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McKenna Foundation sees major milestones in 2024

2024 was a milestone year for the New Braunfels-based McKenna Foundation, breaking admission records for the Children’s Museum, surpassing $30 million in lifetime community grants, and awarding grants to local schools for the first time in the Foundation’s history.

The McKenna Children’s Museum, which has won the Herald-Zeitung’s Best Children’s Attraction award for several consecutive years, welcomed nearly 126,000 visitors in 2024—a record high. The museum also hosted 300 educational events, further enriching the experiences of its young visitors.

In addition to its successes with the Children’s Museum, the McKenna Foundation also had a remarkable year supporting nonprofits, building relationships, and advancing the well-being of the greater New Braunfels community.

Awarding nearly $1.7 million in 2024, the Foundation has officially surpassed $30 million in grants since its inception. Some of its largest grants in 2024 included $100,000 for NB Housing Partners First Footing Program and $100,000 for Hill Country MHDD Center’s Crisis Care in Comal County Program.

In total, the Foundation awarded grants to 38 local nonprofit organizations.

2024 also marked the first year the Foundation awarded grants to local schools, distributing $35,000 across six schools (three from New Braunfels ISD and three from Comal ISD). These schools were recognized for their creativity in producing videos that showcased how they choose to be kind.

In addition to its grantmaking, the McKenna Events Center hosted nearly 1,000 nonprofit events, ranging from training opportunities and coalition meetings to various fundraisers and galas. Through these events, nonprofits raised more than $1.9 million.

“It is an honor to be able to provide our nonprofit partners not only with funding, but also with a space to gather, raise funds, learn, and grow,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “2024 has been a record year, not only for the McKenna Foundation but also for our partners and community.”

Looking forward to 2025, the Mckenna Foundation has kicked off a year-long campaign surrounding the idea of Choosing Kindness. Officially launched on January 24, the campaign aims to highlight the positive actions happening in Comal County and bring the good deeds of our neighbors to the forefront. Find out more or get involved by visiting www.choosekindnessnb.org, or follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.

These initiatives, along with the Foundation’s 2025 grantmaking, will further set the course for a healthier, thriving community.

Learn more about the McKenna Foundation by clicking here, or on Instagram at @mckennafoundation.

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New at McKenna Children’s Museum: Water table and mural

The Mckenna Children’s Museum outdoor area just got an upgrade, and it’s a sight to behold.

Featuring the McKenna Foundation’s hands logo and incorporating several key attractions, the museum now boasts a mural that captures the essence of fun at the museum.

Local artist, Johnny Duncan, known for his citywide murals including one at Scoop Street Craft Ice Cream downtown, completed the vibrant piece in early June. It was unveiled just in time to coincide with the introduction of our second latest feature, a brand-new water table.

 

The museum recently introduced the interactive water table, complete with a Gruene water tower, a tube shoot, and a spot to go fishing. Needless to say, the addition has quickly become a favorite among visitors.

Whether it’s a field trip, family outing, or just an escape from the sun, join us for fun and come explore our new attractions!

The Children’s Museum welcomes visitors  Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm. 

Tickets are available for walk-ins or online.

 

 

Upcoming Events: 

  • July 2-6: Create firework rings in the Wondershop
  • July 3 (5-7 pm): Members only night
  • July 4: Closed for Independence Day
  • July 8-13: Paint your own Slurpee at the Wondershop
  • July 12 (5:30 pm): Family movie night

 

For more information, visit the McKenna Children’s Museum website.

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McKenna Events Center accommodates over 900 events, Children’s Museum attracts nearly 125,000 visitors in 2023

January 23, 2024: In 2023, the McKenna Events Center in New Braunfels became a hub of activity and impact, hosting over 900 events and welcoming nearly 125,000 visitors to the Children’s Museum.

Guided by the McKenna Foundation, the Events Center hosted 960 events in 2023, including meetings, job and resource fairs, training sessions, educational workshops, and fundraisers. This is a sizeable increase from the 736 events held the preceding year.

In 2023, the Center donated more than $330,000 in room rental costs. Fundraisers organized by the Foundation’s nonprofit partners raised $1.5 million for the local community. The Center’s reach expanded to 166 organizations in 2023, up from 130 the previous year.

“We are honored and humbled that McKenna Events Center has become a true community space,” said Lindsay Morgan, Events Center manager. “Our partner organizations know we are an accommodating meeting resource where people come to learn, share and grow. We are proud to include community convening in the McKenna Foundation body of work.”

Serving nonprofit organizations, civic groups, local schools, government and churches, the McKenna Events Center in New Braunfels is committed to benefiting the residents of New Braunfels and Comal County. This service is an integral part of the Foundation’s mission to enhance the welfare of the New Braunfels community.

