CelebrateOne Brings Hundreds Together for Sold-Out First Birthday Bash

Hundreds of families packed Center of Science and Industry (COSI) on Saturday night for CelebrateOne’s sold-out First Birthday Bash, an after-hours private celebration bursting with first-birthday magic, loud giggles, and frosting-covered smiles.

The event honored families whose babies turned one in 2025 — a moment that captures the joy of parenthood and the heart of CelebrateOne’s mission to help every baby in Columbus thrive through their first year. Families spent the night exploring COSI’s hands-on exhibits at the museum as parents captured frosting-covered smiles during professional smash-cake photos and watched their babies discover the world in new ways.

Thanks to CelebrateOne’s partnership with COSI, the first 200 families who registered and attended also received a free one-year COSI family membership. “This celebration is what success looks like,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “When our babies reach their first birthday, we all celebrate. It’s proof of what’s possible when we invest in families, believe in community, and stand together to make sure every child has the chance to thrive.”

Danielle Tong, Executive Director of CelebrateOne, thanked the parents, partners and organizations who bring the organization’s mission to life each day before presenting two special recognitions: Crane Group received the Legacy of Impact Award for their long-standing commitment to families in Columbus, and COSI was named Partner of the Year for creating a space where learning and connection come alive for every child.

“This is one of our happiest nights of the year,” said Tong. “Every giggle, every frosting-covered face, every proud parent is a reminder of why we do this work — because every baby deserves a first birthday.” CelebrateOne, the City of Columbus’ infant mortality initiative launched by Ginther, is on a mission to make sure every baby gets the chance to reach their first birthday. By connecting families to resources, support, and care, CelebrateOne makes moments like the First Birthday Bash possible.