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News, Updates & Opportunities
April 2024
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Miles for Smiles 5K Kicks Off May 17
Mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Miles
for Smiles 5K. This two-week virtual fundraising event will take place May 17 through May 31. Each Step You Take Can Help Make a Birthday Dream Come True!
Our event registration page is LIVE! Click here to register today.
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As a participant in Birthday Dreams’ Miles for Smiles 5K, you can raise the spirits of the homeless children we serve and inspire hope of a brighter future. All types of movement counts, rolling, biking, hiking, swimming, walking, and running.
The Miles for Smiles 5K is a fun way to get out and enjoy the wonders that the PNW has to offer, by walking, hiking, biking, swimming – or doing any type of activity that you (or your team) enjoy, while you also support Birthday Dreams’ mission!
It’s easy – just visit our event website: smiles.birthdaydreams.org to get started on the registration process. Then, network with your friends/family/colleagues to spread the word to get financial support for your 5K effort.
The 5K officially starts May 17 and runs through May 31, so there is plenty of time to register!
Funds raised from this event directly support Birthday Dreams’ mission to bring hope, joy, and a sense of self-worth by providing homeless children with the gift of a birthday celebration.
A big thank you to this year's event sponsors:
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KIXI Radiothon Fundraiser | April 26
This month, Birthday Dreams will benefit from a Radiothon Fundraiser on KIXI 880AM next month!
Tune in from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26 to join your friends at Birthday Dreams as we help host a special day of music and programming.
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Hear fantastic music woven into wonderful interviews; the Radiothon is all about helping raise awareness and donations so that kids in need can have the birthday of their dreams!
During the day-long broadcast, KIXI 880AM will have open phone lines so that you can call in and share your favorite childhood birthday memories.
For more details and to donate to this campaign, please visit: www.kixi.com
Our thanks to the entire team at KIXI 880 AM, KKNW 1150 AM, and Hubbard Radio for the opportunity to get the word out and raise some funds for the homeless children we serve!
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Birthday Dreams Turns 15!
In this, our 15th year, we will help celebrate more than 15,000 children struggling with homelessness! 15 years and 15,000 smiles! To celebrate our accomplishments with our amazing donors and volunteers, we are throwing ourselves a 15th birthday party.
On Saturday, June 1, we will celebrate with a fantastic party at the YMCA of Coal Creek, festivities start at 6pm.We are planning an evening full of fun. Imagine a carnival atmosphere with food, games, friendly competitions, and other fun things. What would a birthday celebration be without cake? We’ll have a cake decorating competition and the favorite cupcake-walk, so you can take home a cupcake of your own.
A fundraising event, this celebration will raise money to allow us to provide more birthday smiles to more homeless children.
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Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per family. Get your tickets at BirthdayDreams.Org
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! Contact our Development Director, Jarod at 425-524-4705 or jarod@birthdaydreams.org
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Chick-Fil-A Point of Sale Fundraiser April 15 - April 29
We are proud to announce that for the third year in a row, Birthday Dreams is benefitting from a two-week point-of-sale fundraiser organized by Chick-fil-A of Puget Sound! All Puget Sound locations are participating in this campaign that runs from April 15 - April 29.
For every Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Icedream Cone sold during this period, Chick-fil-A will donate a percentage of sales to help support our cause.
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So, between April 15 and April 29, if you get that sweet-tooth craving, visit your nearest Chick-fil-A location to fulfil your “Sweet Dreams” and support us in the process! Talk about a win/win!
Link to a Chick-fil-A near you: WA Locations and Information | Chick-fil-A
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Randall Morris Events
Birthday Dreams will once again be a beneficiary of the upcoming slate of three events hosted by The Randall Morris Foundation!
The dates for the events have been set. Keep their website bookmarked to stay up to date on additional event and ticketing details.