Since 2006, the Foundation has offered meeting and event space at its West San Antonio Street facility at minimal or no cost.

For inquiries regarding venue details and reservations at the Event Center, representatives of nonprofit or community organizations are encouraged to contact the Foundation via email at events@mckenna.org.

Throughout 2023, the McKenna Children’s Museum experienced a notable surge in foot traffic and revenue, setting a new record for admissions and membership sales.

An impressive 123,085 individuals visited the Museum in 2023, marking a 9% upswing from the previous year and eclipsing the 2022 record of 111,965 visitors. Nearly 11,900 of the admissions were field trip guests.

Admission sales reached a new peak, reaching $582,649 in 2023, surpassing the 2022 figure of $523,221. The Museum also achieved record-breaking membership sales, totaling $202,393, breaking the 2022 record of 185,372. Memberships are at a record high of 1,613 families. Gift shop sales totaled $209,517.

At the Museum, children are immersed in art, creativity, science, technology, culture, health and history, engaging with educational exhibits meticulously crafted to stimulate learning and foster knowledge acquisition.

Creative learning classes have increased the daily average participation to 13 kids. After-hours special events are growing in popularity, averaging more than 150 attendees.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the city of New Braunfels and the surrounding areas for their consistent support,” said Isabel Martinez, the Museum’s operations manager. “Our achievements would not have been possible without their contribution. I would also like to acknowledge the Museum team for their unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our families. Their dedication to providing excellent customer service is truly commendable. I am excited to break records in the upcoming years.”

McKenna curated this distinctive hands-on experience to equip children with the tools necessary for nurturing their well-being. Within the Museum’s confines, children embark on exploratory journeys in a secure and nurturing environment while parents actively participate in their children’s educational journey.

The entry fee for individuals aged 12 months and above and adults is $8 per person. The Museum welcomes school excursions all year round, and comprehensive information is available by calling 830-606-9525. All children must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 and above.

The Museum operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, observing closures on Sundays and major holidays. For supplementary details and access to an events calendar, visit https://mckennakids.org.

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Following veterinary exam, Santa’s reindeer cleared for Christmas flight

December 18, 2023: In a joyful announcement for children and animal lovers alike, the American Veterinary Medical Association has declared that Santa’s reindeer are healthy and all clear for their magical Christmas Eve journey.

This follows a thorough health examination by AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson and Ashli Selke, RVT, CVT, immediate-past president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America, who traveled to the North Pole earlier this month for an in-person exam of Santa’s team of nine reindeer.

“After a full examination and review of their medical records, I’m pleased to say that Santa’s reindeer are healthy, in great shape and ready to fly on Christmas Eve,” Dr. Carlson announced.

The reindeer’s annual exam includes a health check about a month prior to their Christmas Eve flight to make sure they’re healthy and not showing any signs of disease—such as brucellosis, tuberculosis or chronic wasting disease—that can affect their ability to fly, or threaten the health of other animals or people.

“While this may be an out-of-the-ordinary visit, ensuring that these magical and magnificent animals are fit for their important journey reflects the vital work veterinarians and their teams perform every day around the world to ensure the health and safety of animals and people,” Dr. Carlson said.

“It’s such an honor to be part of this special tradition,” Selke said. “Examining the reindeer, from their iconic antlers down to their cloven hooves, is a reminder of the diverse and fascinating work that veterinary health care teams are called on to provide.”

During their visit, Dr. Carlson and Selke conducted a series of comprehensive health checks. They closely inspected the reindeer’s fur for any signs of parasites or lesions and examined their eyes and noses, emphasizing the importance of these exams in maintaining animal health. “It’s fascinating how reindeer have adapted to the harsh North Pole climate, from their hollow fur, which allows them to trap and retain heat, to the mass of tiny veins in their noses that help circulate blood to keep them warm—and in some deer, give their noses a red glow,” noted Dr. Carlson.

The examination also included a thorough assessment of the reindeer’s legs and hooves, crucial for their extensive journey. “Reindeer are incredible travelers, and ensuring their legs and hooves are healthy is vital to make sure they’re up for the big flight ahead,” Selke said.

In addition to presents for children around the world, Santa is required to bring with him an official “North Pole Certificate of Animal Export” that allows him to freely cross borders and ensure health officials that his reindeer pose no threat to animal or public health.

Dr. Carlson and Selke will make a follow-up trip to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to provide a final pre-flight checkup and to inspect the reindeer upon their return on Christmas morning.

For kids who want to help the reindeer on their journey, Dr. Carlson recommends leaving a plate of graham cracker reindeer cookies, their favorite snack, for Santa to feed them between stops.

