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If you would like to host a fund raising event or learn more about ways to support our work, please contact us at news@childrenshospice.org.

Generosity at any age is worth celebrating…

Parties with Purpose

A Terrific Party Idea

When Natalie Wyman of Aptos was planning her 12th birthday party, she decided to do something different. She created a party that reflected her values – helping others, conserving the environment and getting creative about compassion. Instead of buying new clothes and gadgets as gifts, her guests recycled their own clothes by exchanging them with one another at the party. The money they would have spent on gifts was donated to Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition (CHPCC). The girls had a blast with the clothing exchange, “It was more fun than shopping and by recycling our own clothes with the money we would have spent, we got to help kids in the hospital,” said Natalie. “It was one of the most fun parties I’ve ever been to.”

Party activities included making beaded bracelets and necklaces for the children who will be in the hospital over the holidays. “These girls are showing us how to put compassion into action and we are so grateful to Natalie for celebrating her birthday in such a creative way,” said CHPCC Board President and Actor, Melissa Gilbert. The donations gathered by the girls, which so far have exceeded $500.00, will be matched dollar for dollar by the Harden Family Foundation.

When Grace Crane’s parents were planning for her big 5th birthday party bash, they sat down and thought about what this birthday celebration was about…more presents? More toys for Grace? No, it was to be a celebration of Grace, who she is and who she will become. Grace’s room was already full of toys, books and clothes so Mom, Dad and Grace decided that the best way to celebrate Grace would be to ask her birthday guests to donate to Children’s Hospice instead of buying gifts. Grace’s party was full of love, laughter, cake and magic…all of it infused with love for the children of Children’s Hospice…a deep sense of compassion grew in Grace’s heart as she presented her checks to Children’s Hospice. A kind smile, a proud moment and a lesson of generosity that is growing in Grace.

Eight year-old Ella Halliday stole our hearts the day she brought Children’s Hospice Coalition a jar full of cash, $524.17 to be exact, proceeds from her birthday celebration in May. Little Ella had decided it was time to do something different for her birthday, and while she still wanted a big party with cake, ice cream, games, and fun times with friends and family, she asked everyone not to bring gifts—just donations for Children’s Hospice Coalition. “It was so much more fun to give the money to help other children who are sick and to make sure that their families have help. My heart was much more touched than if I had gotten lots of presents for myself. The kids at Children’s Hospice need help a lot more than I need any more toys,” Ella Halliday told us. And we believe her.

Ella’s dad Andy, proudly added, “This is one of the benefits of being surrounded by people doing good works, it rubs off on your offspring!”

Courtney and Lindsey Jesberg, and Annalise Bryant had a garage sale. Not just any garage sale. The three girls joined forces to help those less fortunate. They cleaned out closets and cupboards…and held a smashingly successful sale. Afterward, they brought three beautiful smiles and a $500 donation to the Children’s Hospice Coalition.

This December, The founder and CEO of OurStory.com, Andy Halliday has partnered with online auction company KOMPOLT to host the very first Celebrity Online Auction to benefit the Children’s Hospice Coalition. Our very own Board President and celebrity mom, Melissa Gilbert, is inviting her fellow entertainers to donate items for this first ever eBay event. For updates on the auction and how to participate, visit www.OurStory.Com. Every dollar raised will go directly to Children’s Hospice to provide comfort, dignity and support to critically ill children and their families.

OurStory.com is also donating its services to our families by providing a safe, lasting place online where—with family and friends— the stories of our children can be collected, shared and told for years to come. This ensures that the legacies of these precious children will be honored and that their profound messages and memories will be stored throughout history. OurStory is providing trained volunteers to walk with families through the process of telling their stories.

And for your big ideas, contact Virginia Ganley at 831-763-3070 x200.