St. Louis Children’s Hospital hosted its first-ever PLAY DATE, an exciting, new, and unique event, on Saturday, November 22, 2014. For one night, adults could return to the care-free world of childhood when they looked at the world with wonder and amazement.

From larger-than-life amusements to sounds and sights of the Play Date arcade, this party had plenty of interactive games and entertainment. Bold color, abundant laughter, and surprises awaited around every corner at this totally-not-boring fundraiser for Children’s Hospital.

Play Date made the following promises to guests:

  • You can stay up past your bedtime!
  • You won’t have to be quiet!
  • This party won’t be boring!
  • No dress-up clothes… yuck!
  • No rubber chicken dinner. We will serve dessert first!
  • No old-fashioned fundraising. We’ll play games instead.

Guests wore some outrageous casual attire, much of which focused on bright colors. Besides assorted hors d’oeuvres, Jilly’s Cupcake Bar offered some nourishing “desserts”, with some concessions to adult tastes, to break the normal meal routine.

Guests could play various arcade games and compete on an obstacle course. During dinner, guests bet on a Trike Track race among other activities. Although a short auction occurred, it focused on items for the young at heart like a Dinner and Wine Tasting at Eckert’s Belleville Farms, a package of classic arcade games, “Make Momma Happy” 7-day Carnival Cruise, the U.S.Open 2015, and an In-Home Private Cupcake Party. Delicious and decadent!

Finally, the after party had no curfews and only promoted FUN. It’s great to be a kid again!

Proceeds from Play Date will support mission-critical programs and services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, many of which are fully-funded by generous gifts from companies and individuals in the community. Prior to the auction, the event had raised $175,000.