Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples Raises More Than $1.4 Million

Published on March 31, 2026

NAPLES, Florida (March 31, 2026) – On March 7, Southwest Florida community members gathered in support of the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples at its annual signature fundraising event, Night at the Museum: Cirque du CMON, raising more than $1.47 million for children and families in the community.

An event unlike any other in the region, this year’s Night at the Museum: Cirque du CMON was chaired by Shera and Casey Askar, with honorary chair Ann Scott. The evening delivered dazzling spectacle and immersive entertainment, living up to its “greatest show” theme.

The night began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the museum before guests moved into the big tent, where they enjoyed the playful atmosphere only CMON can provide. Cuisine was provided by Tulia Catering & Events by Vincenzo Betulia, entertainment by DJ Cat Shell, and the program was led by emcees Taylor Petras and Corey Lazar of WINK News. Designed by 50Fifty Creative, the retro circus-inspired décor featured acrobats and other live performers who brought the theme to life throughout the evening.

The event also featured an outstanding live auction curated by this year’s event committee, with exclusive packages including a Rocky Patel Seed to Smoke Farm Experience, a New York Fashion Week experience, a luxury retreat to Connecticut, and more. Auctioneer Gabriel Butu kept the energy high as bidding intensified throughout the night.

At the heart of the evening was a special appearance by the Gulinello family. A video shared the story of their unlikely pregnancy and the baby they named Chance because there was less than a 1 percent chance they could have him. The family discovered the museum at a time when Chance was struggling to communicate through language. With speech therapy and plenty of play at the children’s museum, he was able to thank the crowd for their support.

“Stories like that of the Gulinello family are why we need to make sure the children’s museum experience is available to every family in our community,” said CMON CEO Jonathan Foerster. “Play provides the building blocks to allow kids to make great strides in their young lives and opens doors to new opportunities everyone should experience.”

Known for its playful themes and extraordinary experiences, Night at the Museum once again delivered a one-of-a-kind evening in support of CMON’s mission. As the museum’s signature annual fundraiser, the event supports exceptional educational experiences for all children through innovative exhibits and continuously evolving programming. Proceeds help provide access for under-resourced families, fund new exhibits, support facility improvements, and expand CMON’s reach throughout Collier County and beyond.

CMON extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners whose support made the event possible. Their continued investment in CMON’s mission helps expand its impact and provide meaningful learning experiences for children and families across the region.

Looking ahead, CMON is pleased to announce that the next Night at the Museum gala will take place on Saturday, January 23, 2027, once again at CMON. The event will be chaired by Shera and Casey Askar and Amanda and Ian Schmoyer, continuing the tradition of an exceptional evening in support of CMON’s mission. Presenting sponsorships, tables, and underwriting opportunities are now available. For more information, please contact Laura Bright at lrbright@cmon.org

Video from the event: https://youtu.be/U0gK39U3NoA?si=GUYnCs8ornwQ2Bol

Photo Credit: Szeliga Imagery Services LLC