Party in the Playground

Party in the Playground is Smith’s annual fundraiser where the adults take over! Each year we honor Play Champions for their dedication and commitment to providing and promoting unstructured play for all children. The event features live music, an auction and raffle and fabulous local food and drink. 


Saturday, May 31, 2025

5:30pm - VIP Reception

6:30pm - General Admission / Dinner + Drinks

7pm - Awards Ceremony

8pm - Dessert + Play


Party in the Playground is all about fun, so dress comfortably and casually — and make sure your outfit is 'slide appropriate' if you want to take a ride down our famous Giant Wooden Slide!

Tickets

$125 single/$200 for a pair

Advance online ticket sales have now closed, but walk-up guests are welcome!
Join us at the event—we’d love to see you there.

2025 Honorees

Join us as we honor Senator Vincent Hughes and Sheryl Lee Ralph for their commitment to the education and well-being of children in Philadelphia.

Honorees Senator Vincent Hughes & Sheryl Lee Ralph

State Senator Vincent Hughes is one of Pennsylvania’s leading Democratic voices on local, state, and national issues. First as a State Representative and now as a State Senator, he has fought tirelessly for investments and progress in education, affordable housing, healthcare, gun violence prevention, mental health, voting rights, and much more. In 2010, his colleagues elected him to be the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee to craft PA’s state budget of $45B, one of the most important legislative responsibilities in PA government. Throughout his career as an elected official, Senator Hughes has made improving issues in education one of his top priorities.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an award-winning actress, producer, author, activist, and philanthropist who has used her art and her advocacy to touch lives around the world. Sheryl is perhaps best known to contemporary audiences for her starring role as Barbara Howard, the longtime and respected public school teacher, on the acclaimed ABC hit comedy series “Abbott Elementary.” She has been critically lauded for this role and has won numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She is also a veteran of both film and television and serves as the First Vice President of the SAG/AFTRA Los Angeles Local.

Become a PIP Sponsor!

Sponsorship benefits include prominent promotional recognition on-site and across Smith’s digital platforms, including:

  • social media, reaching 27,200 followers on Facebook and Instagram combined,
  • electronic newsletters, reaching 15,000 subscribers bi-weekly, and our
  • website, which averages 8,996 site visits per month and 16,284 page views per month. 

Party in the Playground also garners significant media coverage across print, online, and broadcast outlets, offering sponsors valuable brand visibility and community engagement.

Purchase Tickets or Become a Sponsor Here!

Sponsorship Info

Sponsors of Party in the Playground 2025

Build Adventure

Straz Land

Smithville Level

Nature Explore

In Kind Sponsors

Live Auction/Raffle Items

Get ready to bid, win, and celebrate at this year’s Party in the Playground! From exclusive sports experiences and beach getaways to signed memorabilia, gourmet dining, and one-of-a-kind treasures, our live auction and raffle feature something for everyone—while supporting 125 years of joyful play at Smith Memorial Playground.



Which prize will you take home?