- Randall Morris Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament: June 22 – Mercedes Benz of Tacoma
- 18th Annual Celebrity Gala & Auction: September 8 – Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Renton
- Celebrity Golf Tournament: September 9 – Fairwood Golf & Country Club in Renton
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The feedback below was provided by a parent who was able to give their child a birthday party to remember, thanks to Birthday Dreams. This is why, with your support, we continue to do what we do:
“A weight was lifted off of my shoulders. Me being a dad, I want to give my daughter happy memories of her birthday. I got depressed, hating myself for not being able to give my daughter what she wishes... I needed help with my daughter’s birthday as I’m on a fixed income. As it was, I didn’t pay my electric bill this month to be able to buy my daughter a few gifts… My little girl was so happy when we gave her a birthday party. She was surprised and thankful for everything. She had a great time with the few friends she invited… The party made my girl’s day. The gifts and party supplies let me not worry about how I was going to make something out of nothing... Thank you for all you have done.”
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Community Support and Recognition | |
Foresters Financial Toy Drive
Our thanks and appreciation go out to Foresters Financial who once again held a toy drive benefitting our organization. The recent toy drive that Forester Financial held for Birthday Dreams provided us with 70 “Build-a-Bears” valued at $926.52! These items will be added to our inventory and dispersed to the homeless children that we serve.
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Other Donations
Thank you also to all the individuals who made donations, among them:
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Sally Eastey donated over 50 items! These items included squishmallows, fragrance sets, Barbie dolls and clothing, Minnie and Mickey theme plushes, make up products, string lights, toddler clothing, art supplies, dinosaur toys, and cars.
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Natalie Conner donated over 45 items! The items donated include self-care items, jewelry, make up bags, hair care products, and other beauty products.
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Jill Slabey donated 36 gifts! These items included toddler clothing sets, Under Armour clothing, a Lululemon belt bag, cross body bags, Lego sets, gift cards, backpacks, and more!
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Joni Nakagawa donated 20 items including soccer balls, science toys, R/C cars, other sport toys, and a ukelele!
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Each month Birthday Dreams receives grant awards from our terrific foundation partners. Without their support, we could not do what we do what we do; we are incredibly grateful for their generosity. Last month we received a grant from: | |
- Soroptomist International of Renton - $1,000
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Kids Helping Kids | Esme and Angel | |
In December 2023, our volunteer coordinator received an email from 8th grader Esme Reeves that instantly caught her attention. A student at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School in West Seattle, Esme was inquiring about volunteer opportunities for herself and her friend, Angel Wong. A few days later, Tabitha received an email from Angel, also asking about volunteer opportunities. The girls were taking part in a service project called the Juan Diego Project (JDP) which is centered around social justice and had chosen Birthday Dreams as the non-profit to volunteer their time. | |
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With support from their parents, Esme and Angel came in nearly every week from January through March, logging 20 hours each throughout that time. They were always ready to jump in no matter the task. They made hats, sorted candy, counted stickers, organized the toy room, weeded vinyl designs; just about anything we could think of they were ready for! We at Birthday Dreams loved having them in the office, they were so much fun to be around, we already miss them terribly and wish them well as they graduate from 8th grade and move on to high school. We hope to see them again soon!
Here is what the girls had to say about volunteering at Birthday Dreams:
“I chose to volunteer at Birthday Dreams because I believe everyone deserves dignity and respect. Helping homeless kids celebrate their birthdays shows them their lives are just as worthy of celebration as any other child's. My favorite part of volunteering at Birthday Dreams is the community of other volunteers and employees. It made volunteering really fun and something to look forward to. It made me want to go the extra mile, knowing so many other people were giving it their all.” - Esme
“I chose to volunteer at Birthday Dreams because they acknowledge that even simple acts can make a significant impact, and working with them, I feel that I’m contributing to a cause that will inspire others to act with kindness and generosity. I believe that every child deserves to feel loved and celebrated regardless of their situation, and as someone that really values the importance of positive childhood experiences, I feel really drawn to the work that Birthday Dreams does. They recognize the problem of homelessness and the impact it has on children’s lives and are actively doing things about it. My favorite part of volunteering at Birthday Dreams is the sense of community, from the dedicated staff to the enthusiastic volunteers, everyone comes together with the shared passion for making a difference in the lives of children, and it really inspires me.” - Angel
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Volunteer Spotlight | Leslie and Hannah Feller | |
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This month we’re shining the volunteer spotlight on two volunteers, the mother-daughter duo Leslie and Hannah Feller, who went from cake bakers to co-party coordinators. Since September 2023, these two incredible people have helped make the monthly Mary’s Place Northshore on-site party as unforgettable of an experience as possible. We couldn’t reach as many deserving families as we do without incredible party coordinators, like Leslie and Hannah.
