Who makes our mission possible?
Heroes like you.
Being a hero doesn’t require rushing into a burning building to save lives. The definition is a bit broader than that and requires only the selfless attempt (and intent) to benefit others through some amount of personal sacrifice. When you give your assets to support our mission, you become a hero—at least to the children (and adults) whose lives are changed by their experiences at the museum.
What does a hero look like? Here are just a few of the supporters who have helped us change lives.
Steven and Susan Haines
Steven’s interest in science began when he visited a museum in Cincinnati when he was 14 years old. The Planetarium Director allowed him to participate in their adults-only astronomy course. This sparked a lifelong interest in science. As the first student in his high school class to be accepted into college, Steven continued to follow his passion for science and earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Parks College of Aeronautical Technology in St. Louis, Missouri.
Shortly after graduation, Steven became a Meteorological Intern for the Indianapolis Forecast Office of the National Weather Service. Steven took on a wide variety of duties during his internship. The best thing that happened at the weather office, however, was meeting his wife, Susan.
Susan graduated from Indiana Central University—now known as the University of Indianapolis—with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science. She would later become a Certified Professional Coder and Certified Coding Specialist. When Susan met Steven, she was a weather radio broadcaster. One of her duties was to help send weather warnings. Whenever a warning was issued, it was carried live across all television stations. There’s only one other person who has that type of exclusive TV air time—the President of the United States!
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Volunteering at The Children’s Museum
One day after Steven had presented a weather program at a local grade school, a teacher suggested he consider volunteering at The Children’s Museum after retiring. And that’s exactly what Steven and Susan did.
“I had the misconception, as many do, that it was a museum just for children.”
Steven Haines
After one visit, he discovered that The Children’s Museum is much more than he’d imagined—especially when it came to volunteers. Steve and Susan have visited several museums where volunteers are used to provide directions. Not so at The Children’s Museum. Our volunteers are vital to what we do and are an important part of the visitor experience. The museum would not be the amazing place it is without the hundreds of volunteers who make our visitors’ experience so special.
There are many reasons why Steven and Susan spend so much time volunteering at the museum. One reason is because of how often things change here. New exhibits are brought in every year. This fosters an environment of lifelong learning—even with our volunteers. Learning about new things helps you grow. Another reason the Haineses enjoy volunteering is because volunteers get to go places in the museum that the public never sees.
Establishing a legacy
As Steven and Susan were discussing their will, they knew they wanted to support the efforts of The Children’s Museum. They also knew they wanted to contribute to “something concrete.”
This could be a challenge for many organizations. Susan’s passionate about sports. Steven’s passionate about science. How do you combine the two?
When the Haineses approached Gift Officer Judy Stewart about their wishes, she helped find the right fit in Beyond Spaceship Earth. They helped fund the Indiana Astronaut Wall of Fame through a legacy gift.
And then as preparations were underway for the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®, Judy knew the perfect fit for Susan—funding two holes in The Pete and Alice Dye Golf Experience. “Judy even helped us pick out the best ones,” the family said.
Steven and Susan have spent extensive time volunteering in Dinosphere®. Susan has enjoyed putting her anatomy knowledge to work on dinosaur bones in the paleo labs. Steven enjoys talking to visitors about dinosaurs’ many interesting characteristics. Providing a gift to help fund the new sound and light show in Giants of the Jurassic™? It just makes sense.
You can make an impact
Steven and Susan Haines have made a lasting impact on our community. Through the connections they make while volunteering, they help create memorable experiences for our visitors. Because of their planned financial giving, they will continue to make a lasting impact on every person who enters the museum for years to come.
Just like the Haineses, you can make a lasting impact by establishing a legacy gift. And just like the Haineses, your legacy gift can be associated with something that’s meaningful to you. They have chosen to support sports-, space-, and dinosaur-related experiences. What will your gift support? Science? History? Equality? Art? There are many opportunities to make a lasting impact.
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Maria Quintana
Maria Quintana and her seven siblings were raised in one of our city’s first barrios (Spanish-speaking, low-income neighborhoods). She developed her strong work ethic and appreciation of family from her parents, who came to Indiana in 1947 in search of The American Dream.
Growing up in the 1960’s in the inner city, visits to The Children’s Museum were limited to field trips provided by the Indianapolis Public School System, which in those days were “few and far between,” according to Maria.
Still, those few experiences impacted Maria’s life, and in 2003, she joined the Museum as a Trustee, serving as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. “It was an incredible experience and has left me with fond memories that remain throughout my lifetime.”
Her large extended family regularly visits the museum and now spans multiple generations. “Today I have siblings, nieces and nephews who bring their children and grandchildren to the Museum. I get so much pleasure seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces when they talk about their visit. I love how my family takes advantage of their membership benefits, which are plenty.”
Maria is a loyal donor to the Museum; several years after her board service, she wanted to support the campaign to build the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®. “Making a legacy gift to The Children’s Museum and becoming a member of the Sunburst Society gave me an opportunity to support the campaign and continue my contribution into my retirement.”
Maria encourages everyone to support the Museum and consider making a legacy gift, which provides flexible strategies for estate and charitable planning. “I am proud to say we have the world’s greatest children’s museum right here in Indianapolis. Your legacy gift will help to ensure its future for many years to come.”