As a kid, a rite of passage is a classic birthday party - balloons, cake, presents! Maybe even a Peppa Pig inspired balloon arch, as seen at the celebration of four year old Sloane in our last issue. But for kids in shelter care, the excitement of a birthday party was not always a reality. Until It’s Your Birthday was founded 7 years ago! 

Rooted in the research that celebrating birthdays is an important part of development for children, It’s Your Birthday aims “to create a fun and memorable birthday experience for children in homeless and domestic violence shelters”. From the social interaction to feeling like a part of a community, the impact of these events goes beyond just one day in childhood. Since 2014, the organization has hosted over 1, 472 parties with the help of dedicated volunteers. Beyond the parties, It’s Your Birthday helps kids create an Amazon Wish List of gifts and also supplies Birthday-in-a-Class boxes, so the party continues at school, as well. 
Interested in volunteering? Helpers decorate the room of the party, set out treats, and engage with games and activities!     

Celebrating their 7th birthday this month, the organization wants to raise $7,777 to give birthday memories to approximately 50 kids in homeless and domestic violence shelters. To do so, It’s Your Birthday has multiple events planned to bring the community together. This weekend (September 17-18) shop at Kendra Scott in-store at Plaza Frontenac, mention ‘Birthday’ and Kendra Scott will donate 20% of your purchase to It’s Your Birthday, Inc. For online shopping, enter the special web code (Giveback-AICTB), valid only September 17 and 18. Stop by Mission Taco anytime in the month of September. For every yummy cheeseburger-taco sold, Mission Taco will donate a portion of the sales price to It’s Your Birthday, Inc. Be sure to bring your friends and family and meet us on Taco Tuesdays from 5:30pm – 6:30 pm on September 21 and 28 in the Central West End.

Want more ways to give? Our highly anticipated Sophisticated Giving issue is coming out soon. Subscribe to get yours today: https://www.sophisticatedstlouis.com/mag/subscribe