The Legacy for Children Award




Previous Honorees

2019: Dr. Milton Chen, Education Innovator and Author
2018: Steve Smith, Astronaut
2017: Sonia Manzano, Actress and Writer for Children’s Television Workshop
2016: Ruby Bridges, Civil Rights Activist
2015: Steve Wozniak, Founding Philanthropist for Children’s Discovery Museum
2015: Sally Osberg, Founding Executive Director of Children’s Discovery Museum
2014: DeBartolo York Family and the 49ers Foundation
2013: Alice Waters, Renowned Chef and Owner of Chez Panisse
2012: Heidi Murkoff, Author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting
2011: Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic Figure Skating Champion
2010: Dr. Sally Ride, Science Proponent and First Woman in Space
2009: Alonzo Mourning, Founder of AM Charities
2008: Ronnie Lott, Founder of All Stars Helping Kids
2007: T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., Renowned Pediatrician
2006: John Cassidy, Co-founder of Klutz Press
2005: Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Author and Illustrator
2004: Bil Keane, Cartoonist Creator of The Family Circus
2003: Caroll Spinney, Master Puppeteer of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch
2001: Rob Reiner and I am Your Child Foundation
2000: The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
1999: Fred Rogers, Creator of Mister Rogers Neighborhood
Funds raised will support the museum’s 2022-23 Restoration and Revitalization Initiative to help restore museum operations and capacity to 2019 pre-COVID levels.
The 2021 Legacy event raised $1,423,000 in support of the Museum’s reopening and recovery efforts. The money helped cover lost admission revenue from maintaining reduced attendance for children’s health and safety during the pandemic, which caused the museum to be closed for 393 days.
Tell Us Why You Love the Purple Museum!
Submit a response and unlock $1 towards the Museum’s Restoration and Revitalization Plan!