DISCOVERY Children's Museum Gala Honored San Manuel Authority
The annual fundraiser at the Palms supported educational outreach programs for valley children.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Casino
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Local families and supporters gathered at Kaos inside the Palms Casino Resort for the annual Magic of DISCOVERY Gala. The event raised funds to support the museum's ongoing educational and outreach programs across Southern Nevada.
Why it matters
The gala ensures the museum can continue its mission within its 58,000-square-foot facility at Symphony Park. The funds raised through the gala sustain programs for the institution, which has operated in the valley for 36 years.
The museum operates a 58,000-square-foot facility in Symphony Park after 36 years of service to Southern Nevada. While the event supported educational outreach, total funds raised during the gala remain undisclosed.
The players
DISCOVERY Children's Museum
A 58,000-square-foot educational institution that has served the valley for 36 years.
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority
The recipient of the 2026 Great Friend to Kids Award.
Jessica Rosado
The emcee who hosted the evening gala.
Chet Buchanan
The professional auctioneer who managed the live auction portion of the event.
The details
The gala featured a cocktail hour, dinner, and a runway performance, while Chet Buchanan served as the auctioneer for the evening. The museum presented its 2026 Great Friend to Kids Award to the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority. Organizers utilized a 'Fund the Need' appeal to collect donations from corporate sponsors and a volunteer host committee.
Timeline
March 2013: The museum relocated to its current home in Symphony Park.
October 10, 2026: The Magic of DISCOVERY Gala occurred at the Palms.
Beyond the Strip
The annual gala builds on the momentum the institution gained following the 2013 DISCOVERY Children's Museum relocation to Symphony Park. This event serves as a primary financial pillar for the nonprofit as it expands outreach beyond its permanent downtown site.
Families can continue to visit the museum's nine galleries located in Symphony Park during standard operating hours. Future outreach programming supported by these gala funds will be scheduled throughout the upcoming school year.
The takeaway
The museum remains a key fixture for youth education in the valley through its sustained outreach efforts. Residents should check the museum website periodically for new program announcements resulting from the gala's fundraising success.
Further reading
For more information on community events hosted by resort partners, see the Casino section.
More information
To learn more about museum programs or upcoming community events, visit the DISCOVERY Children's Museum official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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