With just a few folds and a wish for flight, it embodies one of the purest forms of play.

Aside from a stick or a cardboard box, the paper airplane may be the simplest and most universal toy ever, earning its place in the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2017.

That simple, childlike act of imagineering, bringing edges and corners together to create something entirely new and full of possibility, is at the heart of both Play Ball and The Strong.

The 2025 invitation embraced this idea through a folded design inspired by a paper airplane, accompanied by three paper airplanes for recipients to fold and play with in the days leading up to the event. Each plane highlighted a different area of the Museum, inviting attendees the freedom to explore, experiment, and soar through play.

The results were record-breaking in both attendance and fundraising.

Highlights:

• Developed a high-energy theme and executed it in print, digital, and on-site elements like desserts and signage.

• Early commitments from new sponsors helped build event momentum.

• More than $570,000 was raised overall, including a 23% increase in silent auction donations

• Record attendance: Sold-out event at more than 700 guests.

• Encouraged attendees to launch paper airplanes toward the stage with their donations, drove a 132% increase in giving over last year.

• The creative has been the foundation for the Strong Museum’s largest annual fundraiser since 2017.

*all work was done as an employee of Brandtatorship