Events
From our annual gala to the Inspired By: Artist Series, we love to gather to learn about, advocate for, and celebrate the transformative power of early childhood education. Check back often to learn about ticket and sponsorship opportunities.
Celebrate 136 Years of Serving Columbus’ Children
Our annual gala will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Join us as we celebrate the successes of the year and look to creating a brighter future for Columbus’ children together. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by clicking the link below.

Meet the Keynote
Heather Bernt-Santy, M.A. Ed
For over 30 years, Heather Bernt-Santy, M.A. Ed., has been living her commitment to children, their families and their teachers. You may know Heather from her work as the host of the popular early care and education podcast “That Early Childhood Nerd,” but she also loves her work as a speaker, consultant, writer and professor. She has held just about every position possible in the field of early care and education: teacher, director, family child care provider, education director—you name it, she’s probably tried it! Heather is an enthusiastic believer in children’s right to play and of the research that tells us play IS right.
Join Us
Join us in improving Columbus by creating bright starts for our children, families, and neighborhoods. We are always seeking dedicated community members to work with us as teachers, volunteers, board members, and partners.