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!
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.”