I am so proud of my son.
Ever since he was born on Leap Day in 2000 (2/29/2000), he has always been a sweet, caring boy. But, this goes above and beyond.
Let me explain.
His 10th Birthday is coming up this week — and we’re throwing him a fun party at our house. We’re inviting all of his classmates, the neighbor kids, family friends and more. (Yeah, that’s a LOT of kids in our house. Yikes!)
Instead of gifts, he’s asking for donations to benefit charity.
Yep. A 10 year old wants to forgo receiving any fun toys (like his favorite video games, MP3’s, electronic gadgets) and asks, instead, that his friends bring a donation for charity.
Can you believe that?
He honestly wants people to bring donations for charity, and not get any gifts, so the charity gets it all.
Again, I say: I’m so proud of my son.
And get this — Evan has done this before.
In fact, this will be his second year in a row collecting donations instead of gifts for his birthday. Last year, at his 9th birthday party, he asked for donations to benefit the local food bank. In our economy here in Michigan, these charities are really hurt, and they really appreciated his help. (I think he raised a little over $300 and a ton of groceries.) He’s hoping to really grow the donations this time.
This year, the local food bank will, once again, be the primary focus of his donations. However, he wanted to add another charity for this year’s “birthday benefit party”: The Haiti Earthquake Victims.
A few weeks ago, after seeing the news coverage of the earthquake victims in Haiti, he immediately told me, “Dad, for my birthday party this year, I want to also get donations for the Haiti Earthquake Victims.”
So, Evan’s 10th Birthday will benefit two charities. The local food bank and the Haiti Earthquake Victims.
Everyone who’s coming to the party will be bringing a donation. Food or cash for the local food bank (the “Northville Civic Concern”) or a monetary donation for the “Save the Children” organization, where all donations will be earmarked for Haiti Relief.
And, for our out-of-state friends, we’d like to ask that you consider making a donation in his name. It would really make him feel extra proud of what he’s doing to know that you have helped him in this endeavor. (If you do, please be sure to email me, or make a comment below so he can see all that good that has come of this!)
Happy Birthday Evan!
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