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News, Updates & Opportunities
September 2025
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The Gala of Dreams 2025 – LAST CHANCE To Get Your Tickets!
Birthday Dreams believes every child deserves to feel special, celebrated, and loved on their birthday. That’s why, on September 27, we invite you to join us at our biggest fundraising event of the year. By joining us at the event, you will be a part making 1,750 birthday dreams come true in 2025. Click HERE to purchase individual tickets (or a full table of 10).
Hosted at The Museum of Flight, this year’s Gala is not just a night of glamour and giving, it’s a celebration of 16 years of making birthday magic happen for homeless children who need it most. A big thank you to our event sponsors, listed below.
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We are thrilled to share that Farah Jadran, anchor of the Weekend Mornings program on KING5, will emcee our Gala of Dreams.
Farah stepped in for Kelly Hanson, who was slated to emcee. Kelly was called off to a special news assignment. Thank you, Farah!
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Final Push | Keep the Dream Alive Fundraiser
We recently received a $25,000 donation from an anonymous donor who contributed these funds as a gift match challenge. And the timing was perfect, as we are seeking support from our family of donors to help us bridge a financial shortfall. Thanks to the matching gift, we were able to launch Keep the Dream Alive. During this summer fundraiser, your gift will be doubled, which means your gift of $50 becomes $100, $250 becomes $500 and $500 becomes $1000! We are so close to hitting our campaign goal and YOUR donation today could tip us over the top!
To contribute, please visit our secure donation page on our website and put "Dream25" in the what inspired you to donate box. Time is running out!
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The parent feedback we receive is a constant reminder of the importance of our work. We want you to be aware of the difference you make, so we are sharing it with you. The following feedback came from a mother, currently living in a women's and children's shelter, who was able to provide a birthday for her teenage daughter thanks to Birthday Dreams.
"Thanks so much! The gifts provided really made our day. This program is highly useful...Honestly, I've never smiled brighter than now. Please keep it up."
With your continued support, we are committed to bringing hope and joy to the community we serve through the gift of a birthday celebration.
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Are you thinking about becoming more involved at Birthday Dreams? We have options for you! 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, which meets virtually the last Wednesday of every other month. We are looking for individuals who have knowledge of best practices in marketing and fundraising. If interested, contact Jarod Drozdowski.
Community Events:
Would your place of work like to get employees involved in giving back? Birthday Dreams would be thrilled to make that happen! Click HERE for program information. If interested, contact Leah Battin.
Board of Directors:
If you are interested in serving on our Board of Directors, please contact our Executive Director Chris Spahn for more information and an application.
| | 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:
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The Florence B. Kilworth Foundation | $1,000
| | We were thrilled when Cathleen O’Neill invited us back to Salesforce in Seattle and introduced us to their Bellevue Office. Between the two locations, over 90 enthusiastic Salesforce employees generously donated their time and the supplies needed to make 342 friendship bracelet kits. We are so grateful for their support. Thank you, Salesforce! | | | |
Sharon Wan invited us back to the Sheraton manager outing for the second year in a row. Managers took time out of their celebration to make party hats for kids in need. We truly
appreciate their support and thank them for including us in their event. The kids are going to love the hats!
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In-Kind Donations
In-kind gifts, office and party supplies donations are always needed and appreciated. A big thank you to:
- Emily Egashira - 371
- Harry Teasley - 177
- Sally Eastey - 63
- Angelia Evans - 60
- Mauricio Valdez Rios - 55
- Foster Love - 50
- Each One Reach One - 31
- Adria Tao - 27
Our thanks also to the individuals and organizations below for their donations. We appreciate you!
- 1630 Hair Artisans
- Barbara Lindow
- Jordan Martinez
- Jill Slabey
- Laurel Brunson
- Paula Cunningham
- Roger Grayson
- Sonia Iturralde
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Our thanks to the new and renewing individuals and businesses, listed below, who generously donated to Birthday Dreams in August.
A complete list of our 2025 Birthday Club Members can be found on our Birthday Club page.
Anshika Ahuja
Carla Schippers
Core Scientific
Emma Yin
Hyeon Kang
Jan Campbell
Jodi Mecham
Karen Koon
Kitsap Credit Union
Laurel and John Tomchick
Lisa & Richard Stirgus
Pamela Brumlow
Patrick & Jaime Kang
Ruth Hubbard
Tacher Family Fund
Vin Yarnmunilert
| | | If you are not a current Birthday Club member, please consider joining us. Click here to donate. | | Kids Helping Kids | Adria Tao | | Adria Tao (3rd grade) learned about Birthday Dreams last winter. She had visited a local foodbank hoping to get involved but she was too young. The foodbank suggested she reach out to Birthday Dreams. She went home, looked us up online and was excited to learn about ways she could help. Adria said, “I always look forward to my birthdays, and it brings me a lot of happiness and joy, and I want other people to also feel happiness and joy.” | | | |
Adria compared Birthday Dreams to Hogwarts. She explained, “because Harry Potter didn’t get to celebrate his birthday until he went to Hogwarts. He used to write 'Happy Birthday Harry Potter' on the ground and draw a birthday cake. When it was time, he said to himself 'Blow the candles and make a wish, Harry.' That was super sad. He felt happy when he got presents from Ron, Hermione and Hagrid and celebrated his birthday with his Hogwarts friends.”
