Dallas transplant Paige Chenault understands the power of birthday parties — especially for kids who may not always feel special and valued. She started the Birthday Party Project two years ago to do just that: bring joy to children in local shelters.
Chenault partners with organizations like Family Gateway, Genesis Women's Shelter, New Friends New Life, Family Place and Interfaith Housing to throw birthday parties for up to 300 kids a month. Each child celebrating a birthday gets a cake, a gift, and a crown or tiara.
At every party there are 12 to 15 volunteer “birthday enthusiasts,” whose “No. 1 goal is to love on the kids and interact with them,” Chenault says. All of the kids in the shelter play as a group, with their parents and with the volunteers.
There are no fundraisers for the organization, but people are encouraged to donate gifts online. One hundred percent of the money donated goes directly to the birthday parties. To volunteer, you can go online to see the openings available, submit your information for a background check, and sign up.
Vote now for the Birthday Party Project — or any of the other worthy local nonprofits — in the CultureMap Charity Challenge.
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Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty supports the vision of the Birthday Party Project, which is committed to bringing joy to children in shelters throughout Dallas.
The Birthday Party Project partners with Dallas shelters to throw parties for kids who may not otherwise get one.
