News, Updates & Opportunities
January 2021
As articulated in the below parent feedback, the ramifications of COVID have resulted in tremendous financial hardship for many families. We are so thankful that we can help families in their times of need.

"I am unemployed due to COVID and I have no family out here. Birthday Dreams really made my daughter's birthday a wonderful experience. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My daughter was really happy. It made us forget out the pandemic."
Community Service and Recognition
Our thanks to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy Class #813 for their toy drive donation.

Donations will be matched with birthday gift wish lists and included in upcoming birthday-in-a-box celebrations.
We are so grateful for another amazing donation from Lolly Randall of Lolly and Company.

Lolly has regularly made generous donations since September of 2017. 

A big shout out to the W Group whose 2nd annual Toy and Coat Drive in support of Birthday Dreams resulted in over 500 toy and coat donations, upwards of $5000 in value.

Our thanks to the W Group, and everyone who turned out in support of Birthday Dreams.
Grant Funds New Position
Thanks to a generous grant from the Murdock Charitable Trust, Birthday Dreams was able to add a new Development Director role to our team.
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to nonprofit organizations that seek to strengthen the region’s educational, social, spiritual, and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. 
Jarod Drozdowski is the newest team member of Birthday Dreams. As our Development Director, Jarod brings nearly 20 years of non-profit and fundraising management experience to our organization. In his professional career, Jarod has worked in arts/culture, academia, city government, and non-profit healthcare settings. His resume is long and includes such highlights as raising over $10 million for the various non-profit organizations that he has worked for, to being the “Official Security Detail” for Santa and Mrs. Claus when he was the Event Director of the Christmas Lighting Ceremony in Leavenworth, WA. He is a proud dad of a terrific 7-year old son and a constantly-shedding 10 year old dog.
Jarod holds a B.A. in Art History and a M.S. in Cultural Resource Management (Mesoamerican Archaeology). In his spare time, Jarod enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, painting landscapes, photography, and continuing his research of ancient world cultures.
Changes to our Board | Farewell and Welcome
As we kick off a new year, we wanted to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Birthday Dreams board members who will be stepping down this month. Their dedication to our purpose and belief in our mission has helped us provide countless birthday celebrations to children in need. We thank them not only for their time and commitment, but for the difference they have made in the lives of so many!

THANK YOU to our departing Board Members:
  • Laura Cameron, eight years of board service including time served on our Marketing Committee and as chair of the committee. Laura has been our volunteer Marketing Director for many years.
  • Caren Maldon, four years of board service beginning with wrapping and donating gifts, including 2 terms as Board Chair.
  • Chaz Spahn, four years of board service all of which began with a dream in his garage and including three terms as Board Chair.
  • Emily Albrecht, two years of board service including a term as a Board Secretary.

You will be greatly missed! We look forward to your ongoing participation with Birthday Dreams!

With the transition of board members, we are incredibly thrilled to welcome two new members to the Board:
  • RJ Jadhav
  • Anthony Hamilton

Information on our new board members will be provided in next month's newsletter.
Get Involved!

In person orientations remain suspended; email our Volunteer Coordinator Tiffaney Jones at Tiffaney@birthdaydreams.org to
arrange a virtual orientation.

Contact out Community Events Coordinator Leah Battin at Leah@birthdaydreams.org for virtual team volunteer opportunities.

Cake bakers of all experience levels are needed! Stuck at home? Bake a cake! We need you! Contact Tiffaney@birthdaydreams.org.
Follow us on Facebook! Cake and delivery needs are posted weekly. A list of upcoming parties and party needs can be found here.
A complete list of our 2020 Birthday Club is posted. Donate today to join our 2021 Birthday Club.

Friend; $250-$499
Champion: $500-$999
Hero: $1,000 - $4,999
Superhero: $5,000 and up