Explore and Soar !

Children's Museum in Oak Lawn

Soaring Spirit Honorees Announced

The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is pleased to announce its recipients for the 2010 Soaring Spirit Awards.  The award is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond for the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn, individuals who truly bring help the museum to help children “Explore and Soar.”  The awards will be presented at the museum’s annual gala event being held at the Oak Lawn Hilton on Saturday, March 27, 2009.  This year’s recipients are:

 

Tom Ollenburger – Tom is the vice president of H & R Johnson Bros. Inc., president of the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, president of the Evergreen Park Community High School Scholarship board, and Trustee at Trinity Lutheran Church in Oak Lawn.  Tom and his wife, Kris, have been married for 25 years and work together as owners of H & R Johnson Bros, Inc.  They have three children, all attending Augustana.  Tom and his company were instrumental in helping the museum open its doors at its new 5100 Museum Drive location.

 

 

J. Quinn Mucker – In 1976, Quinn earned his CPA from the University of Illinois.  He is an Oak Lawn resident and is a founding member of the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn where he currently serves as the Board Treasurer.  Quinn has played an important role over the years overseeing the museum's financial health.  He’s celebrated 43 years of marriage and has five children and ten grandchildren.  Quinn is active in a variety of organizations including the Oak Lawn Parks Foundation and St. Gerald’s church.

 

 

Darlene Blanz – Darlene was the principal at Harnew School when she first got involved with the museum in 2000 as chair of the Academic Advisory Committee.  In 2004, she became Board Secretary and currently holds that position.  Darlene holds a Bachelor's from NIU, a Master's and Certificate of Advanced Studies from National College of Education with certification in elementary education and general administration and supervision.  She retired in 2004 as Principal of Harnew Elementary School after 35 years in education.  In 2006, Darlene received the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award.  Darlene helps ensure that new exhibits are educationally based and is chairperson of the museum's Exhibits Committee.


For information about attending or sponsoring the gala event, contact the museum at (708) 423-6709 ext 201.

 

 

Why Support the Children's Museum?

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The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is a place for families to learn, explore and soar together. It's a place for children to be creative, to role play, and to build.  It's a place for parents to be the teacher in their child's life.  It's a place for discovery, learning, and fun!

The Children's Museum is funded through admissions, birthday parties and field trips.  However, this funding will only account for around 65-70% of our annual operating budget. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to help keep our admission prices competitive with other children's museums and to provide quality, educational experiences for children. 

Please consider supporting the museum in one of the following ways:
 

- Click on the "Donate Now" button on the left and make a donation

- Donate a vehicle (call 708-423-6709 x201 for details)

- Purchase a membership as a gift for someone

- Visit our "how you can help" page (click menu item on the left) for more ways to assist

 

The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is a stand alone 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We truly appreciate your support.