
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 16, 2026
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

2026 Honorees
Join us as we honor three extraordinary and long-standing supporters of Smith.
Play Champion: Claire Donato, President, Mark B. Thompson Associates, PC
Volunteer Champions: PECO
Community Champion: Ms. Ruth Birchett

Claire Donato
Claire Donato is President of Mark B. Thompson Associates, PC (MBTA), a Philadelphia-based architecture and planning firm with a distinguished reputation for historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and community-focused design. A registered architect and LEED™ Accredited Professional, Claire has led restoration projects at some of the nation’s most treasured cultural landmarks, including Fairmount Water Works, Eastern State Penitentiary, and Strawberry Mansion.
Since 2008, Claire and MBTA have been Smith Memorial Playground’s trusted architectural partners, guiding a multi-phase restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Playhouse. Their work has safeguarded the building’s structural integrity, restored its historic character, and adapted spaces for modern use, including preschool classrooms, upgraded restrooms, and renovated gathering areas, ensuring Smith remains a vibrant, welcoming place for generations of children and families.
Known for her collaborative spirit and deep respect for Philadelphia’s architectural heritage, Claire brings technical expertise and a passion for community stewardship to every project. She lives in Center City with her husband, Greg, and is a lifelong advocate for preserving places that connect people, culture, and history.

Ruth Birchett
Ruth Birchett is a lifelong Philadelphian and respected civic leader with deep roots in North Philadelphia. Raised in the community she continues to serve, Ruth has dedicated her life to strengthening neighborhoods and uplifting local voices. She works with Heritage Corp in Philadelphia, where her commitment to community development and preservation reflects her passion for protecting cultural heritage and expanding opportunities for residents. Known for her leadership, advocacy, and vision, Ruth is recognized as a trusted partner and tireless champion for equity, history, and neighborhood pride.
PECO
PECO employees give their most precious resource - their time. Through the company’s strong culture of volunteerism, PECO team members dedicate thousands of hours each year to supporting nonprofits across the region, including at Smith.
For many years, PECO employees have rolled up their sleeves at Smith, helping with playground cleanups, special projects, and community events. Their commitment reflects PECO’s deep belief in corporate citizenship, where volunteer service develops leadership and teamwork while making a tangible difference in children’s lives.
Smith is proud to count PECO among its longest-standing partners, whose generosity and service help ensure that free, joyful play is possible for every child.
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.
Sponsorship information to come.