Luncheon
Donate Here
SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
AMBASSADORS
City Lights/
Cornerstone
Communications
Shah Family
FRIENDS
Brady & Michelle Barto Family
Buchheim Family
Lillian & Henry Chung
Kari & Darin Moore
Stowell Family
ASSOCIATES
Ken & Amy Aspis
Marilyn & Tom Sutton
Topacio Family
Wood Family
UNDERWRITERS
Décor
Tinajero-Dowdle Family
Photography
Harrison Family
Valet
Ohuche Ononye Family
Pretend City’s Start Smart Luncheon is on Friday, April 25 th at the Newport Beach Country Club . This event is not only one of our most important FUNdraisers for the Museum, it also helps us bring awareness to the community about all the early childhood resources Pretend City offers . Our Start Smart Luncheon brings together corporate and community leaders, education experts, and donors – who understand that healthy child development, early intervention, and play are critical for school readiness and a thriving community.
W e’ve got a great panel lined up to discuss “ Curiosity and Creativity Fuels Careers: How Early Experiences Shape Lifelong Success.”
Friday, April 25, 2025
11 am to 1:30 pm
Newport Beach Country Club
We’re SOLD OUT. If you’re interested in attending reach out to ude.ohuche@pretendcity.org
Meet our Panelists
Steven Brittan, President of Laguna College of Art + Design,has over 30 years of leadership in art, design, and sustainable development across academia, government, and the corporate sector. A nationally recognized expert, he has earned awards for masterplans, buildings, and innovative design technologies. Steve has served on academic and corporate boards, design juries, and tech startups with venture capital. He taught at Columbia University, RISD, and Harvard, where he earned his Master’s in Architecture with distinction in Design.
Ken Cruse, Co-Founder and CEO of Alpha Wave Investors and Soul Community Planet,a hospitality company focused on wellness, social good, and sustainability. Previously, he was CEO of Sunstone Hotel Investors, where he led the $5B NYSE company to strong growth and top workplace rankings. He is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization.
Kyla Cruse, Business Associate at Soul Community Planet (SCP), a holistic hospitality company co-founded by her parents, Ken and Pam Cruse. She earned a BA in Psychology from Georgetown University in 2024 after attending St. Margaret’s Episcopal School as a student-athlete. Passionate about wellness, Kyla is currently pursuing a holistic health coaching certification through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. When she’s not helping grow SCP, she enjoys yoga, surfing, and spending time in nature.
Jamie Annunzio Myers, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Education and Community Engagement at PBS SoCal. She oversees daily operations and strategic direction while driving the organization’s commitment to community impact through content, partnerships, and educational outreach. With a deep passion for the intersection of media, education, and young children, Jamie leverages her background as a former teacher and administrator to create meaningful educational experiences for our community. Her favorite PBS KIDS show is Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Sanjib Sahoo, Executive Vice President and President of the Global Platform Group at Ingram Micro,is a visionary leader known for his transformative impact on digital platforms and business growth. Recognized as a global technology icon, he has been named a top industry disruptor and one of the most influential business minds in the world as rated by Fortune. At Ingram Micro, he drives the company’s AI-powered platform strategy, including the advancement of Xvantage™.
Presenting Sponsor - $20,000
- Recognition as Presenting Sponsor
- Premier Seating for 20
- Champion Testimonial from Speaker Podium
- Featured Recognition on Event Visual Displays and Luncheon Website
- Social Media Posts (27,000 followers)
- Recognition in Museum Pre-Event
- Featured Recognition in Email Blasts (18,000/Email)
- Recognition in Press Release
- Recognition in 2024 Annual Report
- 30 Complimentary Pretend City Passes
- 2 Annual Family Memberships
- 200 Complimentary Tickets to Underserved Children in Company’s Name
- 1 Complimentary Facility Rental
Innovator - $10,000
- Premier Seating for 10
- Featured Recognition on Event Visual Displays and Luncheon Website
- Recognition from Speaker Podium
- Social Media Posts (27,000 followers)
- Recognition in Email Blasts (18,000/Email)
- Recognition in 2024 Annual Report
- 10 Complimentary Pretend City Passes
- 1 Annual Family Membership
- 100 Complimentary Tickets to Underserved Children in Company’s Name
Ambassador - $5,000
- Seating for 10
- Featured Recognition on Event Visual Displays and Luncheon Website
- Social Media Posts (27,000 followers)
- 10 Complimentary Pretend City Passes
- 50 Complimentary Tickets to Underserved Children in Company’s Name
Friend - $2,500
- Seating for 5
- Featured Recognition on Event Visual Displays and Luncheon Website
- Social Media Posts on Facebook and LinkedIn
- 10 Complimentary Pretend City Passes
- 50 Complimentary Tickets to Underserved Children in Company’s Name
Associate - $1,000
- Seating for 2
- Featured Recognition on Event Visual Displays and Luncheon Website
- Instagram Story
- 4 Complimentary Pretend City Passes
- 20 Complimentary Tickets to Underserved Children in Company’s Name
In-Kind Opportunities
Pretend City Children’s Museum offers in-kind sponsorship opportunities to businesses whose products and services are mission-appropriate. Examples include food and beverage, photography, and video production. The in-kind sponsorship benefits are based on the monetary value of the donated item(s).
Custom sponsorships are available. Please contact Ude Ohuche for further information at Ude.Ohuche@pretendcity.org or 949-428-3900 ext. 221.
UNDERWRITING AVAILABLE
Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
949-428-3900
info@pretendcity.org
Stay Connected
Healthy Kids, Healthy Museum
To protect the health of Pretend City Children’s Museum community, we ask families to please only come play with us on days that everyone is feeling well.
© 2025 Pretend City Children's Museum Non-Profit Organization 501(c)3 | Legal | Privacy Policy
