We’ve just wrapped up birthday season at the Damm house.
Katie was feted with a Junie B. Jones-themed party at the house, lunch with her grandparents and dinner with family friends.
A few days later, Cooper and his friends played laser tag and video games, we had dinner with family and then another dinner out on his actual birthday.
They feel plenty celebrated and loved.
It’s that sort of feeling that Paige Chenault, a mom and professional event planner, is working to re-create for homeless children in Dallas.
This January, she launched the Birthday Party Project (thebirthdaypartyproject.org), a nonprofit group that throws birthday parties for homeless children — kids who otherwise wouldn’t get a cupcake or balloon or anything to recognize their special day, much less three distinct celebrations. Parties are held monthly at partner shelters (two so far, with another on board for August).
I spoke with Paige this week about the project. Here are excerpts from our conversation, including information on how families can help.
What is the goal of the Birthday Party Project?
Our mission is to celebrate the lives of homeless children. I want them to feel special. We’re just in Dallas right now. Our goal is to grow in North Texas.
What are your impressions of the needs of Dallas’ homeless?
Homelessness is on the rise. Shelters are at maximum capacity. Their needs are on an everyday level. They need family time. The kids are craving time to sit around a table with family, to interact with other kids. The moms, they’re looking for jobs and trying to do better for their children and families. They need people to love on them and accept them.
Why are celebrations important to you?
At the root of all of this for me is that I grew up in a very loving, great, encouraging family that didn’t have a lot. Our celebration wasn’t about the presents or the balloons, but our parents made us feel very special that day. In our home, they were very encouraging with their words. I know how my parents struggled to make celebrations happen for us. The Birthday Party Project’s very first birthday party was for Micah. He turned 12. It was his first birthday party ever.
How can families help with the project?
We certainly want hands. Our 4-year-old daughter, Lizzie, has been at every single birthday party. A birthday party is a celebration with friends, and we’re making friendships.
One hundred percent of any money given goes straight to birthday parties and supplies. We will take financial contributions. We also need toys for ages 1 to 18. We like to give gifts that aren’t necessary items but fun items — a $30 item that’s all about them.
We would love to have gift cards to Sam’s and Costco to buy cakes, birthday party supplies, crafts. Each kid has their own individual cake. They get a candle and a birthday badge. They get a tiara or a crown. It’s all about them.
How do homeless children respond to the parties?
The kids love it. They get excited. They look forward to this time. It’s fun to see their faces again. I like building relationships with these kids and making connections with families.
How do you reconcile the two extremes of Dallas — those who can pay for the big events that you plan and those who can’t afford a cake for their child?
I have learned along the way that people in Dallas are generous. People give in very different ways. They spend a lot of money to give big weddings and celebrate their families, and they’re incredibly generous with their time and money in other ways.
When you understand the world is bigger than you, it’s a lot easier to put yourself out there. Very simple acts make a very big impact. It doesn’t take much to light candles or play jump rope or to make these kids feel special.
Tyra Damm is a Briefing columnist. Email her at tyradamm@gmail.com.
Katie was feted with a Junie B. Jones-themed party at the house, lunch with her grandparents and dinner with family friends.
A few days later, Cooper and his friends played laser tag and video games, we had dinner with family and then another dinner out on his actual birthday.
They feel plenty celebrated and loved.
It’s that sort of feeling that Paige Chenault, a mom and professional event planner, is working to re-create for homeless children in Dallas.
This January, she launched the Birthday Party Project (thebirthdaypartyproject.org), a nonprofit group that throws birthday parties for homeless children — kids who otherwise wouldn’t get a cupcake or balloon or anything to recognize their special day, much less three distinct celebrations. Parties are held monthly at partner shelters (two so far, with another on board for August).
I spoke with Paige this week about the project. Here are excerpts from our conversation, including information on how families can help.
What is the goal of the Birthday Party Project?
Our mission is to celebrate the lives of homeless children. I want them to feel special. We’re just in Dallas right now. Our goal is to grow in North Texas.
What are your impressions of the needs of Dallas’ homeless?
Homelessness is on the rise. Shelters are at maximum capacity. Their needs are on an everyday level. They need family time. The kids are craving time to sit around a table with family, to interact with other kids. The moms, they’re looking for jobs and trying to do better for their children and families. They need people to love on them and accept them.
Why are celebrations important to you?
At the root of all of this for me is that I grew up in a very loving, great, encouraging family that didn’t have a lot. Our celebration wasn’t about the presents or the balloons, but our parents made us feel very special that day. In our home, they were very encouraging with their words. I know how my parents struggled to make celebrations happen for us. The Birthday Party Project’s very first birthday party was for Micah. He turned 12. It was his first birthday party ever.
How can families help with the project?
We certainly want hands. Our 4-year-old daughter, Lizzie, has been at every single birthday party. A birthday party is a celebration with friends, and we’re making friendships.
One hundred percent of any money given goes straight to birthday parties and supplies. We will take financial contributions. We also need toys for ages 1 to 18. We like to give gifts that aren’t necessary items but fun items — a $30 item that’s all about them.
We would love to have gift cards to Sam’s and Costco to buy cakes, birthday party supplies, crafts. Each kid has their own individual cake. They get a candle and a birthday badge. They get a tiara or a crown. It’s all about them.
How do homeless children respond to the parties?
The kids love it. They get excited. They look forward to this time. It’s fun to see their faces again. I like building relationships with these kids and making connections with families.
How do you reconcile the two extremes of Dallas — those who can pay for the big events that you plan and those who can’t afford a cake for their child?
I have learned along the way that people in Dallas are generous. People give in very different ways. They spend a lot of money to give big weddings and celebrate their families, and they’re incredibly generous with their time and money in other ways.
When you understand the world is bigger than you, it’s a lot easier to put yourself out there. Very simple acts make a very big impact. It doesn’t take much to light candles or play jump rope or to make these kids feel special.
Tyra Damm is a Briefing columnist. Email her at tyradamm@gmail.com.
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