924
30,000,000
(93,076)
1,828,176
7,594,599
(5,766,422)
–
583,780
(583,780)
$37,496,124
$44,714,089
$(7,217,966)
–
$ 59,635,970
$ (59,635,970)
1,166,580 –
1,727,631
(561,051)
3,265,690
1,166,580 _
64,629,290
(3,265,690) (63,462,710)
–
– $(63,462,710)
Deferred financing costs TOTAL ASSETS
Change from Sep ’15
Liabilities & Net Assets Current Liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrued interest Total current liabilities Long-Term Debt TOTAL LIABILITIES
$
$1,166,580
$64,629,290
NET ASSETS
$36,329,544
$(19,915,201)
$56,244,745
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
$37,496,124
$44,714,089
$(7,217,965)
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List of Donors
October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015 GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT – INDIVIDUAL $25,000 and above The CHG Charitable Trust Lisa & Gie Liem $24,99–$10,000 Elizabeth Cartmell & Paul Zoubek Joe & Jolly Waterman $9,999–$5,000 Joseph Fanelli Jr. Dr. Barbara Klock & Mr. Salem Shuchman Elizabeth R. Moran Sally & Lee Stetson The Tewksbury Family Kristen & Patrick Traynor
$4,999–$1,000 Sharon & Kevin Coghlan Kathryn & Vincent J. Galarneau Ruth A. Hirshey Lincoln Ben & Meghan Johnson Lee A. Rosengard & Andrea R. Kramer Rhea & Bennett Thomas $999–$500 Craig Russell Blackman Richard Bowen Matthew W. Foster Sidney & Joyce Gamburg Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin R. Neilson Cynthia Schiff & Floyd Glenn The Tyler Family $499–$100 Tara Andorfer Lin & Jim Buck Elizabeth Carmalt
T.J. & Catherine Conahan Jeffrey A. Engblom Mr. & Dr. Carl H. Fridy Charles & Anne Gingrich Grace Gonglewski Jeffrey & Tracy Hitchner Nancy D. & W. Roy Kolb Donald & Vicki Kramer Gabriella Marein-Efron & Evan Fieldston Kate O’Neil Laura Palmer Mindy Roseman The Ross Family Foundation: Daniel & Faye Ross Dan Rottenberg Susan & John Salveson Mark Schreiner Judy & Daniel Sherry Frederick T. Stingle, IV
$44,714,089 $71,661,763
Scott K. Suko Tom Watson Jolene Weaver Under $100 Anonymous Kate Albert Eva & Miguel Alicea Hristo Apostolov Thomas Ard Karen Armmour James Atwell Richard Balko James Ball Sasha Ballen Robert Barbieri Pilar Bartlett Cynthia Bashore Arlene Bennett Abigail Berry
Rachel G. Besnoff Michelle Biloon Todd Bingemann Toni Lee Blate Donna Bonyun Richard Boucher Amanda Branson Gill Jessica Brecker Sharon Breske Alyssa Bridges Tanya Brown David Brundage Susan Bryson David Buckley Lauren Byrnes Flavio Cabrera Maria Camacho Barbara Cann Ellen Cathopoulis Lisa Chacko Chung Chang
Toya Chapman Joshua Cheseika Amy Choules Andrea Cintron Lorna Clause Becky Collins Michael Conway Lisa Conway Salvator Croce Cory Cui Frank DeCicco Marianne DeJesus Jill Delfin Anne Demkin Amy Didona Gail Dittes Carolyn Dixon Eileen Dolly David Dougherty Jennifer Downey Bonnie Drobnes Eileen Durso
Branwan Ellis Shawn Erickson Nicole Erle Kyle Everly Michelle Falance Erika Fellman Robin Fiorentino Rachel Fishman Shannah Fitzgerald Diane Fogdall Bernadette Foley Lori Franzke Kathryn Freit
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List of Donors (cont.) Martin Frey Julayne & Richard Frost Joseph Gallagher Alyson Gallion Antranig Garibian Alison Geigert Scott Goodling Benjamin Gordon Sherray Gould Cordula Grewe DuPont Guerry Jessica Halbert Stephanie Hampson Melodie L. Hardy Kelly Hasbrouck Nicastro Amy Hasselman Tashima Hawkins Elizabeth Hemphill Jacqueline Hershberger
