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News, Updates & Opportunities
March 2022
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2nd Annual Miles for Smiles Virtual 5K Starts May 27 |
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Participate individually or rally a group of friends, family members or co-workers and start a team! We've made it easy for you to spread the word, as part of your registration, you will receive a unique fundraising page .url for you to share via email or to through social media.
Set your own start line and time (anytime from May 27-June10) and run, walk, or roll at your own pace and in your own way – it’s the movement that matters!
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Stay tuned for more information through the Birthday Dreams newsletter, and our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts!
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Recently, Birthday Dreams was honored to be able to make a little boy's dream come true. Living in a shelter for 5+ months, the mother who is still of the young boy turning 10 said, "It is hard for the kid that doesn't have a birthday cake or presents."
She was so happy to learn of our service and shared, "My big boy was so happy to see his presents and cake. He enjoyed his birthday. I am so thankful...he was so happy, and I am so glad his birthday was able to come true."
The average birthday-in-a-box costs $125. Won't you consider making a dream come true for a child in need?
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For over five years, CJ (18), Annabelle (17), and their mother, Kristine, have shared their love of baking by creating unique and thoughtful cakes for Birthday Dreams recipients.
Regularly featured in the Amazing Cakes section of this newsletter, their unique creations range from emoji to space-themed and everything in between.
Annabelle and CJ shared that they do a lot of crafts as a family and love being able to create things for others to enjoy. Annabelle shared that her family really likes space and science, so their recent rocket themed cake was really fun to do together. For CJ, one of the most memorable cakes they created was for a 17-year-old who really liked the rap artist Tupac. CJ spent a lot of time researching to make sure that cake was perfect for that particular birthday. A huge thank you to the Kisky teens (and their mom) for all you do to support Birthday Dreams!
To see some of the Kisky's amazing cakes and to learn more about kids helping kids, click here.
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Community Support and Recognition |
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The grants that Birthday Dreams receives are essential to our ability to continue to bring hope, joy and a sense of self-worth to homeless children through the gift of a birthday party. This month, we would like to thank the following grant funders for their generous support:
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Jessica A. Mercer and Matthew Y. Mercer ($5,000)
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Washington Federal Foundation ($1500)
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Shoreline Costco Surprises Birthday Dreams with Pallet of Toys |
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A BIG Birthday Dreams thank you to the Shoreline COSTCO for its generous donation of a pallet-full of toys! Worth over $1,500, the donation was an unexpected surprise for us...and we've been told that we can expect more to come!
If you are a card-carrying COSTCO member, please consider shopping the Costco Shoreline location and show them your support!
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Brenna Vukovich and Susan Nordyke-Smith |
Brenna's mother always made birthdays very special. In raising her own children (who are now grown), Brenna followed in her mother's footsteps. So she was excited to find Birthday Dreams online - excited about the thought of being able to make birthdays special for other children, and about the opportunity to do so with mother, Susan. |
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Although limited by limited by Alzheimer's, Susan loves to shop! So Brenna sponsored an entire party, and over the course of several weeks, she and her mother made shopping trips to purchase gifts. Then, Susan and Brenna spent time together baking a cake and wrapping the gifts. The experience was extra-special as the party was for a child at a shelter for the deaf. You see, Susan’s sister lost her hearing at the age of 3, which made Brenna feel a special connection to the experience. We are so thankful for this mother-daughter duo, who are looking forward to volunteering again, for sharing their birthday joy with a child in need.
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Awesome Cakes Delivered with Love |
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Cake baker Karen Criddle outdid herself with this spa cake for a young lady turning 17! Driver Laurel Tomchick delivered the cake along with a few items from the birthday girl's wish list: Lavender bath and shower set, body fragrance and a Starbucks gift card.
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Cake baker Cherie Katana created this fun glowstick cake for a little girl turning 6. Mae McMullin delivered the sweet surprise along with books, art supplies and a youth archery set.
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Cookie Monster saved part of his treat for this special boy turning 1. Thank you cake baker Hannah Feller for this memorable creation. Delivery compliments of Jarod Drozdowski .
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Volunteer Orientation and Opportunities
Upcoming in-person orientation:
- Saturday, March 12 at 11AM
- Tuesday, March 15 at 6PM
Contact our Community Events Coordinator, Leah Battin, at Leah@birthdaydreams.org for team building and service project opportunities.
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Follow us on Facebook! Cake and delivery needs are posted weekly. A list of upcoming parties and party needs can be found here.
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Volunteer Positions | Marketing Intern and Thank You Card Writer |
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Birthday Dreams is looking for a motivated intern to work in our Development and
Marketing Department!
In addition to assisting with external fundraising and event planning efforts, for
this person will work closely with our leadership team to develop, implement, and evaluate a marketing plan that advances Birthday Dreams' values and broadens our community visibility. Learn more! |
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Thank You Card Writer: Do you have nice handwriting and a way with words? We love our donors and volunteers and like to show our appreciation with a thank you card.
This volunteer position can be done at home, with weekly trips to the office in Renton to drop off the cards and pick up lists. Please email Tiffaney Jones at Tiffaney@birthdaydreams.org, for more information or to volunteer to help!
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We rely on our donors and volunteers to make birthday dreams come true. Occasionally, we will highlight unique items we are in need of; however, as we celebrate hundreds of birthdays each month, there are some items we always seem to need. The follow donations are ALWAYS in need, and can be dropped at our office any time during business hours.
- Juice either gallon jugs or boxes
- Large Gift Bags
- Clothing Boxes
- Bows
- Toddler Toys
- Gift Cards in $10 - $25 denominations
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Farewell Executive Assistant Becky Nickels |
After three and a half years, Becky Nickels has retired as our Executive Assistant. To say she will be missed is an understatement. In addition to her staff role, over the years Becky volunteered on the Marketing and Development Committee, was instrumental to the success of our annual gala, and was always willing to lend a hand in the office wrapping gifts, etc.
A Birthday Dreams Ambassador, Becky often attended outreach events; her enthusiasm brought many volunteers and donors to our cause. Becky will be greatly missed on the staff but assures us she will still be around to visit and support Birthday Dreams.
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Birthday Dreams thanks the following Birthday Club members who joined or renewed their membership in February:
Siv Eng, The Gates Family Office Corp., Melrose Grill, Samadar Holtzman, Vicki Kennerud, Jessica A. and Matthew Y. Mercer, Mecham Bookkeeping, Red Beard Reliable Home Services, Newcastle Life Magazine, Mikaela O’Brien, Certified Health
Coach - mikaelaobrien.com, Washington Federal Foundation, and Chick-fil-A.
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We encourage you to continue spreading the word about Birthday Dreams to your friends,
family, and colleagues so we can keep growing our Club roster with even more amazing
people!
If you are not a current Birthday Club member and would like to join, please visit:
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