Dr. Carlson’s and Selke’s work is consistent with the role veterinary health care teams play every day to ensure the health of animals, people and the environment across the globe. Far from treating just dogs and cats, veterinary health care teams work with all kinds of species, in all types of environments, to make the world a healthier place for all forms of life.

While unavailable for comment due to his busy work schedule, Santa issued a statement, saying, “Without my reindeer there simply would be no Christmas. Proper veterinary care ensures that, year in and year out, my team and I are able to deliver presents to boys and girls around the world. Dr. Carlson and Ashli are definitely on the ‘nice list’ again this year.

“Ho, ho, ho,” Santa added.

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McKenna Children’s Museum hosts Kinderbash Aug. 11 for soon-to-be kindergarten students

July 21, 2023: The McKenna Children’s Museum will host Kinderbash from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11.

This fun-filled event will feature special back-to-school activities aimed toward getting kindergartners prepared and excited to enter their first year of school. In addition, pizza and ice cream will be provided.

“Kinderbash is a thrilling occasion that aims to make all the children who are starting kindergarten feel special about embarking on their new adventure,” said Isabel Martinez, the Museum’s operations manager. “Seeing the big smiles on their little faces brings us joy as they receive their ‘I’m going to Kindergarten’ shirt. This is one of my favorite events.”

Admission for kindergartners is free for this event. Admission for adults who are Museum members is $10. Admission for adults who are non-members is $15.00 Pre-registration is required. To register, visit mckennakids.org or call 830-606-9525

The Museum regularly operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The Museum is closed on Sundays and for major holidays.

Admission during regular hours for children older than 12 months and adults is $8 per person. School visits are available during the school year. All children must be accompanied by an adult 16 and up.

For more information and a calendar of events of Museum activities, visit https://mckennakids.org.

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McKenna Children’s Museum breaks one-day visitation record, admitting more than 1,500 guests on St. Patrick’s Day

May 1, 2023: St. Patrick’s Day was a lucky charm for the McKenna Children’s Museum.

The Museum, overseen by the McKenna Foundation, admitted 1,547 guests on March 17, breaking the one-day record for visitations.

The previous record before last week was 1,088 visitors, set on March 17, 2022.

The Museum broke the one-day record twice last week. The Museum saw 1,528 visitors on March 16 before surpassing that number the following day.

Attendance was strong each day with students from the Comal, New Braunfels and surrounding school districts out for spring break. The Museum admitted 912 guests on March 13, 931 on March 14, 966 on March 15 and 1,201 visitors on March 18.

Isabel Martinez, the Museum’s operations manager, said spring break is usually one of the busiest weeks for the Museum.

“I love it when people visit the Museum for the first time,” Martinez said. “I also love to see return visitors because that means they really like us. Breaking records is something me and my team are very proud of. I can’t wait to see what the summer brings.”

The new one-day attendance record comes after a year of record-breaking visitations in 2022. The Museum admitted 111,965 visitors in 2022, which surpassed the previous mark of 91,427, set in 2017.

At the Museum, children discover a world of art and creativity, science and technology, culture, health, and history, engaging with educational exhibits designed to stimulate learning and encourage information.

McKenna developed this unique hands-on experience to provide tools to help nurture a child’s well-being. Children explore in a safe and secure place while parents share in their child’s learning experience.

The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday and for major holidays.

Admission for children older than 12 months and adults is $8 per person. School visits are available during the school year. All children must be accompanied by an adult 16 and up.

For more information and a calendar of events of Museum activities, visit https://mckennakids.org.

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McKenna Children’s Museum breaks visitor records in 2022

February 9, 2023: The McKenna Children’s Museum in New Braunfels, overseen by the McKenna Foundation, saw a year of record-breaking visitors and sales in 2022.

The Museum admitted 111,965 visitors in 2022, surpassing the previous top mark of 91,427 in 2017.

Admission sales also broke a record, with $523,221 in 2022, surpassing the 2018 mark of $409,052.

The Museum’s membership sales, which totaled $185,372 in 2022 and gift shop sales of $218,108, also represented top marks in those categories.

At the Museum, children discover a world of art and creativity, science and technology, culture, health, and history, engaging with educational exhibits designed to stimulate learning and encourage information.

“We’re very proud of the success we had in 2022,” said Isabel Martinez, the Museum’s operations manager. “We want to thank all of our visitors and members who came to the Museum and hope they will visit us again and again in 2023 for more fun and educational experiences.”

McKenna developed this unique hands-on experience to provide tools to help nurture a child’s well-being. Children explore in a safe and secure place while parents share in their child’s learning experience.

Admission for children older than 12 months and adults is $8 per person. School visits are available year around. Contact the Museum at 830-606-9525 for further information. All children must be accompanied by an adult 16 and up.

The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday and for major holidays.
For more information and a calendar of events, visit https://mckennakids.org.