Backyard Bash Brings Access for All to Life

Naples is known for its vibrant, unforgettable fundraisers, but few gatherings bring as much heart and energy as Stock Development’s Backyard Bash. This annual celebration is not just about having fun; it is the driving force behind Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) efforts to open its doors to every child and family in Southwest Florida. At the center of this event is a powerful mission: to ensure that every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and dream at CMON, regardless of their background or financial means.

From its inception, the mission of the children’s museum has been to provide an exciting, inspiring environment where children and families play, learn, and grow together, regardless of circumstance. That commitment to inclusion is the foundation of the Access for All program.

For many families, a visit to the museum is a chance to ignite curiosity, foster connections, and inspire lifelong learning. However, not all families have the same opportunities. Access for All is CMON’s answer to this challenge, providing a range of programs designed to break down financial and social barriers.

Key components of Access for All include:

• EBT Program: Discounted admission and memberships for families using EBT, SNAP, or WIC.
• Library Access Pass: Free admission for up to four guests with a pass checked out from local libraries.
• Discovery Night: Special evenings for community organizations serving children and families.
• Exceptional Wednesdays: Sensory-friendly hours every Wednesday with less stimulation, lights and smaller crowds.
• Title 1 Field Trips: Free field trips for all Kindergarten classes in Collier County’s Title 1 schools.

Every ticket, sponsorship, and auction bid at Stock Development’s Backyard Bash directly supports these initiatives, helping to ensure that all children in our community can experience the joy and wonder that CMON offers.

Each year, Backyard Bash transforms the museum’s grounds into a lively playground where adults are invited to play like kids again. This year’s event, chaired by Annie Griffo and Gordana Radmilovic, promises an evening filled with live country music, energetic line dancing, mouthwatering food truck fare, and oversized backyard games that let grown-ups experience the same joy and freedom children feel at the children’s museum.

By supporting Access for All, guests of Stock Development’s Backyard Bash are not just funding free or discounted admissions; they are helping to fulfill the very mission on which CMON was built. They are ensuring that every child in the community, from every walk of life, has the chance to experience the museum’s magic.