Two Renton organizations aimed at helping the community and residents are joining together to host an event Saturday.
Piazza Renton and Birthday dreams are hosting a fundraising auction and buffet dinner by Rain City Catering called Piazza Dreams 2013. The hope is to raise awareness of the two organizations.
“Both of our organizations are important because we are here to serve the community,” said Brian Larson, president of Piazza Renton. “We hope to teach attendees what we are all about and alert them to volunteer opportunities.”
Piazza Renton was formed by city officials in the early 90’s to create a positive community feeling in Renton through projects and events.
Birthday Dreams was formed five years ago to bring joy to homeless children by throwing them birthday parties.
Birthday Dreams can provide two types of parties: on-site, or what they call Birthday-in-a-Box. After a parent, or significant adult fills out a questionnaire, the party is designed with the child in mind.
The events are centered around a theme. Kids get their favorite flavor of birthday cake and ice cream, decorations, party supplies and games and party favors for the kids in attendance.
“Most of these kids are burdened by always having to wonder where they are going to eat or sleep and, therefore, are older than their age as they take on these adult responsibilities,” said Laura Coumont, marketing director for Birthday Dreams. “Throwing them a party allows them to relax, play and just be a kid.”
When on-site birthday parties are not possible, Birthday Dreams provides a Birthday-in-a-Box. Again, centered around the child’s interest, it contains everything the parent or guardian needs to throw the celebration, including cake-and-ice cream, gifts, candles, party hats, plates and napkins, balloons and games. Each birthday box costs an average of $80 to assemble.
“The reaction we get from the kids is amazing,” Coumont said. “It gives them a confidence as they realize it’s okay to be the center of attention, to let go and have fun.”
The auction features packages such as a date night kit and trips.
The event is from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Renton Pavilion Event Center, located at 233 Burnett Ave. S. Doors open for cocktails at 5:30 p.m.
“If you can’t make it, but want to donate or volunteer, there is always an opportunity to do that,” Coumont said. “Anything counts, we can do a lot with little bit.”
Birthday Dreams is in need of delivery drivers, cake bakers, board and committee members, a volunteer coordinator and marketing employees. You can help by donating items for an on-site part, becoming a part coordinator, organizing a party supply drive at your place of business or church or giving cash donations.
For more information, visit www.birthdaydreams.org. To donate or volunteer for Piazza Renton, visit piazzarenton.com.