Mark Hopkins Allyssa Hornbaker Anne Houser Melissa Hoy Charles Hudack Kris Hunnicutt Bradley Immel Marcus Jones Tedford Juachon Dana Kane Judith Kaplan Kenneth Keim Sarah Kern Julia Kirby Lisa Kittrell Julie Laine Barbara Landis Chris Lejeune Kevin Lenz Kathleen Lesko Bernadette Leyden
Jennifer Long Eliud Lopez Anna G. Lovera Aaron Madhavan Howard & Cirel Magen Jennifer Maida-Chateau Kathryn Manari Frank Martin Theodora Matisoff Denise & Dominic Mazza Marion McCabe Marylyle McCue Jacqueline McDonnell Christopher McFadden Bethany McGee Elizabeth Mentzinger Joseph Micucci Alena Mohr Kathryn Morelock Alex Mour Robert Mueller
Jamie Murray Sally Myers Wendy Neale Deborah Neill Linda Newsted Eric Norquist Frederick Oelrich Nicole Onesti Luisa Ossa Alexis Pappas Angeline Pavlik Rashanda Perryman Alexis Peskin Thomas Pham Katherine Phillips Amanda Pilsbury Ronald Pinsker Kathleen Porter Naveen Potthuru
$44,714,089 $71,661,763
Joseph Prunty Thomas Puder Diane Purr Joseph Quillinan Jonna Raezer Kevin Rafferty & Audrey Wood Jeri Ramagnano Gilad Raphaelli Roberta Revness Adam Rickert Phil Robinson Michael Rodack Family Joanne Rodland Eliezer Rolon Jacqueline Romasky Howard Rubinstein David & Darcy Sacker Faith Saliba Amitha Sampath
Karen W. Sanders Alan Sands Joan Santiago Joseph & Melissa Santomauro Denise Saporito Brandy Scott Jan Scott Megan Shea Alok Sindher David Skica Carol Smith Frances Smith Esther Sobel Sara Sobel Carol Spacht Danielle Staley Stephen Starr Lillian Stymiest Venkatesh Subburayaiu Karina Sweeney
Nadine Talley Sara Tanzio Anubha Thakur Joji Thompson Pamela Tice Michael Todd Jason Torban Nicole Trunk JoAnn Tucker Jennifer Tustin William Tymick Dylan Uprichard Rachel Utain-Evans Vikram Vamshi Joel Vazquez Mary Verderese Jason Violetti Helen Wagner Jessica Waltman Breanne Ward Kiwamu Watanabe Joseph Wellspeak
Jesenia Williams Joyce Williams Christopher Williamson Irene Wilson Jacqueline Wilson Stephen Wilson Joseph Winzinger Nicole Witherspoon Zhicheng Yan Ellen Yang Danielle Zonis Michael Zuckerman
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List of Donors (cont.) CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATION AND GOVERNMENT $25,000 and above The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation The Arcadia Foundation The Boeing Company Coca-Cola Refreshments Harmelin Media $24,999–$10,000 Aqua America, Inc. Berwind Group Bloomberg Global Philanthropy & Engagement Lincoln Financial Group PA Leadership Charter School Pfizer, Inc. The Philadelphia Foundation Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania
$9,999–$5,000 ACE INA Bank of America Thomas Skelton Harrison Foundation Isdaner & Company, LLC KPMG LLP Macy’s Inc. MKM Foundation Patriarch Family Foundation PricewaterhouseCoopers Procacci Brothers Sales Corporation The Elizabeth B. and Arthur E. Roswell Foundation, Inc. Woodloch Pines Your Cause, LLC $4,999–$1,000 Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Boscia Family Foundation Louis N. Cassett Foundation
Coventry Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Dream Makerz Foundation The GE Foundation The C. Eugene Ireland Foundation Jewish Family and Children’s Service Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies Contributions Fund PNC Bank, N.A. The George W. Rentschler Foundation Gilroy and Lillian Roberts Charitable Foundation Shoe Carnival, Inc. Sketchers The Tally Foundation United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey Universal Health Recovery Centers, Inc. Vanguard Charitable Endowment Fund Young Presidents Organization
