Enter into a World of Pure Imagination at the 2024 Kaleidoscope Ball!
Winston-Salem's signature fundraising event dazzles with a night of imagination, music, and support for children's educational opportunities.
On Friday, October 4, 2024, Kaleideum transformed its four colorful floors into an enchanting vista reflecting the magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory for the museum’s annual Kaleidoscope Ball.
The Kaleidoscope Ball was the signature fundraising event for Kaleideum, the experiential learning museum in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem. The inaugural ball was held in April 2018, following the 2016 merger of the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem and SciWorks to become Kaleideum—a name inspired by the combination of "kaleidoscope," an instrument of art and science, and "museum." To highlight the inspirational quality of the kaleidoscope, the museum reimagined and renamed its annual black-tie fundraiser as the Kaleidoscope Ball and moved its location downtown to the Millennium Center, where all of the Kaleidoscope Balls were held, including 2020’s pandemic version called “Let’s Have a Ball,” which was designed as a take-home “party in a box” that could be picked up at the event space.
Post-pandemic, the ball transitioned from a spring event to a fall fundraiser, and in 2024 it found a new home. “The 2024 Kaleidoscope Ball was very exciting and was again reimagined as we moved into our new Kaleideum building at 120 West 3rd Street, opening the doors to the public in mid-February,” said Elizabeth Dampier, Kaleideum CEO. “We had a fantastic team of extraordinary volunteers planning this event, and it truly wowed Winston-Salem.”
Chaired by Martha and Sam Metzler, and Sarah and Coleman Team, with Scottie and David Neill and Cathy and Chris Pace serving as the Honorary Chairs, the 2024 ball was truly spectacular. The team worked with Kaleideum’s rental partner, Sterling Spaces, to create an imaginative world of wonder spanning four floors, including the rooftop and the adjacent Liberty Plaza. “Party on the Moon”—nationally recognized as America’s No. 1 corporate and private party band—performed after guests enjoyed elegant cuisine, cocktails, and silent and live auctions.
The 2024 Kaleidoscope Ball’s Presenting Sponsors were Flow Automotive and Mercedes Benz of Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Their support was key to creating an evening of celebration that advanced Kaleideum's mission of inspiring wonder, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Funds raised through this signature event offered increased access opportunities, enhanced educational programs, and contributed to hands-on learning experiences throughout Kaleideum.
Kaleideum's access and opportunity initiatives were designed to ensure that all children in Forsyth County, regardless of their economic background, had the chance to discover and learn at Kaleideum. Initiatives included:
- Free Field Trips for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools: WS/FCS students visited Kaleideum at no cost during a field trip, enriching their education with hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
- Programs for Title I Schools: Kaleideum offered free educational programs to schools with a high percentage of children from low-income families to foster a love for learning and exploration.
- Reduced Admission for Low-Income Families: Kaleideum made the museum accessible to all by providing discounted admission to families through the Museums for All program.
- Community Access Passes: Available at local libraries, these passes offered free admission to Kaleideum, encouraging community engagement and learning.
“We were thrilled to have everyone join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 Kaleidoscope Ball or to become involved in Kaleideum in another way,” Dampier said. “Your presence and support helped us continue to make a difference in the lives of countless children and families. Together, we built a brighter future for our community, one filled with endless possibilities and boundless curiosity.”
For those who attended, it was a night of pure imagination, and for those who wish to support the ongoing mission of Kaleideum, opportunities still exist. For more information, please visit kaleideum.org/kaleidoscope-ball or reach out to Caren Hamrah at chamrah@kaleideum.org.