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Joy and Generosity

Joy and Generosity

Dear Museum Families and Supporters,

Thank you for your connection to the Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac (CMFDL). My earliest memories of this welcoming space was as a parent many years ago.  Today, I am in my 2nd year as a board member, 19th year as a parent and 23rd year as a pediatrician.  In all of these roles, I am grateful for the joy and generosity that surrounds CMFDL and hope that you will join over 50% of households that make a gift at year end to ensure this continues.

Why does your gift matter?  Our visitors tell the real story about the impact of your gift.  But, I can also assure you that when children experience activities like those provided by CMFDL, it truly supports their social, emotional, intellectual and physical health.

We saw evidence of this during the pandemic and are still feeling its aftershock.  When children do not have access to places where they learn and socialize with others, I see disturbing trends in my patients including weight gain, poor eyesight and failure to meet developmental milestones. Worse, when children are constantly surrounded by and absorbed in video screens they fail to learn basic social skills.

Perhaps the biggest threat to children is the anxiety that develops when their brains are prominently wired to respond to video screens, when they don’t have positive 

and nurturing relationships and when their lives are filled with toxic stressors. I have seen children as young as 7 years old with anxiety and depression.  This has greatly affected me, but we – YOU – can help reverse all of these trends.

The CMFDL is a gem in our community.  It exists so kids can enjoy quality time with the special people in their lives.  Simply put, where they can learn, laugh and feel love.  With your support, CMFDL can play a vital role in reversing the negative trends that we are seeing in pediatrician offices. Recent studies suggest that playtime is a great way to help prevent and even help treat anxiety and depression in our kiddos. 

As we are now in the middle of a mental health emergency for children in the United States, it is time for us to invest in innovative and creative ways to make a difference in the lives of children. CMFDL’s carefully planned exhibits, programs and family events foster socialization, confidence, and improve activity levels for children.   

If you are one of CMFDL’s nearly 900 museum families, please continue to enjoy all that CMFDL has to offer, especially during this joyful holiday season.  You will not only have fun with your children, you will be strengthening the foundation for their mental and physical wellness.  

Please join me in making a year end gift to CMFDL.  Your contribution will  support positive experiences that help build resilience to combat the inevitable negative influences that surround children today –  especially those from nearly 350 low income families that have come to CMFDL in the past year alone, seeking help.

Your generosity will support the health and wellness of the kids in our community, and may even be recognized by a light on our interactive and FUN display. (See details enclosed.)

Respectfully,

Dr Kristine Taivalmaa


Your support broadens the scope of our various outreach programs; taking hands-on learning into the community and ensuring that all children have the opportunities to experience our facility where kids play to learn. As a vital component to early childhood development, play supports social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth.

CMFDL is a 501 (c)3, non-profit organization. Your monetary contribution is tax deductible.

Did you know that children’s museums…

  • Help children develop essential skills
  • Encourage discovery and lifelong learning
  • Provide environments where families connect in meaningful ways
  • Strengthen community resources that educate and care for children
  • Contribute to local economies and reduce economic barriers

Every dollar makes a difference.  Gifts of $250+ receive light recognition! Scan below to learn more.