$44,714,089 $71,661,763
$999–$500 Julius & Ray Charlestein Foundation DTCC Giving Program Samuel P. Mandell Foundation Nature’s Bakery Under $500 Comcast Corporation Truist Inc. The Vanguard Group
STORYBOOK BALL 2015 Event Committee Chairs Ashley Govberg Kate Shields Cinderella Sponsor Jon & Joanne Harmelin Fairy Godmother Sponsor Hallee & David Adelman
VIP Hour Sponsor Ashley & Daniel Govberg Robin Hood Sponsor Salveson Stetson Group, Inc. Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP Alice in Wonderland Sponsor AllBrand Supply Hersha Hospitality Trust Ruth A. Hirshey Lincoln PNC Bank, N.A. Suzanne & Scott Rehl Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc. Vault Communications, Inc. Wawa Inc. The Honorable Constance H. Williams Madeline Sponsor Bank of America Cozen O’Connor Christine Diegidio EisnerAmper LLP Gulian & Associates Jane Hoban Ben & Meghan Johnson
Keith & Alixandra Morgan Philadelphia Eagles Reed Smith LLP Peter Pan Sponsor The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc. Elizabeth Cartmell & Paul Zoubek Sharon & Kevin Coghlan Shakti Harris Stephanie Lerner Lynn McMaster Plymouth Nursery & Landscape Aleni Pappas PricewaterhouseCoopers Will Wermuth
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List of Donors (cont.) Storybook Ball Donations Club Tabby Dolores Dennison Mary D. Hangley S. S. Gill Company The Schoch Foundation Bertram & Lynne Strieb Storybook Ball Gifts in Kind 20/20 Visual Media Brulee Catering Club Tabby KWC Strategies Netplus Marketing On Q Productions Philadelphia Park and Recreation Procacci Brothers Sales Corporation Ticket Leap WHYY, Inc. WPVI - TV/6abc
CENTENNIAL GUILD 1876 Society Robert & Deborah Cohen Manufacturer Susan & Cummins Catherwood Elizabeth Gemmill Nancy D. & W. Roy Kolb Jody & David Nazarian Debra Weiss Collector Jessica Brookstein Brian & Aly Cunningham Ashley & Daniel Govberg Kerry & Kevin Halpern-Skoglund Kim Harrison Jane Hoban Jeannine Payne Alison Siskin Joe & Jolly Waterman
Fairgoer Meredith Auker Scott Bachrach Sandeep Bains Lynda Barness Marian Braccia Douglas E. Brintnall Hana & Lucas Burke Priya & Darren Check Tracy Chillemi Suzanna Cooper Jennifer Diabo Evgeny Dyachenko Brian Effron Lisa Elizondo Deborah Gaskins-Simms Jennifer Gray Patrick J. Guise Portia Hamilton-Sperr Jon & Joanne Harmelin Megan Heater James H. Hill
Pamela Jordan-Farr Rena & Josh Kopelman Eliud Lopez James MacFawn Meghan & Josh Maeulen Anthony McCarley Susa McFall Michael & Gwenn Nolan Brian Potter Clare Pozos William Quinn Kiele Rigaud-Hayes Lee A. Rosengard & Andrea R. Kramer Angela Sabol Rungnapa Tedwirat & Tanya Gordon Bennett & Rhea Thomas Jolene Weaver Rafael Zahralddin
Please Touch Museum makes every effort to accurately maintain its donor and volunteer listings. If you find an error or omission, please contact the Development Department at 215-581-3195.
$44,714,089 $71,661,763
Thank you for your support! Please Touch Museum is in the strong position we are today thanks to the energy and dedication of many. We thank you all for your continued support from our hearts to yours.
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4231 Avenue of the Republic Philadelphia, PA 19131 PleaseTouchMuseum.org 215-581-3181