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News, Updates & Opportunities
March 2025
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Miles for Smiles Registration Live
This two-week virtual fundraising event takes place May 16 through May 30. Registration is open; now is the time to get your team together, and start planning your FUNdraising activities for Birthday Dreams this May!
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Check out and share our official Miles for Smiles Activity Challenge YouTube video.
All types of movement count: rolling, biking, hiking, swimming, walking, and running. This is a great way for you, your family, your friends, and your co-workers to get out and be active this spring. But you don't have to just take our word for it. VP Bill Huber at Terex/Genie and his team have participated for three consecutive years; they filmed this fun video testimonial.
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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. Click here or scan the QR code to register for this fun activity-based event!
As a participant in Birthday Dreams’ Miles for Smiles Activity Challenge, you will be a part of raising the spirits of the homeless children we serve, and inspiring hope for a brighter future.
Interested in supporting Miles for Smiles as a sponsor? Please contact our Development Director Jarod Drozdowski with inquiries. A huge thank you to our current 2025 sponsors for their support!
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Teen Action Fair | March 22
Calling all Teens 📣 Interested in getting involved in your community? Join us at @DiscoverGates for the free #TeenActionFair to get connected with local organizations that are making a difference!
Plus, enjoy fun activities, performances and snacks, and connect with other teens. This year we're focusing on what we're truly capable of when we come together to create change.
No RSVP needed, just come by March 22!
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MOD Pizza Fundraiser | March 28
On March 28, when you order at MOD Pizza at the MOD Sammamish location and either mention "Birthday Dreams" or use code MODGIVES25, 25% of the proceeds of your order will go to Birthday Dreams. By choosing to eat at MOD on March 28, you get to help give homeless children the birthday celebrations they deserve—because every slice helps spark joy!
MOD Pizza Sammamish Location: 22833 NE 8th St, Sammamish, 98074
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Rugby for Our Cause | March 29
Attention Rugby Fans! You can support Birthday Dreams' mission to bring joy to homeless children with the gift of a birthday party by attending the Seattle Seawolves vs. Anthem Rugby Carolina match at the Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila on March 29 at 6pm.
For every ticket sold through this offer, Birthday Dreams will receive 10% to help fund our programs! Not only will you enjoy a thrilling Seawolves game, but you'll also be contributing to a great cause – US!
Get your TICKETS today and be a part of the celebration!
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The parent feedback we receive is a constant reminder of why we do it. The following feedback is from a parent of one of the many February birthdays we were able to provide, thanks to you. With your support, we are committed to bringing hope and joy to the community we serve through the gift of a birthday celebration.
"We have been homeless for three years. Hungry, scared, cold, and when [my son's] birthday would come, I wouldn't even mention it. [This year] I was able to say 'your birthday is the [x] of February, and we are going to have a party.' His joy, his excitement was beyond belief. The happiness that you gave us, especially to this sweet, caring, loving little boy is beyond any words.[My son] would like to say '...I love you , Thank you, Thank you. you have made my day a happy one.'"
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Community Support and Recognition | |
Grants
Without the grant awards generously endowed by our foundation partners, we could not do what we do. Over the past month, we received grants from the following partners:
Corbin and Katrina Bohart Family Fund | $1,000
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DECA Attendees Do Good
We were honored to be invited to this year’s Washington DECA State Career Development Conference in Bellevue. Pictured are some of the many students who attended the conference who chose to help make goody bags that will be added to a future Birthdays-in-a-Box.
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Junior League Donates Supplies and Time
Members of the Junior League of Seattle generously donated supplies and their time to assemble over 170 Goody Bags. You will see them featured again soon when they reunite to make even more!
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More Donations of Time and Talent
Thanks also to:
- The Girl Scouts Troop in West Seattle for the work assembling goody bags.
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Hope Church NW in Renton, for gathering to make party hats.
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Northwood Middle School for crafting fun party hats.
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Cedar River Montessori students for working on party hats, volunteering at an upcoming on-site party and other projects.
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In-Kind Donations
In-kind gifts and donations of office and party supplies are always needed and appreciated. A big thank you to:
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Salley Eastey who donated the gifts for 22 different birthday parties.
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Wellington Elementary which held a toy drive that yielded 214 gifts and a variety of party supplies.
Thank you also to the below individuals and organizations who donated party supplies, favors and gifts:
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Alexa Medhus
Andrea Bates
Angela Pederzani
Carlton Ford
Cathy Footer
Diana Madison
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Emily Egashira
Interfaith Family Shelter
Jessica Kehoe
Jill Slabey
Kamryn Rolf
Laura Wilson
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Mary Flores
Mary Snyder
Michelle Steed
Risa Woo
Sam Bryant
St. Stephens School
Vedanta Society
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Our thanks to new and renewing members, who generously donated to Birthday Dreams in February 2025. These individuals and businesses are listed below.
