News, Updates & Opportunities

August 2026

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.

We are still adding auction items and experiences to our catalog. Click here to donate to the event.

Want to make an even bigger impact? Become a Gala sponsor and help elevate this night to new heights. Reach out to our Development Director, Jarod, for details. Our sincere thanks to the organizations below for their generous support of the Gala.

Volunteer Spotlight | Marissa Rainforest

Marissa is an artist who works primarily with acrylic and mixed media. She recently completed her first window mural for a local business. She enjoys hiking, gardening, swimming, working out, playing video games, playing guitar and bass, and reading in both print and braille. Marissa shared, "At 19, I was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare eye condition that causes progressive central vision loss." Marissa learned braille so she would always be able to read and has completed trainings that allow her to continue doing the activities that are important to her. She says, “In many ways, my vision loss has helped me grow as both a person and an artist by teaching me resilience, adaptability, and a new way of experiencing the world. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to continue creating art, baking cakes, and contributing to organizations like Birthday Dreams. Knowing that something I make can help a child feel celebrated on their birthday is truly rewarding.”

For anyone considering volunteering, Marissa said, “Don’t hesitate, just jump in. It feels wonderful to be able to help others and make a positive difference in someone’s life.”

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!

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 partner:

Starbucks Foundation Neighborhood Grant Award | $1000

This beautiful rainbow cake by Carolyn Weger was made for a sweet girl turning 10.

Driver Jacob Hearen made the birthday delivery which also included a sketchbook, crayons, colored pencils and pens, a Paint Your Own Princess and other assorted crafts.

A baby girl's first birthday was that much sweeter thanks to this Cocomelon cake by Cathy Footer. Driver Deanna Stanley delivered the cake and gifts to the birthday princess, including socks, hair clips, a Minnie Mouse hairbrush and a toddler ride-on car.

This gorgeous flower-adorned cake was made by Andrea Blackburn for a little girl celebrating double digits (10)! Along with the cake, Miriah Jackson delivered gifts including a bracelet maker, t-shirts, hoodie, volleyball and Barbie notebook.

Out of Space cake by Lauren Yasuda.

Spiderman cake by Holly Mihalyo.

Rainbow cake by Felicia McDaneld.

Rainbow Connection cake by Erica Gulliksen.

Twin cakes by Claris Winston.

True Blue cake by Andrea Blackburn.

Click HERE to learn more about our Birthday Club giving levels or give.

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
• September 13 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• October 4 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• LIHI Meadowbrook View Seattle
• August 15 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• September 12 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• YMCA Passage Point in Maple Valley
• August 26 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• September 30 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• The Glen (dates subject to change)
• August 30 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• September 27 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

A list of upcoming onsite parties and party needs can be found here. 

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.

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.

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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.

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.