To the editor:

As the final hole-in-one remains just a memory, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the players who putted through Kids Discovery Museum in support of early learning at the KiDiMu Mini Golf Masters.

Kudos to all the volunteers, presenting sponsor Port Madison Enterprises, golf course sponsors and in-kind donors who made it all possible. Your commitment and dedication help KiDiMu open young minds year-round.

The simple reality is that we couldn’t do it without you! Admission and membership fees cover less than half of the museum’s operating budget. The support from our community members and business partners is key. It keeps the lights on and the exhibits in shape seven days a week. It also provides enrichment and access programs to more than 35,000 children and their families who bond and learn through play at KiDiMu each year.

American Academy of Pediatrics has recently encouraged doctors to write a “prescription for play” to every family they see. Scientific research continues to prove that play improves executive functioning, contributes to school readiness, helps children buffer the negative effects of toxic stress, and build 21st century skills.

I am truly humbled to be a part of the community that recognizes the importance of play and experiential learning in the lives of our children. Thank you for supporting KiDiMu kids and helping raise engaged and empathetic humanitarians of the future.

SUSIE BURDICK

Executive Director

Kids Discovery Museum