Unlimited Play celebrated a record-breaking evening of generosity and community at the 2025 Front Porch Dreams Gala, held on October 4th, 2025 in St. Louis, MO. The annual event brought together supporters, donors, sponsors, and other advocates who share a commitment to building inclusive playgrounds where children of all abilities can play together.
This year’s gala raised $304,450, representing a 37.4% increase over 2024, when the event raised $221,564.70. The growth reflects the increasing momentum behind the organization’s mission to create spaces where inclusion, friendship, and accessibility are at the center of play.
The evening featured celebration, storytelling, and community connection, all focused on expanding opportunities for children with disabilities and their families. Guests embraced the event’s relaxed Western-inspired theme while supporting the work of Unlimited Play through donations, sponsorships, and participation in fundraising activities.
Together We Play Initiative
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came during the Fund the Need segment. For the first time in the gala’s history, all proceeds from this portion of the event were dedicated to a single project: Bedford’s Inclusive Playground, which was the first project in the Together We Play program.
Inspired by Bedford and his family, the playground will be designed to ensure children of all abilities can play freely and interact together in a safe and welcoming environment. Inclusive playgrounds like this remove physical and social barriers so that every child can experience the benefits of play.
To amplify the impact of the event, Little Tikes Commercial pledged to match every dollar raised during the Fund the Need segment, effectively doubling the support directed toward the project.
The result was an extraordinary moment of generosity that will help move the Bedford playground project closer to reality.
This project also marked the start of the Together We Play initiative at Unlimited Play. Together We Play unites Young Professionals who are dedicated to bringing inclusive play to schools.
Sponsors Help Bring Inclusive Playgrounds to Life
The success of the Front Porch Dreams Gala would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors who believe in creating inclusive communities for children and families.
Sponsors for the 2025 event included:
- Little Tikes Commercial
- Baue Family Charitable Fund
- Bluegrass Recreation Sales and Installation
- Swift Recreation, LLC.
- All Inclusive Rec LLC
- Soft Play LLC
- Lockton Companies
- National Investment Services
- Spectrum Brands
- Arita Bohannan – Jefferson Parish Council District 4
- E2i, Inc.
- Brew Found
- Teamsters Local 120
- Ideal Landscape Group
- Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City
- 1905 New Media
- Stat Courier
- New York Life Insurance Company
- Carmody MacDonald P.C.
- MetLife
- Triad Bank
- Pioneer Wealth Management
- The Morgan School
- Solid Ground
- QuikTrip
- Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles
- Bynum Consulting
- Webb Insurance Agency
- IBEW Local 701
- Westbound Real Estate
- First State Bank of St. Charles
- Cumberland Trust
- Extreme Electrical Contractors, LLC
- Philanthropy of Lockton Companies
- Katie Burum
- Countryside Carpets & Interiors
- Play-Pro Recreation
- CAM Print, Incorporated
Their generosity helps make it possible for communities across the country to build playgrounds where every child belongs and differences are celebrated.
Why Inclusive Playgrounds Matter
Inclusive playgrounds are designed to allow children of all physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities to play side by side. These environments promote social interaction, empathy, and confidence while ensuring accessibility for children who may otherwise face barriers to play.
Through community partnerships and fundraising events like the Front Porch Dreams Gala, Unlimited Play continues to expand its impact and bring more inclusive playground projects to life.
Help Support the Mission
While the gala may be over, the mission continues. Supporters who were unable to attend can still contribute to the effort to build inclusive playgrounds that welcome every child.
Donations help fund playground construction, accessibility features, and community partnerships that make inclusive play possible.
Learn more about upcoming events and projects by visiting Unlimited Play and joining the movement to ensure that every child has a place to play.
