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News, Updates & Opportunities
February 2022
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2nd Annual Miles for Smiles 5K | May 27 to June 10 |
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We want YOU to be a part of this fun for the whole family FUNdraiser! Save the Date(s) to participate in the Miles for Smiles 5K.
The virtual 5K will get underway on May 27 and "run" through June 10. Run, walk, or roll at your own pace and in your own way – it’s the movement that matters!
Stay fit! Stay safe! Support a homeless child’s birthday dreams!
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Registration opens March 1. Stay tuned for more information through the Birthday Dreams newsletter, and our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts!
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This past month, Birthday Dreams was able to help a homeless mother provide her son with a 4th birthday to remember. Currently living in a local shelter, the mother said, "I really didn't know how I was going to afford to do anything."
When asked about the difference the birthday party made for her and her son she said, "A big difference. Being able to see his smile again, watching him just enjoy opening his gifts, his cupcakes to just being able to have that time with him...It brought joy to my son in the most needing time! Gave him hope for the future. One less day of feeling homeless...it brought excitement, joy and overall happiness."
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Community Support and Recognition |
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Google Year End Employee Fundraiser Yields 14K Donation |
Birthday Dreams would like to highlight the outstanding employee donation drive that Google organized to close out 2021. Dozens of Google employees provided generous financial support of our organization that amounted to nearly $14,000! This was the first Google fundraising campaign to benefit Birthday Dreams and we could not be more impressed and appreciative.
A great big THANK YOU to Google employees for their amazing support!
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Toys "Rolled In" at Ballard Les Schwab Toy Drive |
Birthday Dreams would like to thank our awesome supporters at the Les Schwab Tire Center in Ballard for their AMAZING holiday toy drive! They gathered hundreds of toys from their clients in support of Birthday Dreams and our mission. The donation amounted to over $3,832!! WOW – AWESOME!
This is the third year that Les Schwab Tire Center in Ballard has selected Birthday Dreams as its charity of choice for their annual Holiday Toy Donation Drive and we are so thankful of their generosity!
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If you are in need for a tire change or any of the other services Les Schwab provides, we encourage you to take your business to Ballard and show them YOUR support! Visit www.lesschwab.com/schedule-appointment/ and make your appointment today!
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Local Salon Helps Local Kids |
Birthday Dreams would like to thank Auburn-based Tre Sorelle Salon for selecting Birthday Dreams as their charity of choice this past holiday season. We are so grateful to the Tre Sorelle team, and their clients; the $620 contribution will help bring hope, joy and a sense of self-worth to homeless children with the gift of a birthday party. |
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Celebrating Kids Helping Kids |
With the support of their parents, Kevin and Savanna Dickson, Annabelle (8) and Kade (6) rocked their toy drive this year! They collected and donated 37 toys worth $500!
When asked what made her want to collect to for homeless kids, Annabelle said “I get excited doing the toy drive because I know that every toy is going to help someone celebrate their birthday with opening presents that we helped collect and I like giving toys to kids who don’t have them."
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Birthday Dreams is always touched to see the youth in our community giving back. Thank you, Annabelle and Kade, for making Birthday Dreams come true for deserving children in our community! |
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Volunteer Spotlight | Gregory and Abel |
Gregory (pictured) and Abel volunteer as part of a Birthday Dreams partnership with Northwest Center. Northwest Center is an organization that has been in our community for the last 50 years and focuses on assisting those with developmental disabilities gain valuable skills.
Gregory started volunteering with Birthday Dreams in July 2021 with his Northwest Center partner Abel. They come to Birthday Dreams every Tuesday and volunteer.
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Abel noted that Birthday Dreams provides a really supportive atmosphere where Gregory can be given a task or project and then is allowed to determine the best way to go about accomplishing it and develop his own system. Abel highlighted that Birthday Dreams understands that everyone has different abilities and is a very supportive environment. Gregory’s favorite volunteer activity is counting candy for goody bags.
Thanks to both Gregory and Abel for all you do for Birthday Dreams!
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News from the Board | Welcome Janet Barker and Amy Hartman |
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Janet, who lives in South King County with her husband and two children, has a long history of serving her local community both professionally and philanthropically.
Currently a Business and Investment Sales Manager at Banner Bank. she has held numerous roles throughout her 30-year banking career and is proud to use her extensive experience to provide guidance and insights to her clients.
Janet is passionate about giving back to the community. She has volunteered at organizations like Arise Homeless Shelter and St. Vincent De Paul Food Bank, has served on the Kentlake Highschool Site Council, was a Chair at St. Anthony School and served as a Board Member at the Pediatric Intern Care Center. We are excited for Janet to apply her experience to help foster Birthday Dreams' mission and further our reach.
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Originally from Texas, Amy recently returned stateside after three years living in Germany. She resides on Mercer Island with her husband Ben, daughter Zoe, and new puppy Lummi.
Amy is a Business Intelligence Engineer for Disney. She has a MS in Software Engineering and a BS in Computer Engineering.
Amy was introduced to Birthday Dreams through a friend. She attended the October Gala and was impressed by the mission. Amy said, "I believe everyone should get the chance to blow out a candle and make a wish on their special day." We are thrilled to have Amy bring fresh perspective to our Board.
Eager to get involved in the community. Amy also recently became "Cookie Mom" for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.
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Awesome Cakes Delivered with Love |
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Cake baker Sonali Vaid didn't miss a detail when she created this 100% edible cake for a special 9-year-old girl who loves singing, dancing and the color purple. Delivered with love and care by Maria Bridge.
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It's a GLOW party for a girl turning 17! Cake baker Karen Criddle incorporated some of the birthday girl's favorite colors in this glowtastic cake, which was delivered by Lee Blakenship-Finn.
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This little girl turning 2 celebrated with a princess party. Cake baker Lauren Hammer incorporated one of our birthday girl's favorite colors... you guessed it... pink! Delivered by Becky Nickels, the celebration was one to remember.
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Volunteer Orientation and Opportunities
Upcoming in-person orientation:
- Saturday, February 12 at 11am
- Tuesday, February 15 at 6pm
Contact our Community Events Coordinator, Leah Battin, at [email protected] for team building and service project opportunities.
Cake bakers of all experience levels are needed! Contact [email protected] for details.
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Follow us on Facebook! Cake and delivery needs are posted weekly. A list of upcoming parties and party needs can be found here.
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Birthday Dreams is excited to welcome Janet Barker and Amy Hartman to our Board of Directors. |
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Birthday Dreams welcomes our new and renewing Birthday Club members in January:
Roger & Marlene Winter, Janet Barker, Christine Zeznick, Deborah & Timothy O’Brien, Jeffrey & Shera Isakson, Debi Kissinger, Tre Sorelle Salon, LLC, and DKG – Beta Delta, Auburn Chapter.
A big THANK YOU to our amazing Birthday Club members!
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