Ballantyne Scoop » Birthday Blessings

Birthday Blessings Announces “20 for 20: Race for the Cup”

Caroline Adams — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:07:55 +0000

Ballantyne, NC – 20 seconds for 20 days: A $20,000 win for homeless children
(Charlotte, N.C., September 8, 2010) – Birthday Blessings, a local all-volunteer nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the lives of homeless children, is one of 13 charities selected nationwide to participate in the Samsung Helmet of Hope for More online voting contest. Voting begins at 3 p.m. on September 8, and ends at 5 p.m. on September 29. Individuals can cast one vote per day. The winning charity will receive $20,000 from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Samsung Helmet of Hope Program.

Birthday Blessings is asking the public to rally for their “20 for 20: Race for the Cup” effort: Vote every day at www.helmetofhope.org for the next 20 days. Voting takes just 20 seconds, and could mean a $20,000 win for the homeless children and families served by Birthday Blessings.

Birthday Blessings, recently named a Helmet of Hope grant recipient, will have its logo appear on Johnson’s helmet, along with the 12 other selected charities at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, C.A., in October during the Pepsi 400.
On September 8, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation sweetened the deal, and announced the Samsung Helmet of Hope for More online contest. The winning charity will be announced October 1, 2010.

Said Birthday Blessings volunteer executive director/co-founder, Amy Cervantes: “We couldn’t be more grateful to Samsung and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation for such generous support. It’s fitting that they’ve named this latest initiative “Hope for More” because it’s definitely renewing a sense of energy around the causes we champion every day. Our entire volunteer team at Birthday Blessings is buzzing with excitement; it’s all hands on the wheel to help us win this race. The $20,000 prize would make an enormous impact for the homeless children we serve.”
Birthday Blessings began in 2005 as a family service project created by Mint Hill couple Amy and John Cervantes. In 2008, they incorporated their service venture as a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, quickly expanding the organization’s programs and services. To date, Birthday Blessings has celebrated more than 1,300 birthdays for homeless children and their families. The all-volunteer nonprofit currently serves 14 homeless facilities and programs across a four-county region, as well as transient homeless elementary and middle school students throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.The organization also provides Blessing Baskets filled with care essentials to help welcome and support the arrival of homeless babies.

Birthday Blessings began developing a national expansion program in 2009, with pilot affiliate chapters now getting under way in northeast Indiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; north central Kentucky; and Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information, go to www.birthdayblessings.org and www.helmetofhope.org. ###

Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic, June 13th To Benifit Birthday Blessings

Caroline Adams — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:18:08 +0000

Date: June 13th, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm

Location: Freedom Park

Who: You can bring kids, family, friends — local bloggers and their kids will be there too!

What: Fun, Hebrew National hot dogs, friends, a service project (details below)

There will be LOTS to do and enjoy — music, giant puzzles, a mechanical bull and other activities for kids and families, too!

Service project:

Our Charlotte project will focus on, Birthday Blessings http://www.birthdayblessings.org, which provides birthday presents and birthday parties for homeless children.

We ask that guests bring donations of new unwrapped gifts and party supplies. The greatest need is for teens and tweens.

We will assemble birthday kits and make birthday cards for children to go along with the gifts.

ABOUT (from http://www.birthdayblessings.org): Birthday Blessings was founded in 2005 by Amy and John Cervantes of Charlotte, North Carolina. Their family service project was born from a desire to raise their children with a love and commitment for giving to others in need. What began as a monthly birthday party at one homeless shelter in 2005, has now grown into a thriving non-profit that operates three programs serving homeless children and families across multiple counties in the greater Charlotte region.

The goal of Birthday Blessings is to bring joy, recognition, and support to needy children and families during difficult and sad times in their lives. Our three core programs raise spirits and boost confidence for homeless children ages tots to teens, and offer help and hope to homeless parents and their babies.

Every year, Birthday Blessings makes a positive impact in the lives of thousands of needy youth and families across our greater Charlotte community. As an all-volunteer organization, our dedicated “staff” of volunteers are truly the heart of all that we do.

Good Eats and Family Fun at Topz Healthier Burger to Benefit Homeless Kids

Caroline Adams — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:47:58 +0000

Ballantyne, NC – Five Charlotte small businesses unite in Ballantyne to support nonprofit Birthday Blessing. Come out to Topz Healthier Burger Grill in Ballantyne, on the corner of Lancaster Highway and Providence Rd. West, between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 to support Birthday Blessings, a 501(c)3 all-volunteer nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the lives of homeless children in four counties in and around Charlotte.

