Running 26.2 Miles to Bring Birthday Smiles
A Fundraiser for Birthday Wishes by Kim Sprunck and Jack Harrild
Hi all!
There are a few organizations that I really love to support- and Birthday Wishes is one of them. I love birthdays - mine, friends, family- I love them all! Growing up my parents didn’t have much money, but birthdays were always a big deal- and now I have so many great birthday memories, so it is easy for me to be involved with this organization. The mission of Birthday Wishes is to improve and empower the lives of homeless children and their families by providing joy, play and hope through the magic of a birthday party. Birthday Wishes’ goal is to ensure that children experiencing the trauma of homelessness can celebrate their birthday joyfully, surrounded by family, friends and others who care- and that is something we can all get around! Birthday Wishes expects to serve 5000 homeless children in the Northeast by end of June 2024 and they currently have 800 children on their waiting list.
Last year, when I found out I had a secured a place to run Boston in April 2024, I contacted Denell (BDW Executive Director) and told her Jack (my teenage son) and the volunteer organization he is a part of (Working Toward Change) and I would try and do some fundraising, especially for their teen program (a group near and dear to my heart!). This group is often overlooked when experiencing homelessness, but marking and CELEBRATING milestones through these years is so important. As part of the BDW Birthday-in-a-Box teens receive a gift card to buy something they want. If you have bought for a teenager, you know how challenging it can be to pick the “right” gift for this age group- so this small gesture can mean so much to these young people!!
Alas, my marathon training started well, but then I had an injury at the end of December- and had to stop running. After a long hiatus, I restarted 4 weeks ago- yikes. This won’t be a great race as far as running goes, but I think I can cross the finish line (though I know “hope” is not a plan!!). My number is #21707 if you want to track me on the BAA app.
Jack and I are now so late in our ask for support for Birthday Wishes- but we are asking you give generously so we can bring a bit of joy to as many teens as we can. Let’s close that waiting list gap!
$25 buys a birthday cake
$50 buys gifts for a young person experiencing homelessness
$100 buys a complete Birthday-in-a Box with gifts
$250 buys wrapping paper for 750 gifts
$500 buys gift cards for 20 teens
The mission of Birthday Wishes is to improve and empower the lives of homeless children and their families by providing joy, play and hope through the magic of a birthday party. Birthday Wishes is a registered 501c3 organization. Tax ID: 55-0856553
