Join us for the Fourth Annual


Corporate Teams – Friday, October 6, 2023
Family & Friends – Saturday, October 7, 2023
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
3500 Reservoir Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19121
What is the Slide-A-Thon?
The Slide-A-Thon is an annual fundraiser to support the maintenance of the Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, an iconic play destination and the source of countless intergenerational memories for thousands of families. At 12.5 feet wide and 40 feet long, the slide is waxed for optimal velocity and acceleration, ensuring that everyone gets the most out of each slide.
Corporate Groups
Whether you’re part of a competitive Large Team or a Small Team, the Corporate Slide-A-Thon promises an exhilarating day of fun and friendly rivalry. Pit your company’s HR team against the Marketing team, or challenge your valued clients to a showdown on the Giant Wooden Slide!
With the goal of completing as many slides as possible within a thrilling 20-minute rush, a day filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories is guaranteed. Team building activities and overall staff wellness is included in this event and can range from a nature hike, a meditation moment, or a pick up soccer game! Breakfast, lunch and a happy hour is included.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to secure your spot in this highly anticipated event and earn the ultimate bragging rights as the Corporate Slide-A-Thon champions. Click the register link to dive deeper into the details and secure your place now.
Registration Fees
– Large Team: $2,500 ( 11-20 sliders and 10 non-sliders; max, 30 people)
– Small Team:$1,500 (1-11 sliders and 5 non-sliders; max, 15 people)
*Additional teams or non sliding guests can be registered for an extra charge.
**For an additional $500, you can subsidize the cost for a Philadelphia non-profit.
Family & Friends
Calling all families and friends! The Fourth Annual Slide-A-Thon will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Families are invited to come to Smith between 10am-12pm to engage in a friendly race competition on the Giant Wooden Slide. Kids will participate in other arts/crafts activities in addition to racing on the Slide. Admission is free, but there is a nominal fee to participate in races.. Winners of each category will receive medals and of course, bragging rights.
Special awards will be given out for “Best Team Name”,”Best Team Costume”,”Highest Amount Raised” and “Most Team Spirit.”Event will include music, games, activity stations, and playground fun.
Registration
Admission is free, but there is a nominal fee to participate in races
All participants are encouraged to create a peer-to-peer fundraising site leading up to the event to cover entry fees and raise additional money for Smith.
Create or find a personal Slide-A-Thon fundraiser!
Check out our FAQ’s below or reach out to Cheryl Carson, Director of Advancement, at Cheryl@smithplayground.org or call 215-765-4325.
Become a Sponsor
Consider participating in this year’s Slide-A-Thon through event sponsorship, competitive team entries, or both! Sponsor benefits include registration for event participation, acknowledgement of sponsorship on digital and print materials, social media features and more. Smith welcomes an annual audience of some 200,000 visitors – brand visibility is one of the biggest reasons to sponsor the Slide-A-Thon. Promotional recognition is offered on-site and through our social media channels, website, and e-newsletters, which reach over 27,000 followers, 22,300 subscribers, and 13,000 monthly website views. Slide-A-Thon also draws media coverage from print, online, and broadcast outlets. Slide-A-Thon is a great venue to showcase your company, your brand and captivate our diverse, engaged audience!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Giant Wooden Slide?
The Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide is one of Smith’s original pieces of play equipment built in 1905 – just a few years after the Playground opened! In the early 2000’s it was named in honor of the eldest daughter of Ida Newman, one of Smith’s beloved founding board members. Ida was a long-time Strawberry Mansion resident who played at Smith as a child and supported our mission through her adult life. The Slide is the source of countless intergenerational memories for thousands of families in Philadelphia and beyond. Since 1899, Smith has been a free, safe space for play. Children of all backgrounds come together to exercise their bodies and imaginations through playful learning experiences, and the slide remains an iconic play destination to this day. The unique wooden sliding board is 12.5 feet wide, 40 feet long, and is waxed and polished for optimal sliding speed.
How do I register a team to participate in Slide-A-Thon?
Click the blue “Register Now” button above and enter your team details. Only one name is required to complete registration. The remaining team members’ names can be added later.
Can I still support the Slide-A-Thon if I’m unable to attend?
Yes! You can make a donation of any size to support this event by selecting the “Donation” option on the registration page. In addition, Smith offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Learn more!
What do proceeds from the Slide-A-Thon support?
Proceeds from Slide-A-Thon directly benefit the maintenance of Smith’s existing facilities and programs and the creation of new programs that better serve the community. Our goal is to always provide free, unstructured, nature-based play opportunities and quality educational programming while promoting environmental stewardship, especially for those in the underserved communities surrounding Smith that rely on our space the most.
Questions? Contact Cheryl Carson, Director of Advancement, at Cheryl@smithplayground.org or call 215-765-4325.