The Birthday Smiles program provides memorable birthday parties for children living in homeless or protective shelters in the Denver metro area. It is estimated that 3,000 children make up 27% of the homeless population in Denver. Birthday Smiles recognizes the importance of a birthday in a child’s life and believes that the gift of a birthday celebration, which includes cake, ice cream, drinks, decorations, requested presents for the birthday children, small gifts for all, children’s entertainers, and games provides normalcy, joy and hope in these children’s otherwise unsettled lives.

PROFILE OF DIRECTOR/HISTORY

Rise Justice - Program Director

35 year sales and marketing career; CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children) in Adams and Broomfield Counties; Big Sisters of Colorado; countless hours volunteering for women and children’s organizations in Colorado; raised two wonderful children.

Birthday Smiles began in June/2009 with a monthly party at the Samaritan House in downtown Denver. In October 2009, Birthday Smiles joined with A Precious Child to continue serving and celebrating children. Since inception, we have celebrated with over 300 children, including over 40 birthday children in the shelter environment. Countless volunteers and donated children’s entertainers bring monthly joy to these deserving children.  With adequate funding and assistance, it is our wish to add as many shelters in the Denver area as possible.