THE BIRTHDAY CLUB: Unsung Heroes

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Unsung Heroes

The Birthday Club has been honored by being nominated by the Florida Keys Children' s Shelter for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys "Unsung Hero Award". The award will be given our January 30th 2009 in Key West. Congratulations to all the members!

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What Is The Birthday Club?

The Birthday Club, founded in 2006 by 3 students at the Academy at Ocean Reef http://www.oracademy.org/, is a group of children, grammar and middle school ages, who have decided to forgo birthday gifts in lieu of charitable donations. In return the child has his or her name engraved on a perpetual plaque that hangs in the school lobby and receives a Birthday Club Certificate. The children personally make the donation to the charity of the individual club's choosing.
It is extremely rewarding and easy to put together. We are not sure how many kids are participating in this program, but we know of at least 6 schools in three states and Canada! Keep reading to see how to start your own club in your school.

HISTORY OF THE BIRTHDAY CLUB

On January 14, 2006, three boys Richard, Jimmy( a set of twins) and Dylan were all turning 8. They all attended the Academy At Ocean Reef. They asked their moms if they could have a party. The moms said "No, you have enough toys". Little Jimmy always negotiating said, "Then we will ask for money". His mom said "OK, but you will have to donate the money".
At first, the boys were not crazy about the idea, but decided it was a fair price to pay for a party. They chose a "bowling party", and the invitation read, in lieu of gifts please bring $5.00.
The boys decided to donate the money to the Florida Keys Children's Shelter (www.fkcs.org). Jimmy and Richard's mom called the shelter and made an appointment for a visit so the boys could make their donations. The CEO of the shelter was very patient and gentle with the 8 year olds questions. The boys wanted the shelter residents to "Do something fun with the money". Soon the mothers realized that they couldn't have given the boys a better birthday gift than the feeling they got from giving something that was all theirs to other kids who had next to nogthing.
In the Fall Dylan moved away. Richard and Jimmy decided to start the Birthday Club and asked their classmates to join them. In 2007 there were 14 members. Currently, they are closing in on 100 members in 4 different schools.

GETTING STARTED

1-First approach the PTO. Tell them your child would like to start a Birthday Club at your school. Ask them if they are willing to sponsor the club by donating the cost of the plaque and certificates The cost of the plaque is anywhere from $80-$140 depending upon size. The cost of the certificates varies according to paper quality.

2-Choose a local charity. We think children's charities are best, but that is up to you. Call the charity and make sure a representative is available to accept the donations directly from the children. Make sure they are prepared to discuss the charity with young children on their level.

3-Meet with the principal and ask permission to hang the perpetual plaque in the school lobby. Ask if the school's website and newsletter will announce the club.

4-Write a letter to go home with children interested in joining the club. (see letter example in the following section)

5-When the signed letters are returned, have the students names engraved on the plaque.

6-Choose two dates (we like May and December) for donations to be made. Make arrangements with the school to hold the meeting in either the cafeteria or auditorium. Confirm the date with the charity representative.

7-At the end of the school year present the certificates.

LETTER EXAMPLE

Dear Mom or Dad or guardian,

I would like to join the Birthday Club. This means that at my next birthday party Im going to ask for $5 from my friends for a gift.
Im going to donate the money to the Florida Keys Childrens Shelter. Im going to be responsible and keep the money in a safe place in my room until the next Birthday Club meeting in December or April. At the next meeting, a person from the shelter will come to the school to accept my donation. I get to give her my ideas on how the money should be used.
My name is going to be engraved on a perpetual plaque that is hanging in the school lobby, and Im going to receive a Birthday Club award certificate.
If its ok with you for me to join the club please sign this paper. I need to return it to my schoolmates George or Shawn.

Yes I can join the Birthday Club.

Student signature Homeroom teacher

Parent signature My birthday is

THE BIRTHDAY CLUB

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Unsung Heroes

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What Is The Birthday Club?

BIRTHDAY CLUB PLAQUE

Founders

HISTORY OF THE BIRTHDAY CLUB

GETTING STARTED

Which charity do we choose?

Print The Birthday Club Certificate Go To This Link

Birthday Club Certificate

The Plaque, Where Can I Get One?

Birthday Club Logo

LETTER EXAMPLE

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