The 14th Annual Adults-Only Party in the Playground Returns to Smith Memorial Playground

Following a two-year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse will host its 14th annual adults-only Party in the Playground benefit on Saturday, May 21 from 5:30pm to 9pm. Held at Smith’s historic 16,000-square-foot Playhouse and 6.5-acre Playground in East Fairmount Park, the event raises funds to support Smith’s work, which includes welcoming over 200,000 visitors annually from every zip code in Philadelphia, and providing educational and advocacy programs that harness the power of play to help children, families, and communities thrive.

This year’s Party in the Playground will present the 2022 Ida Newman Magic of Play Award to former board member and longtime Smith advocate Hanley Bodek, along with Deloitte LLP for their outstanding volunteer service at Smith. The night will be marked by games, music, dancing, and the unveiling of a new donor wall as we celebrate the first major renovations to the Playhouse since 1899. Guests will enjoy food from Monet Anise Catering and popular food trucks Brotherly Grub and Enjoy a Bowl. Drinks and desserts will be provided by Federal Donuts, Yards Brewing Company, Moore Brothers Wine Company, Philadelphia Distilling, and more.

For the first time ever, Party in the Playground will feature a live auction and paddle raise, led by emcee and auctioneer Jeff Hammond. Prize packages include exclusive travel and excursion experiences, fine dining at award-winning restaurants, game tickets for professional Philly sports teams, and gift cards to local businesses. To date, Smith has raised almost half of its $50,000 goal thanks to contributions from Anna Forrester and Mitchell Young, German Gallagher & Murtagh Pc, Deloitte LLP, and other generous sponsors.

Tickets, sponsorship details, and a full list of sponsors can be found here.