Boeing Company Gift Match
Cedar River Cellars
Corbin and Katrina Bohart Family Fund
Four Generals Brewing LLC
Laura Cameron
Mecham Bookkeeping LLC
Melrose Grill
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In addition to the 2025 list, a complete list of our 2024 Birthday Club Members can be found on our Birthday Club page. If you are not a current Birthday Club member, please consider joining us. Click here to donate.
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Mother/Daughter Volunteer Group Supports Birthday Dreams
Members of the National Charity League - Sammamish Chapter started volunteering with Birthday Dreams last fall. This mother/daughter volunteer organization has been busy sorting candy, making party hats and bows and volunteering at several of the YWCA Maple Valley onsite parties. We love their positive energy and enthusiasm!
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Volunteer Spotlight | Dawn Castaneda | |
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Birthday Dreams staff successfully recruited Dawn Castaneda to volunteer when she came to donate Halloween candy last fall. She is now a weekly volunteer who beautifully wraps gifts, makes gift tags and does data entry and mailings for us. We appreciate her good cheer and reliability!
Dawn said, "Knowing that packages I wrap will create giddy anticipation for the kiddos who get to open them and that they will have an amazing day gives me great joy!" I am an avid believer in 'it is better to give than to receive.'"
When we asked Dawn to share a bit about herself, she said, "I have been married for 28 years to the best guy in the world. I have twin boys, young men, who are both very adventurous and finding their way into adulthood. I love dogs and currently have a 12-year-old German shepherd named Sparky. I worked for over 40 years in financial services and have been retired for 2 years. I love to go on adventures with my husband Julio whenever we can."
We appreciate you, Dawn!
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Awesome Cakes Delivered with Love | |
Carolyn Weger made this beautiful Mermaid Cake for a birthday girl turning...you guessed it, four! Friends of Birthday Dreams supplied gifts including a Bratz doll, Plush Jungle Monkey, bracelet making set, cute clothes and an LCD writing tablet. Becky Nickels made the delivery. | |
This perfectly pink Barbie cake by Kari Hayden was a sweet surprise for a special 7-year-old. The birthday girl received a Barbie, puzzle, lip gloss and hair products, Presidential doll and accessories and coloring supplies donated by Sally Eastey. Mary Snyder delivered all the birthday goodies. | |
Cathy Footer made this clever art cake, complete with real brushes, for a budding artist turning 13. Laurel Tomchick delivered the cake and gifts, from Friends of Birthday Dreams, which included acrylic paints and brush set, canvases, art kits and a glow in the dark rock painting set. | |
Chocolate Decadence cake by Ester Yu | |
Dinosaur cake by Lauren Yasuda. | |
Happy 14th sheet cake by Chris Wells. | |
Soccer cake by Holly Mihalyo. | |
17 Musical Note cake by Tomio Stoner. | |
Gaming cakes by Tasha Kammerzell. | |
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Opportunities to Get Involved
Are you or someone you know interested in serving on a committee, helping with community events, or serving on our Board of Directors? We'd love to hear from you.
Birthday Dreams Committees
Marketing & Development Committee
A fundraising and marketing-oriented committee that meets virtually the last Wednesday of every other month. We are looking for individuals with knowledge of best practices in marketing and fundraising. If interested, contact Jarod Drozdowski.
Gala of Dreams Steering Committee
Soley focused on all aspects of our annual Gala fundraiser. If interested, contact Jarod Drozdowski.
Community Events
Would your place of work like to get employees involved to bring some birthday joy? Birthday Dreams would be thrilled to make that happen! If interested, contact Leah Battin.
Board of Directors
Are you or someone you know interested in serving on a committee, helping with community events, or serving on our Board of Directors? We'd love to hear from you. We are actively recruiting individuals who are interested in volunteering their time and talent for our cause. We are looking for qualified, highly motivated individuals to serve a two-year renewable term. Please contact Chris Spahn for more information on Board service.
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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 Community Event Coordinator, Leah Battin.
We offer 30-minute virtual orientations for new volunteers and welcome new and interested volunteers to schedule a convenient time to tour our Renton office. Please email Heid Singh to schedule a visit or to request a call to learn more about volunteering. The next virtual orientations are:
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Thursday, March 27 @ 6pm (virtual)
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Saturday, April 12 @ 10am (virtual)
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Tuesday, April 22 @ 6pm (virtual)
Follow us on Instagram and 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 | Immediate Need for Help
To continue hosting parties at the shelters, we need volunteers to attend these very fun birthday celebrations. 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 are currently needed at the following shelters:
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Sunday, March 23 from 1pm- 3pm at Mary's Place Burien
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Sunday, April 27 from 1pm - 3pm at Mary's Place Burien
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Other Ways to Help | Office and Party Supply Needs
Birthday Dreams Program Specialist Mary Flores is now updating our Amazon Wish List every week, allowing us to better serve Birthday Dreams kids by making sure they have some great gifts from their wish list. Click on this link or scan the QR code to see our current needs, which include toddler toys, footballs and basketballs!
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.
Please include your name and email when using the Amazon wish list so we know who to thank.
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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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