The Children’s Museum of Tacoma announced Friday it will host a dinner and auction to raise money for its free “Pay As You Will” admission program. The event, entitled “Playing Under the Stars,” invites guests to dine outside on a meal created by the chefs of Masa/Asado, take part in a lively auction, and indulge in toys that every adult (or child) will want to take home, including a custom-built playhouse from John Korsmo Construction.

In January, the museum moved out of its long-time home on Broadway and into a larger space on Pacific Avenue. The move followed many years of planning and fund-raising. In March 2010, the museum signed a 10-year lease with United Way of Pierce County to occupy the bottom floor of the non-profit’s headquarters, located at 1501 Pacific Avenue. The museum also launched a $7 million capital campaign — $5 million toward renovation of the new space, including all-new exhibits; $1 million toward the “Play to Learn” community outreach program; and $1 million toward a “Pay As You Will” admission program that eliminates financial barriers and open the museum to everyone.

According to museum officials, the free “Pay As You Will” program is key to drawing visitors. Last year, nearly half of the museum’s visitors accessed the museum at its Broadway location for free through one of its many programs. Since the museum opened its new location on Jan. 14, it has served approximately 51,000 visitors through the “Pay As You Will” admission model.