Adria used ChatGPT to pinpoint a community that had a lot of children, she used AI to assist in building a fundraising game plan, which entailed setting up a lemonade stand within said community. She used the stand to spread the word about Birthday Dreams mission, solicit donations and sell lemonade (of course) and she donated all the money earned to Birthday Dreams. Adria said, “I feel proud of myself for making a plan, working hard, accomplishing my goals, and helping others who are in need. I was especially proud of myself when I was told that the money I raised would be enough for four birthday parties!”
Adria is an elementary student at St. Thomas School. She likes to crochet, read, play games and watch videos – and plans to continue fundraising for Birthday Dreams. To others who are considering getting involved she said, “just do it to help more people. A small donation can make a big difference.
| | Youth Volunteer Spotlight | Maurico Valdez Rio | | Mauricio Valdez Rios believes everything happens for a reason. He said, “I first learned about Birthday Dreams when I was in middle school (2021)…my guidance counselor asked me what I wanted to do with my life at that point I was interested in having a nonprofit, so she recommended I google the nonprofits in the area and learn more about them.” While it wouldn’t be until years later that Mauricio became involved with Birthday Dreams, he has been no stranger to philanthropy in the time since, having logged 200 volunteer hours and counting. | | | |
He has been involved with numerous organizations and fundraisers: Special Olympics, Backpack For Kids, Toys For Tots, to name a few. When it came time for him to do his Eagle Scout project [Mauricio is a part of Troop 711 in Maple Valley], he decided to organize and event to benefit Birthday Dreams. Mauricio, who was born and raised in Renton, wanted his project to be meaningful and have a positive impact in his community. He held an awareness and fundraising event at a local grocery store. He, his mother and fellow scouts handed out flyers, raised awareness and solicited donations for Birthday Dreams. In addition to the donation, Birthday Dreams had several new volunteers register following his event. The group also volunteered their time in our office help wrapping presents, sorting candy bags and making goodie bag and craft kits.
Mauricio said, “What I enjoyed most about Birthday Dreams was that the moment that I walked into their office it felt like everybody was very supportive, encouraging and wanting to help with my goal.
Mauricio, who plans to continue volunteering at Birthday Dreams, said “If someone asked me if they should get involved with Birthday Dreams, I would say yes they’re very easy to work with and they’re doing amazing things for the children in our community.”
| | Staff Update | Jordan Martinez | | |
Birthday Dreams welcomes Jordan Martinez to the team. Jordan is assuming the role of Operations Director. She is excited to work with our amazing volunteers and supporters.
Jordan began her journey with Birthday Dreams as an intern and later transitioned into the role of Operations Director. Her background includes experience in the ABA field; she holds a degree in Behavioral Health Sciences and is concurrently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management. Over the past ten years, she has worn many hats but says she has truly found her home here at Birthday Dreams.
Jordan is both honored and grateful to be part of such an incredible organization dedicated to bringing joy to children experiencing homelessness by celebrating their birthdays. Having overcome her own challenges, she understands firsthand how meaningful birthday celebrations can be and the lasting impact they have on a child’s life
| | | Awesome Cakes Delivered with Love | | A little girl turning four received this beautiful Frozen Cake, made by Jen Falli, an assortment of gifts including thoughtfully designed Melissa and Doug toys and puzzles, and a giant Cocomelon activity book (donated by Sonia Iturralede). Kenny Williams made the birthday delivery. | | This lovely Rose Cake crafted by Lauren Yasuda, was an elegant and tasty treat at the birthday party for a young lady turning 15. Jordan Martinez delivered the dessert and gifts, which included various art supplies, JVC earbuds, and a Target gift card. | | Chris Wells made this heroic superhero cake for a birthday boy turning seven. Mae McMullin delivered the cake and Marvel Legend toys, a Spiderman themed Nerf gun, a soccer ball, and more to the guest of honor on his special day. | | Chocolate for Days Cake by Tanvi Gupta. | | Frozen Cake by Page Monji. | | Princess Cake by Elizabeth Bussey. | | Minnie Cake by Teri Feely. | | Seahawks Cake by Holly Mihalyo. | | Bluey Cake by Jill Slabey. | | |
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 | Sunday, September 14, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
- YWCA Passage Point | Wednesday, September 24, 6 - 8:30 pm
- Mary’s Place Regrade | Sunday, October 5, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
- YWCA Passage Point | Wednesday, October 29, 6 - 8:30 pm
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Volunteer Orientation and Opportunities to Help
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 Jordan Martinez, our Operations Director, to schedule a visit or to request a call to learn more about volunteering.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
A list of upcoming parties and party needs can be found here.
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Other Ways to Help | Office and Party Supply Needs
Our Amazon Wish List is updated weekly, allowing us to better serve Birthday Dreams' kids by making sure they have some great gifts from their personal wish lists. Click on this link or scan the QR code to see our current needs, which include toddler toys, scooters, art supplies and sports balls!
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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VENMO or Text Your Donation
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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Donate Stocks
Did you know that you can donate stocks to Birthday Dreams? Lots of tax benefits to the donor. Click here to learn more
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