The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) is, quite literally, a dream come true for founder Allyson Loos. Allyson (Ally) always had a love for kids, from babysitting throughout her teen years to studying child psychology in college. She and her husband John were thrilled to become parents to their children Ben and Bianca.
In 1999, Bianca, then 13 months old, died tragically from bacterial meningitis. The Loos family relocated from Connecticut to Naples, Florida, a longtime vacation spot for John’s family, and began setting up a fund to help others while commemorating their daughter.
As the Looses were deciding how to focus the funds, Ally had a vivid dream where she was visited by Bianca, who showed her a bright, colorful place for children and families to play together. When Ally awoke, she knew Bianca would have wanted Naples to have a children’s museum.
With the help of some newfound friends, Ally began fundraising for what would eventually become the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, founded in 2002 and opened for play in 2012.
Founding Board
Allyson Loos, Founder
Lisa Barnett
Kim Buckheit
Nancy Ross
Julie Koester
Brenda Prioletti