When we asked Leslie how she and Hannah got started volunteering and what she loves about it, she said:
“My daughters introduced me to Birthday Dreams when they began designing and baking themed cakes for the Birthday-in-a-Box program. I would often help brainstorm decorating ideas and deliver their finished cakes to the Birthday Dreams office. I responded to a call for volunteer on-site party coordinators and eventually a spot opened up at the Northshore Mary's Place shelter. My adult daughter, Hannah, and I, jumped at the opportunity and have been coordinating a monthly party there since September 2023.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is experiencing the increased interactions and trust shared with us by the shelter community over the past several months. The kids and their families are genuinely excited to see us each month and we have been able to better customize the party to this facility and the preferences of the residents. We have even curated a party music playlist full of songs requested by the kids and a regular volunteer who invested time and resources into perfecting her face painting talents (which are quite good!) Serving as a co-party coordinator has been a strong reminder that all it takes is a few simple party games/activities, cupcakes, and thoughtfulness to make a child feel seen and loved. I feel lucky to play a small part in Birthday Dreams mission to bring hope, joy, and a sense of self-worth to these children with the gift of a birthday party.”
Hannah added, “After graduating from UCLA in June 2021, I was blessed with a few free summer months before diving into my new job. During this time, my passion for baking evolved into a meaningful purpose when I got involved with Birthday Dreams. Starting off as a baker, I enjoyed making themed cakes, inspired by Legos, princesses, and sports. Soon, I transitioned to volunteering at the parties to eventually becoming a party coordinator, joined by my mom.
Volunteering with Birthday Dreams has been incredibly meaningful. For me, birthdays are not only a reason for celebration but also an occasion that uplifts one’s positive self-image. Reflecting on my early years, I hold fond memories of birthdays and festive gatherings - they instilled in me a sense of community and love. I strongly believe that children, irrespective of their socio-economic conditions, deserve to experience these memorable moments of recognition. I'm confident Birthday Dreams is allowing this recognition to take place.”
Interested in meeting and volunteering with this dynamic duo, check out opportunities to volunteer at an upcoming Mary’s Place Northshore on-site party (see below).
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Awesome Cakes Delivered with Love | |
A lucky boy celebrating his third birthday received this Paw Patrol cake made by Cathy Footer. The birthday boy also received a Paw Patrol clothing set, matching set of beanie and gloves, and Moto HQ playset, toy trucks and Chick-Fil-A gift cards. Volunteer Jim Waugh made the special delivery. | |
A special girl celebrating her 10th birthday enjoyed this beautiful butterfly cake made by Cherrie Smith. Gifts included a set of electric drumsticks, a DIY string art kit, a paint-by-numbers kit, board games, a Bluetooth speaker, Game Works, and Chick-Fil-A gift cards. The party was were delivered by the one and only, Jim Waugh. | |
A 12-year-old boy received this amazing gaming cake by Candace Krull. The birthday boy also received gifts including clothing sets, Roblox celebrity figure packs, a board game, a Roblox gift card, and other restaurant gift cards. Everything was delivered by, you guessed it, Jim Waugh! | |
Justice League cake by Ann and Emily Felton | |
Lego Cake by Glynda Steiner | |
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Volunteer Orientation and Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering for Birthday Dreams or participating in community service projects / team building events, please email our Volunteer and Community Event Coordinator Tabitha Amoroso.
If you are a new volunteer, sign up to attend a brief in-person or virtual orientation by emailing Tabitha as well. In-person orientations are generally held on the 2nd Saturday and 3rd Tuesday of every month, and the virtual orientations are generally held on the 1st Tuesday and 4th Saturday of every month.
