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News, Updates & Opportunities
September 2026
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Gala of Dreams September 26
If you've been thinking about attending, this is your sign to say yes!
On September 26, the Museum of Flight will come alive with an unforgettable evening of inspiration, celebration, and impact at the Gala of Dreams, our largest fundraiser of the year. More importantly, it will be a night dedicated to bringing hope and joy to children in our community experiencing homelessness.
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Every year, people tell us afterward how grateful they are that they attended. The stories shared, the connections made, and the lives changed create an experience that goes far beyond a typical night out.
Whether you purchase an individual ticket or host a table, you'll join a room full of compassionate, engaged people who believe every child deserves to feel celebrated, valued, and remembered.
This is more than a gala. It's a chance to change a child's story. Whether you host a table with friends, colleagues, or family, or purchase an individual ticket and meet fellow community champions, you'll be part of an inspiring evening filled with purpose, connection, and impact.
Break out your best Denim & Diamonds attire and enjoy an unforgettable night of celebration, generosity, and hope. Every ticket helps create brighter futures for children who need our support most.
Every ticket changes a life. Secure your place at the Gala of Dreams today and join a community of passionate supporters coming together for an extraordinary night of hope, inspiration, and giving.
Visit our registration page to purchase your tickets!
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Get involved in the Gala
Be part of the magic behind the scenes. Our volunteers help make this night sparkle. Sign up to volunteer at the Gala and join the excitement.
Our sincere thanks to the organizations below for their generous support of the Gala.
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Recently we helped a mother who is homeless after fleeing a domestic violence situation. The mother is managing her son's medical condition (with support from Seattle Children's Hospital). As her teen son's birthday approached, and his health became compromised, the two were resolved that there would be no celebration. But her DV advocate in partnership with Birthday Dreams were determined that would not be so. A birthday-in-a-box was delivered, and he was able to share his special day with two friends. The mother said,
"He was excited and full of joy. This care package changed everything for his birthday. He said it was the best birthday he's ever had. He was so surprised. The cake and gifts were perfect. Thank you! We are deeply moved at how sweet and thoughtful all the items were. He flet very loved and cared about."
With your continued support, we are committed to bringing hope and joy to the community we serve through the gift of a birthday celebration.
| | Kids Helping Kids | Eva Chen | | |
Seventeen-year-old Eva Chen, a student at Eastside Preparatory School, is using her creativity to make birthdays brighter for children experiencing homelessness.
After learning about Birthday Dreams from her mother, who attended a workplace giving event, Eva was inspired to help. She recently wrote and self-published an illustrated children's book, The Last Fairy, and donated 50 copies to Birthday Dreams. To make each gift even more special, Eva included a handwritten birthday message inside every book.
For Eva, the most meaningful part of the experience was signing the books and knowing her words and artwork could bring joy to a child on their birthday. The project also taught her that young people can make a real difference right now by using their talents to help others.
An avid artist, writer, and mentor, Eva also runs free art workshops through The Found Art Project and is a mentor for her school's middle school debate team.
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Eva said, "I think teens sometimes feel like we have to wait until we’re adults to make a real impact, but that’s definitely not true. Teens have their own unique skills and energy that can be useful to any cause. We understand the world in a completely different way than adults—perhaps our perspectives can lead to connections that would have never happened otherwise! Helping others also connects you to your community in a way that will definitely prepare you for adulthood." To those who might be thinking about volunteering for Birthday Dreams she said, "Go for it! You don’t have to do something massive or intricate to make a difference. Start with whatever you’re already passionate about, whether that be art, baking, reading, organizing, or anything under the sun, and find a way to use it to help someone else. If you don’t see an easy avenue to contribute, don’t be scared to ask someone!"
Thanks to Eva's generosity, dozens of children will receive a special birthday gift and a reminder that they are celebrated on their big day.
| | Volunteer Spotlight | Emerson Family | | |
For Renatta and her children, Simon, Victory, and Aria, volunteering with Birthday Dreams has become a meaningful way to give back as a family while creating lasting memories together.
Renatta first learned about Birthday Dreams through the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce after hearing Executive Director Chris Spahn speak at a chamber luncheon. Inspired by the organization's mission, she volunteered at the Birthday Dreams office and thought it would be perfect to get her kids involved as well. She said, "My goal was to let my kids see that we are a family who does things for others without needing anything in return. I want to develop with them a culture of giving."
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Since then, the family has helped with a variety of hands-on projects, including decorating masks, party hats, and sorting candy and beads for birthday celebrations. Each child found their own favorite part of the experience. Aria said, "I liked decorating the candles [for the pin the candle on the cake cake], hats and masks." Victory loved "helping kids have a great birthday," and Simon liked "that I get to help people."
When asked what they would tell other families considering volunteering, the children's answer was simple: it's fun, creative, rewarding, and even comes with the occasional snack.
Birthday Dreams is so thankful to Renatta and her family for coming together to bring hope and joy to children in need in our community.
| | Community Support and Recognition | | Birthday Dreams relies on the generosity and dedication of our community partners to make our mission possible. From assembling goody bags, to crafting party hats, to organizing toy drives and so much more — your time, energy, and effort truly make a difference. We appreciate you more than words can express. Thank you! | |
National Charity Leage (NCL) Mercer Island
We are so grateful for the continued partnership with NCL. The Mercer Island chapter generously donated supplies and time to make 100 goody bags supporting the Birthday Dreams mission. Their vision “Connecting hearts, hands and minds so that every community thrives aligns beautifully with Birthday Dreams’ mission.
