Picture this, Ben walks into a room to be celebrated for his 7th birthday. There are family and friends all around. Some of the family drove for hours to be there to celebrate him. Ben has certainly had other birthday’s – but this one was special. It was at a location that was decorated and there was cake and gifts and games and the focus was all on celebrating his special day. This was one of the first “real” birthday parties Ben had ever had. He was able to have this birthday celebrate – this special day all about him – because Simon Says Give was able to provide that to him.
My name is Mandi Simon, and I am the founder of the nonprofit, Simon Says Give. At the age of 7, I knew I wanted to make a difference and help other kids, so we started the nonprofit to celebrate kids and their birthdays. I feel that every kid should have at least a few hours on their birthday that is all about them and I ask for other kids my age to step-up and make a difference. Donate your birthday to support a kid that has maybe never had a party on their day.
I feel it is heart warming to know that you are helping someone else. Often kids my age may not think they can make a difference in the lives of others, this is an easy way to do so. I believe the magic of a birthday isn’t actually the presents – just like Christmas isn’t suppose to be about the stuff. Someone’s birthday is suppose to be a celebration of them. If you are a kid and you feel you have enough stuff around your room and house – toys, games etc. and you want someone else to have gifts and the joy of a birthday celebration – I ask you to donate your birthday party to Simon Says Give and we will find a kid that may have never had a birthday party and make it a magical day for them.
Over the past 3 years, we have celebrated over 500 birthday celebrations and we have large goals to celebrate many more. Join me in that mission! #kidscelebratingkids
Guest Blogger: Mandi Simon, 11 year-old founder of Simon Says Give