Apr

“Where the Wild Things Are”

We’ve got a lot of acronyms around the Smithsonian…but are you familiar with SEEC? The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center provides a model, high-quality educational program for young children and advances educational opportunities for all children by sharing SEEC’s expertise on a national level, helping to further the educational mandate of the Smithsonian. SEEC has two centers at American History and one at Natural History and serves children between the ages of three months and six years through its child development center, preschool program and kindergarten. The center is a 501 c (3), non-profit organization governed by an independent board of directors in Washington, D.C. While enrollment is open to all and handled through a lottery process, Smithsonian employees are given priority.

The 2010 SEEC Auction was held at the American History Museum (Photo by Dennis Hasch)

Each year, the SEEC Parents Association hosts an auction to raise money for SEEC’s scholarship fund to help those families that need financial assistance to attend. This year’s auction, “Where the Wild Things Are,” will be held Saturday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Natural History Museum. Bid on hundreds of items and packages donated by area hotels, restaurants and other businesses. In addition to travel, food and entertainment, there are many selections geared toward children and families, including camps, lessons, children’s furniture and room décor, toys, games, books, music and photo sessions.

“Where the Wild Things Are” will feature both live and silent auctions, music and refreshments. Individual tickets are $35, but if you purchase them before May 13, you can get four tickets for the price of three. Smithsonian staff can get an additional 10 percent discount by entering the code 2011SEEC.

Make plans to attend and help support the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center! Visit the website to purchase tickets, donate items or to learn more.