Mister Twister, a balloon sculptor and loyal Birthday Blessings partner, will be twisting his balloon masterpieces for the kids from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Crumbs for a Cause, a bakery with a heart for the homeless, will have its sweet treats on sale at Topz all day. Founded in 2009, Crumbs for a Cause donates 50% of its business profits to support the efforts of Birthday Blessings.

SPECIAL INCENTIVES:

If you spend at least $20 dining at Tops on May 15, the restaurant will give you a key to the Queen City: a complimentary Be Our Guest TownCard (valued at $20), which offers special access to rewards at a vast variety of local restaurants and shops.

Each Topz entree and Crumbs for a Cause dessert comes with an added bonus: a coupon for a free Topz sundae or mini burger to use on your next visit.

Said Topz Healthier Burger Grill owner, Chip Wallach: “When I first learned that there were 3,000 homeless CMS students, I was astounded. We can respond to that harsh statistic with a sense of helplessness, or we can respond by helping. Topz has chosen the latter. Supporting Birthday Blessings is one of many great ways we can help to lift the lives of those who are struggling the hardest.”

South Charlotte Macaroni Kid is also a sponsor of this May 15 day-long dining fundraiser, and will have macaroni crafts on hand to keep little fingers busy.

Birthday Blessings began in 2005 as a family service project created by Mint Hill couple Amy and John Cervantes. In 2008, the couple incorporated their service venture as a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, quickly expanding the organization’s programs and services. To date, Birthday Blessings has celebrated more than 1,100 birthdays for local homeless children and their families. The all-volunteer nonprofit currently serves homeless facilities and programs across a four-county region, as well as homeless elementary and middle school students throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The organization also provides Blessing Baskets filled with care essentials and gifts to welcome and support the arrival of homeless babies.

Birthday Blessings began developing a national expansion program in 2009, with pilot affiliate chapters now getting under way in northeast Indiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information, go to www.birthdayblessings.org, www.topznc.com, www.crumbsforacause.com, www.topzrewards.com and www.southcharlotte.macaronikid.com. Mister Twister’s

Annual Birthday Bash event at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas on April 24

Caroline Adams — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:42:34 +0000

(CHARLOTTE, NC, April 14, 2010) — Families and kids of all ages are invited to Birthday Blessings’ second annual Biggest Birthday Bash event on April 24 at Arysley Grand Cinemas 14 for a Mad Hatter Birthday Party. Starting at 10 a.m., join Alice and the White Rabbit for face painting, balloons, crafts, sweet treats, a raffle and opportunities for autographs and photos with these favorite childhood characters.

At 11 a.m., catch a private showing of a classic cartoon movie featuring Alice and the rest of the folks in Wonderland, all on the big screen. (Rated G; 77 minutes). Kids of all ages are welcome. Register for this family-friendly event online at www.birthdayblessings.org.

Admission to the party and movie are free with donation of new, unwrapped toys or monetary contributions.

Ayrsley will offer kids’ snack packs for $4 each, which include popcorn, drink and choice of goodies. Hot dogs, pretzels and drinks will also be available.

Event sponsors include Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14, Wish Upon a Star, Harris Teeter, MomsCharlotte, Little Ones Magazine and Children’s Party Plus.

“Birthday Blessings’ outreach in the community brings birthday joy to children who might not celebrate otherwise, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to be involved with their efforts,” said Kara Batista, General Manager of Ayrsley Grand Cinemas.

Said volunteer executive director and co-founder, Amy Cervantes, “Birthday Blessings was founded, in part, as an opportunity for young children to experience the joys of giving to others in a fun, relevant and meaningful way. Our annual Birthday Bash events are great opportunities for families to introduce their children to this concept, while educating everyone about our programs and homelessness.”

Birthday Blessings was founded in 2005 by Charlotte couple Amy and John Cervantes, and has celebrated 1,126 birthdays to date. The all-volunteer nonprofit currently serves 11 homeless facilities and programs across Mecklenburg, Union, York and Cabarrus counties, as well as homeless elementary and middle school students throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The organization also provides Blessing Baskets filled with care essentials to homeless mothers to welcome and support the arrival of their babies.

