|
|
News, Updates & Opportunities
May 2022
|
|
|
|
Virtual Miles for Smiles 5K
Spring Fundraiser
Birthday Dreams’ 2nd annual virtual Spring Fundraiser starts on Friday, May 27 and “runs” through Friday, June 10. You can run, walk, or roll at your own pace, anywhere, and in your own way – it’s the steps and movement that matters!
Start gathering up your 5K team to support a homeless child’s birthday dreams!
Our thanks to Vision Ignited Productions for their work producing the below promo video.
|
|
|
Two Great Fundraising Prizes!
The registered individual who raises the most money will win a A Day at the Ballpark for Four to watch either the Seattle Mariners vs Baltimore Orioles (June 27) or vs Texas Rangers (July 25).
The registered team that raises the most money will win Chick-fil-A meal cards for all members on their roster.
|
|
|
Sockeye Salmon for a Cause April 22 - May 31 |
Shop at Made In Washington from April 22 – May 31 and your purchase of a 1lb or 6oz ready-to-eat wild smoked sockeye salmon fillet will result in a donation to Birthday Dreams in the amount of $10 and $5 respectively.
|
|
|
Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? Or a tasty addition to your graduation party spread? Look no further! Visit any of Made in Washington’s three Puget Sound locations today and purchase high quality salmon for a great cause. |
|
|
|
Cookies for Kids | May 9 - May 23 |
Do you like cookies? Do you like supporting a good cause? Well, here’s your chance to do BOTH! |
|
|
As a part of our ongoing partnership with Chick-fil-A, Birthday Dreams will benefit from their 2-week long “Cookies for Kids” promotion from May 9 – May 23. If you and your family/friends are in the mood for a delicious Chick-fil-A meal, think about buying some cookies along with that meal and you will be supporting Birthday Dreams in the process! |
|
This is Why We Do It and You Can Help |
|
The feedback below, from a single mom of two ages (ages 3 and 9) who were recent recipients of a Birthday Dreams party, says it all.
“Thank you so much. I just want to cry right now like I don't even know where to start. I snuck and opened up the cracks of majority of my daughter’s presents and I don't even have to touch my son’s because just the amount of love and care that they gave, this is huge. I just want to say that I absolutely appreciate how much you go above and beyond. I just I really appreciate you and I don't know if you hear it enough, but you make a huge difference in these kids’ lives and also the moms and dads that want to have a difference in their life and I just want to say thank you so much.”
|
|
|
|
|
Help Make the Magic Happen
We are so excited that we can resume onsite group parties at some of our shelters! We have really missed being able to celebrate with our kiddos! Now all we need are some great volunteers to spend 2 - 3 hours of their time to help out at these wonderful celebrations.
|
|
|
Give back as a family. This is a great way for teens to get community service hours and for the younger kids to give back while having fun with other children their age!
If you are interested in being a Party Coordinator at a monthly onsite party in Kenmore, Maple Valley, Seattle, Burien or Bellevue please reach out to Tiffaney at tiffaney@birthdaydreams.org or (425) 988-3954. To volunteer at a party, sign up here.
|
|
Community Support and Recognition |
|
Exciting New Partnership - The BULL 98.9 |
Last month, Birthday Dreams started its partnership with Hubbard Radio Seattle and The BULL 98.9FM to utilize the airwaves and get the word out about our organization to the 30,000+ listeners who tune into The BULL every week!
We are optimistic that a significant segment of their audience will become Birthday Dreams’ supporters.
|
|
|
Spread the news to your friends and family to tune into The BULL 98.9 to hear more about the good work we’re doing at Birthday Dreams! |
|
Grant Awards
A big thank you to the 100+ Women Who Care Foothills Chapter for its generous $7,100 grant. This is an amazing group of women dedicated to making a difference!
Grants are critical to our viability, and directly fund Birthday Dreams general operations.
|
|
In January, Danielle Saliba and her two children Sawyer (11) and Reese (8) were looking for an opportunity to help others. Danielle found that many opportunities required children to be 13 or older to volunteer. Then, Danielle learned about Birthday Dreams. Birthday Dreams encourages the involvement of children of every age, and Danielle knew it was a perfect opportunity for her family! She found the mission especially relatable to children; having a birthday party is something easy to understand and Sawyer and Reese were enthusiastic about the opportunity.
The Saliba's have sponsored three parties so far and Sawyer and Reese have taken turns on taking the lead on each party. On the days they deliver, they also spend a few hours in the office helping assemble goody bags or working on other projects, which further solidifies the impact and meaning of what they are doing. Volunteering has been especially fun for Reese, who recently developed an interest in baking. Birthday Dreams is very lucky to have great kids like Sawyer and Reese involved and very thankful for parents like Danielle who reinforce the importance of volunteerism.
|
|
Volunteer Spotlight | Sally Eastey |
|
Sally started her volunteer journey with Birthday Dreams six years ago. She remembered how much she loved birthdays as a child and thought the mission of Birthday Dreams was a special one. Sally started as a present wrapper, which she really enjoyed, but as her work schedule changed, she shifted from volunteering to donating. Over the last two years, Sally has donated amazing baskets to our Annual Gala (16 baskets just last year!), and she's already begun planning for this year's gala! Not surprisingly one of her favorite themes is "kids." Sally commented that she also fondly recalls assembling a Parisian-themed basket. That said, every basket is creates and donates is WONDERFUL. Thank you, Sally, for all you do for Birthday Dreams! |
|
Awesome Cakes Delivered with Love |
|
Wow! Lauren Hammer went all out for a little girl turning 4 who likes movies and the colors pink and blue. This beautiful mermaid cake, a barbie doll, coloring and sticker books and assorted games and toys were delivered by Jim Waugh.
|
|
It's an ART party for this boy turning 10. He likes gaming, reading, and the colors blue and green; cake baker Karen Criddle captured the theme perfectly in another amazing cake creation. Our thanks to Delivery Driver Jim Waugh along with a variety of art-themed gifts.
|
|
This girl is celebrating her 14th birthday with a DONUT party! Baker Christina Schaefer-Harbison made mini donuts to top off the cupcakes, which, along with several gift cards and games, were delivered by Jarod Drozdowski
|
|
Volunteer Orientation and Opportunities
Upcoming in-person orientations:
- Saturday, May 14 at 11AM
- Tuesday, May 17 at 6PM
- Saturday, June 11 at 11AM
Contact our Community Events Coordinator, Leah Battin, at Leah@birthdaydreams.org for team building and service project opportunities.
|
|
Follow us on Facebook! Cake and delivery needs are posted weekly. A list of upcoming parties and party needs can be found here.
|
|
|
|
Birthday Dreams thanks the following Birthday Club members who joined or renewed their membership in April. We appreciate your generous support:
100 Women Who Care, Advanced Medical Group, American Energy Systems LLC, Anytime Roofing Inc, Avenue Dental Care, Emily Brooker, Jolene Bolton, Kathryn Guykema, Monroe Machined Products, Riverside Electrical Solutions LLC.
|
|
|
Please continue spreading the word about Birthday Dreams. We'd love to grow the club with more thoughtful and generous people like you!
If you are not a current Birthday Club member and would like to join, please visit:
|
|
Miles For Smiles Event Sponsors | Thank You |
|
|
|
|
|
|
