Five Ways to Help Keep the Spark Lit
This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to write.
I'm not someone who asks for help easily; I'm usually the one offering it wherever and however I can. Whether it's giving time, space, encouragement, or support, I do my best to show up for the people and the community I love.
Right now, though, I have to ask for that same kindness in return.
Spark Play Studio hasn't even celebrated its first full year yet, but it's already become something bigger than I ever imagined - a place where families connect, kids create, and community feels like home. We've built something meaningful together, and now we're facing the most difficult season since opening.
Licensing costs, building requirements, payroll, and the reality of growing faster than our funding have caught up. To get back on track, we've set an immediate goal of $7,000 - enough to stabilize Spark, pay what's due, and move forward without interruption.
And in the spirit of full transparency: every dollar raised beyond that goal will go into a Community Fund to provide free programming and play opportunities for Walworth County kids who need them most.
We'll be posting daily updates on donations, pre-orders, and sponsorships, because every contribution, no matter the size, matters deeply. Every bit of support helps keep this dream alive and this community connected.
- Send Support Directly
- Pre-Order a Book
- Donate to the Community Hand-Up Program
- Become a Community Investor
- Book, Play, or Gift
Read more below :)
Send Support Directly
Why Now: We need to bridge this season quickly. Direct support helps us meet immediate needs - rent, licensing, payroll, and essential costs that keep Spark open and available to local families.
How: Send support through Venmo: @sparkplaywi
Every dollar counts and brings us closer to our $7,000 goal.
Pre-Order a Book
Why It Matters: The True Me Project series featuring Kadee Sue Parker and Ned Kraft was created here in Walworth County to spark conversations about confidence, friendship, and growing up. Every pre-order supports our programs, our team, and our mission to make learning creative and meaningful.
How: Pre-order now and receive your books by November 28, 2025 (local pickup or shipping available).
Each purchase moves us closer to our goal and invests in stories that reach beyond our walls.
Donate to the Community Hand-Up Program
Why It Matters: Spark is about more than play, it's about belonging. Donations help us bridge this immediate financial gap and keep programming affordable for every family, while also funding outreach events, partnerships, and free community days.
How: Choose a family or business tier that fits your budget. Every level includes real, meaningful Thank-Yous.
Click on the individual links below to donate :)
Family Tiers:
- $25 Spark Supporter - name on our Community Tree + free play visit.
- $50 Spark Builder - all of the above, plus a free class!
- $100 Spark Sustainer - all of the above, plus a family craft night kit!
- $250 Spark Advocate - all of the above, plus two Date Night Kids' Club spots + 50% off a birthday party booked in 2025
Business Tiers:
- $100 Local Ally - name on our Community Wall + thank-you post across social media
- $250 Community Partner - all of the above, plus one month of in-studio TV display
- $500 Studio Sponsor - all of the above, plus adds event sponsorship + website logo recognition
Become a Community Investor
Why It Matters: We're working toward stability, not survival. This option lets community members play a long-term role in Spark's growth, helping us through this season now while sharing in future success.
How: Community investors can participate through a short-term buy-in loan.
Details:
- Minimum investment: $1,000
- Fixed interest rate: 8% annual return
- Repayment begins January 2026, completed by December 2027.
- Includes 2% annual profit sharing for active investors.
Formal agreements and quarterly updates will be provided.
Email us below to find out more.
Book, Play, or Gift
Why It Matters: Every class, event, and membership strengthens Spark's foundation. Supporting through play is the easiest way to help while giving your family, or someone else's, a joyful experience.
How:
- Register for classes, camps, or events
- Purchase open play passes or memberships
- Buy gift cards for birthdays, holidays, or "just because"
Every visit keeps Spark active, staffed, and part of what makes Walworth County special.
Why This Matters
This isn't just about Spark. It's about what Spark means to Walworth County, families having somewhere safe, creative, and affordable to go, right here in our own backyard.
I believe in this place with everything I have. I've poured my heart, time, and resources into it, because I know what it's already done for this community and what it can continue to do.
Asking for help doesn't come naturally to me, but I believe in the power of community. I believe in what we've built, and I believe that we can get through this together.
Every dollar, every pre-order, every membership, every share of this brings us one step closer to keeping the Spark lit, not just for us, but for families who need this space most.