Birthday Blessings launched a national expansion program in 2009, with affiliate chapters getting under way in northeast Indiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information, go to www.birthdayblessings.org.

Local Photographers To Participate In International Day Of Service To Benefit Homeless Families

ssherron — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:40:04 +0000

Lorayn DeLuca Photography coordinates local Help-Portrait initiative to benefit nonprofit “Birthday Blessings.”

Every December during Birthday Blessings holiday parties at area homeless shelters, needy children and families are treated to family photos, which are taken, printed, and provided as gifts in frames or frame craft kits that children create. This year, that annual party tradition will become part of something much bigger. On December 12, photographers around the world will share their skills and give back to those who are less fortunate as part of the Help-Portrait movement started by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, and the greater Charlotte area is no exception.

Listen to Lorayn’s radio interview on 91.9
[display_podcast]

Matthews-based Lorayn DeLuca Photography is spearheading a local Help-Portrait effort to benefit Birthday Blessings annual family photo project. This Saturday, professional photo portrait sessions will be offered to women and families living at several of the area housing facilities that Birthday Blessings serves. The portraits will be printed, packaged and presented as gifts during Birthday Blessings celebrations across four area shelters during December.

More about Help-Portrait.

On December 12th, photographers worldwide will unite using their time, skills, and equipment to give back to their community through the debut event, Help-Portrait. This is a movement of both professional and amateur photographers from all backgrounds hoping to make a difference this holiday season.

The goal of Help-Portrait is simple: 1. Find someone in need 2. Take their portrait 3. Print their portrait and 4. Deliver their portrait. Over 4100 people in 470-plus locations in more than 55 countries have already registered and formed groups with the numbers growing daily. Help-Portrait was formed by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart as he contemplated using his skills and expertise to give back to those who may not have the opportunity for a professional photo.

The idea is that a photographer has the unique ability to help someone smile, laugh and return their dignity- it is a movement, a shift in photography. This movement began only 2 months ago with the launch of the YouTube video from Cowart. Since then, Help-Portrait has spread across the world as photographers have jumped on board to give back.

2009 BallantyneScoop.com

Photo Highlights Of The Birthday Blessings Event For Homeless Children

ssherron — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:08:26 +0000

A large group of volunteers came out the support Birthday Blessing yesterday at Gymboree in Torringdon. Kids and adults were stuffing stockings, wrapping gifts packing boxes with gifts for local children in area shelters.

Stockings and gifts were sorted by age and gender and will be used this month at area holiday parties. For more information as to how you can help please visit birthdayblessings.org.

caroline@ballantynescoop.com

Birthday Blessings Organization Planning 2 Local Events To Help Homeless Children

ssherron — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:47:52 +0000

Birthday Blessings, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the lives of homeless children.

On December 4 between 10:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., bring your kids out to Monkey Joe’s (601 N. Polk Street, 704-889-1211) to bounce for Birthday Blessings and area homeless children on Family Fun Friday. 20% of the day’s proceeds from each location will benefit the 501c(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate, inspire and encourage homeless children, while providing meaningful volunteer opportunities to both adults and youth. $5 admission, $2 pizza and lots of Monkey Joe’s giveaways!

Monkey Joes on Google Maps

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On December 6 between 1 and 5 p.m., we are hosting our annual “Stuff-the-Stockings” holiday event at Gymboree Music & Play (3419 Torringdon Way, #112 in the Earthfare shopping center, 704-759-8521). Join Birthday Blessings for an afternoon of holiday fun and a festive opportunity for your family to work together on behalf of homeless children during this season of giving. Please bring stocking stuffers for boys and girls ages tots to teens.

Event festivities include stuff-the-stockings activity, paper garland craft, decorate-your-own cookies, holiday face painting, playtime in the Gymboree gym, delicious baked treats and beverages. Every December at Birthday Blessings’ shelter parties, hundreds of homeless children are surprised with holiday stockings and winter wonderland bags stuffed with treats in lieu of our traditional party goodie bags. Last year, more than 200 stockings and holiday treat bags brought excitement and joy to needy kids in the greater Charlotte area. This December, we’ll need 350 for homeless children across the eight facilities and programs that we now serve.

Gymboree Music & Play on Google Maps.

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