A Birthday Wish:  Is It More Than Cake & Stuff?

Lil Diva is SO excited about her 6th birthday party.  She has been asking for a pool party for months.  So that became the plan.

What is a Birthday Wish?

 

Every parent wants to have a wonderful celebration for their child and create lifelong memories.

Yet a part of me is keenly aware  that birthday parties in general have gotten a little out of control.  Didn’t the whole tradition of birthday really take hold during a time when families made do with less stuff altogether?   A time when you waited  all year for your birthday to get those few elusive gifts that would otherwise never come your way.

These days those same wishes might be granted on a routine trip to target.  Life has changed, but that hasn’t made the birthday party,  presents, or extravagance that go with it fall by the wayside… instead parties have gotten more elaborate and complex.  Children’s expectations have risen and as parents we don’t want to disappoint.

I wracked my brain, I wanted to do something different.

She wants a pool party, but what could I do to make it better, more meaningful in some way.  The idea of tying her birthday to a charity popped into my mind, and I though – perfect!  That’s what we’ll do. The next question was how… and which one.  It wasn’t too long before I locked on  Charity Water.  A great cause that tied in to our pool party theme perfectly.

I settled Lil Diva &  Dude down to watch the video on the Charity Water site,  In the video the founder discuss’ how he gives up his Birthday, shares how he asks friend to come to a party and they donate to Charity Water, more importantly it also shows a glimpse into life without clean water.  … they complain the video is boring.  They’re 4 & 6..

I proceed with the plans and sent up the “campaign” on the Charity Water site and start reaching out to brands that might be able to make the party and fundraising efforts more successful.

A couple days later, I broach the idea with Lil Diva… I mean… it is her party… shouldn’t she buy into the idea just a little?  I ask her  “What do you think of helping some of the people without water?”  Almost immediately I have crocodile tears, “I don’t want to!  Someone else can do it!!!”  This was not the reaction I expected. What was I going to do?  The plans were in motion, there was no turning back now!

I mentally playback the video in my mind, thinking like a six year old…  I understand the problem.  She thinks she really has to “GIVE UP’ her birthday.  I quickly explain to her that she would have a cake, and presents (perhaps fewer… shhhh) and a super, fun pool party.  “Maybe my friends can each buy their goody bag for a dollar” she says… coming around a little.  “I’ll give some of my money, like two dollars” she agrees holding up two fingers.  I breath a sigh of relief.  I feel better having her support. I know I can work with this.

Back on track I began to share Lil Diva’s Charity Water Campaign on twitter and facebook.  Thanking  brands as they agree to support the event.  Donations begin to come in… as they do I share with Lil Diva.  INSTANTLY she wants to know how many people are going to get water.  Each time I tell her she gives me a huge high five.  The extra effort is worth it already.

How can we get more (money) she wants to know?  She offers more of her own money.  She asks how many people we will help all together?  I tell her that our goal is raise $1000 and that will help 50 people have clean water.  She says why not 100 or 1000.  Amazing to be 6 years old and full of possibility.  I tell her that is a great idea, but we want to start with a goal we an achieve and I believe we can help at least 50 people with her party this year.

The Plan

• I asked guests to consider supporting Lil Diva’s Charity Water Campaign, instead of gifts.
• I approached  network of brand relationships and contacts to enlist their support in the party/event.
• I decided to put together gift bags and in lieu of  a product placement fee , I asked them to make a donation to Charity Water.
• I asked people for things that would need to purchase for the party.   We agreed that anything we could get donated would enable us to donate the retail value  to Charity Water.

The Goal

Raise $1000 to help 50 people have clean water.  Funds Raised to date:  $340

Brand  Supporters

• Episencial
• Mabel’s Labels
• The California Strawberry Commission
• Kinesys
• Rudi’s Bakery
• Alexia Natural Food

We could still use your help!  If you have a great natural food, natural brand that is perfect for 6 year old email pr@purenaturaldiva.com – Let’s talk!

ALSO:

October 22 –  we’re aiming higher.  Someone… I’m not saying who… will be turning 20… AGAIN.  The celebration should be a good one!  DIVA 4.0.

The goal:  Bigger and Better.

We’ll need:  Raffle Items, Gift Bag Items, Spirits, and… details are in the works!   Email pr@purenaturaldiva.com with your ideas!

How Could You Combine Giving Back For Your Birthday Wish?