- Tuesday, April 16 from 6-7pm (In Person)
- Saturday, April 27 from 11am -12pm (Virtual)
- Tuesday, May 7 from 6pm -7pm (Virtual)
- Saturday, May 11 from 11am - 12pm (In Person)
- Tuesday, May 21 from 6pm - 7pm (In Person)
- Saturday, May 25 from 11am-12pm (Virtual)
Follow us on Facebook! Cake and delivery needs are posted weekly, in addition to other posts about what’s happening. A list of upcoming parties and party needs can be found here.
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Onsite Party Volunteers Needed | Immediate Need for Help
To continue hosting parties at the shelters, we need volunteers to attend these very fun birthday celebrations. Without volunteers, we will need to cancel these parties. If you are able to help volunteer, please sign up to assist. Prior to signing up, please make sure to read the descriptions and notes to see if there are any restrictions (i.e., age requirement).
Volunteers currently needed at the following shelters for the next month:
- Wednesday, April 24 from 6pm – 8pm at YWCA Passage Point in Maple Valley – 3 volunteers needed
- Sunday, April 28 from 1pm – 3pm at Mary’s Place Burien in Burien – 8 volunteers needed (age 18+)
- Tuesday, May 7 from 6pm-8pm at Mary’s Place Northshore in North Seattle – 1 volunteers needed (age 18+)
- Sunday, May 26 from 1pm – 3pm at Mary’s Place Burien in Burien – 11 volunteers needed (age 18+)
- Wednesday, May 29 from 6pm-8pm at YMCA Passage Point in Maple Valley - 7 volunteers needed
Please contact Tabitha Amoroso if you’re interested in becoming a Party Coordinator. We are currently looking for Party Coordinators for two locations.
Mary’s Place Burien and YWCA Passage Point Need a Party Coordinator ASAP
Party coordinators pick up the pre-packed bins of supplies, juice, cupcakes, and toys from our Renton office before the onsite party. With assistance from other Birthday Dreams volunteers they will also set up, run, and clean up the onsite party, and return bins to our Renton office at a mutually agreed upon date. The Party Coordinator role is a six-month time commitment to allow for consistent, reliable parties at the shelter. Dates and times of parties are somewhat negotiable; party coordinators are welcome through scheduling conflicts with shelter staff.
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Office and Party Supply Needs
We rely on our donors and volunteers to make birthday dreams come true. This month we need the following items for our birthday children:
- Interactive learning toys one-year-old and up
- Hot wheels items
- Health and beauty items for teens (make up, spa kits, cologne, perfume, hair products etc)
- Toddler toys and action figures (paw patrol, Cocomelon, Fisher Price little people)
- Gift Cards to clothing, experiences and food places
- Juice Boxes and birthday banners
Did you know that you can use Amazon to set up automatic donations? Just select “Subscribe and Save” to make an automatic order monthly for Birthday Dreams and select the Birthday Dreams address when you check out! It’s an easy way to support our office needs and help Birthday Dreams in a big way. Check out the Amazon Wish List for more ideas.
Our team is also in need of help to get some other in-office items that YOU could assist with!
Office supplies:
- Scotch tape
- Expo pens (all colors)
- Zip lock bags (all sizes)
- Cake boxes (all sizes)
- Card stock paper (all colors besides black and dark blue)
- Permanent markers (sharpies large for bags)
- White envelopes 4.5in/9.5in (peel and seal)
- Wrapping paper (no holidays)
- Gift wrapping bows (all sizes and colors)
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A big Birthday Dreams thank you to all of our new and renewing Birthday Club members this past month:
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Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
BNBuilders
Boeing Company Gift Match
Dani Brazzle
Jamie Gibson
Jerelyn Hampton
Jerome & Janet Barker
Laura Cameron
Mark & Vivian Blauman
Marlatt Funeral Home
Mecham Bookkeeping LLC
Renton Rotary Caper, Inc.
Saybr Contractors Inc.
Soroptimist International of Renton
A complete list of our 2024 Birthday Club Members can be found on our Birthday Club page. Our thanks to everyone who contributed in 2023. If you are not a current Birthday Club member, please consider joining us in 2024. Click here to donate.
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We accept donations through VENMO. The QR code will take you directly to our page.
You can also donate by texting “birthdaydreams” to 366283.
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