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Starbucks
We are thrilled every time we are invited back to Starbucks. Their generosity and kindness make all the difference to the kids we support. Thank you so much to Mara Mclaruin for continuing this wonderful partnership. She signed up the Digital Growth team to make birthday party hats and did not hesitate when we asked if they could also help make masks for our Pin the Candle on the Cupcake game. Now the games are complete, and the hats are ready to add even more fun to upcoming birthday celebrations.
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Microsoft Search
We are always honored when someone is introduced to Birthday Dreams through one volunteer event and then brings our mission back to their own organization. That is exactly what happened when Sirena Rayburn, a member of the Microsoft Search team, participated in a previous Birthday Dreams event at Microsoft. She shared the experience with Elle Hemingway, who then invited us to partner with Search, where volunteers thoughtfully made birthday party hats and friendship bracelet kits.
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Junior League of Seattle
The Junior League of Seattle are dependably dedicated volunteers at our monthly onsite birthday parties. They go above and beyond, stepping up when needed, donating both time and supplies.
More than 20 Junior League members volunteer with Birthday Dreams, providing the much-needed support required for on-site parties. Their energy, and enthusiasm translate into extra special and memorable celebrations for the children. A very special thank-you to Gretchen Wingard for coordinating these wonderful volunteers and helping make this partnership such a success!
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We are incredibly thankful for the grant awards we receive from our foundation partners; we could not do what we do without them. Last month we received a grant from the following partners:
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Fales Foundation | $3,000
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Florence Kilworth Foundation | $1,000
| | This Gaming cake by Dunia Almezal was baked birthday boy turning 14. Laurel Tomchick delivered the cake and gifts which included: a Target gift card, semi-truck model, stickers, tennis shoes and more. | | Tomio Stoner made this Art cake for little boy turning eight. Driver Susan Patton delivered the cake and gifts: Spiderman and Despicable Me Grab and Go Play Packs, a puzzle, slime, colored pencils and sketch book and assorted games. | | |
A birthday boy turning three was treated to this Dinosaur Cake by Mary Judge. The cake and gifts (a Marshall Fire Toy with Truck, Play-Doh, Assorted Rubber Ducks, Reusable coloring pad, Tiny Touch Animal book and more) were delivered by Shahad Al-Mansuri.
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Web Slinger cake by Layla Almansuri.
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Colorful Caterpillar cake by Cathy Footer.
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Stoner.Baby's First cake by Karen Criddle.
| | Hello Kitty cake by Kelley Duffy. | | My Little Pony cake by Holly Mihalyo. | | Art at the Easel cake by Lauren Yasuda. | | | | |
Our Birthday Club members are part of a special community of people who are transforming the lives of homeless children. Their generosity brings joy, dignity, self‑esteem, and hope to every child who receives a birthday celebration. Our thanks to the new and returning Birthday Club members, listed below, who donated in August.
Click HERE to learn more about our Birthday Club giving levels or give.
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Birthday Club
Amanda Schmidt
American Endowment Foundation
Angel Almeida
Arika & Brooks Josephson
CaSea John LLC
Cory O'Brien
David Scott
Dwayne & Scarlet Reinike
Elaine Huang
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Fazlollah Arian
Highland Dental Center
Jacob Barker
Jim and Carol Waugh
Loya Brown
Magic Demirel
Melissa Fattore
Melody Huddleston
Samantha Hogan
Suzanna Schactler
YMCA of Greater Seattle
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Onsite Party Volunteers Needed
Shelter parties allow us to celebrate a number of children at one time. We bring food, games, goody bags, and gifts to the shelter, and facilitate a great party for the birthday children and their families. Sign up here to volunteer to help.
- Mary's Place Regrade in Seattle
- October 4 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- November 8 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- December 13 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- LIHI Meadowbrook View Seattle
- October 10 from 10 AM - 1:00 PM
- November 14 from 10 AM - 1:00 PM
- December 12 from 10 AM - 1:00 PM
- YWCA Passage Point in Maple Valley
- September 30 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- October 28 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- November 18 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- The Glen
- September 27 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- October 25 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- November 29 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
A list of upcoming onsite parties and party needs can be found here.
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Start a Birthday Dreams Club at Your High School
Interested in bringing Birthday Dreams to your school next year? Students can now apply to start a club and join this growing movement of young leaders making a difference.
Apply HERE or reach out to youthoutreach@birthdaydreams.org.
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Upcoming Volunteer Orientations
We’re always looking for passionate volunteers to join the Birthday Dreams family!
Interested in getting involved but not sure where to start? We'd love to help! We offer virtual orientations and in-person office tours to help you find the volunteer opportunity that's the best fit for you. To get started, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Andrea Blackburn, at volunteer@birthdaydreams.org.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
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Other Ways to Help | Office and Party Supply Needs
Our Amazon Wish List is updated weekly with items Birthday Dreams kids are hoping for — including toddler toys, scooters, art supplies, and sports balls. Click the link or scan the QR code to see what’s needed now. We also need a lot of juice!
You can also support us through Subscribe & Save by setting up a monthly automatic donation shipped directly to Birthday Dreams.
Please include your name and email with your Wish List purchase so we know who to thank.
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Donate Stocks
Did you know that you can donate stocks to Birthday Dreams? Donating stock can provide significant tax benefits for donors. Click here to learn more
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At Birthday Dreams, we believe that every child deserves to feel special on their birthday. We work tirelessly to bring hope, joy, and a sense of self-worth to homeless children with the gift of a birthday party. We understand that a birthday party may seem like a small gesture, but to these children, it means the world.
Our parties are more than just cake and presents. They are a celebration of life, of resilience, and of the human spirit. They are a reminder that no child is forgotten, and that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and loved.
Thank you to all our donors and volunteers who bring so much joy to the children we serve.
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