Plymouth Magazine,
February 2009

Birthday Bashes

Plymouth worker, Nancy Donahue, throws parties for children in need

By Kelly Westhoff

Most of us, when we aren’t bemoaning the thought of turning another year older, welcome our birthdays. And why not? A birthday might bring a long lunch with a friend, a surprise party or slice of cake. Birthdays, even though they mark the progression of time, are anticipated events, especially if you are a child. However, each year, thousands of Minnesota children see their birthdays come and go without acknowledgement. Their parents can’t afford cake, candles or gifts.

This fact bothered Nancy Donahue, a woman who starts her own birthday countdown a month in advance. She is the founder of Birthday Buddies, a nonprofit organization that provides party supplies to families in need. “Your birthday is a special day. It’s the only day of the year that’s just for you,” Donahue says. “For kids, a birthday is a chance to be a shining star, to have all of the focus on them. In this way, birthdays help foster a positive self-image.”

The idea for the nonprofit started with a long commute. Three years ago, Donahue heard a holiday toy drive on the radio while driving to work and through, “What happens to these kids throughout the rest of the year? If their families can’t afford Christmas presents, they probably can’t afford birthday presents either.” This thought lingered longer than her commute, and she shared her concern with her co-workers, who turned around and encouraged her start Birthday Buddies.

The rest of this article can be found in the February 2009 issue of Plymouth Magazine.

For more information about Birthday Buddies, visit www.birthdaybuddiesmn.com.