The Rotary Club of Long Neck Sunrise will again donate $3,800 over the next 12 months to host monthly birthday parties for the children of the Oak Orchard Boys & Girls Club.
Since fall 2017, monthly birthday parties have been held to celebrate children whose birthdays fall that month. Long Neck Sunrise Rotarians give each birthday child a $25 gift card and a balloon, and all children receive cupcakes and juice boxes.
Originally part of a district grant program run by the Rotary Club of Long Neck Sunrise, the initiative is now funded with proceeds from the club’s annual golf outing held each June. There are currently 105 children participating in Oak Orchard Boys & Girls Club programs that benefit from this initiative.
“We are so grateful that the Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club has been able to continue these birthday celebrations,” said Erica Kennedy, executive director of the Oak Orchard Boys & Girls Club. “The children have grown to look forward to these Friday birthday celebrations, and the birthday children enjoy the special attention they receive.”
“Working with the youth in our community is an important part of our mission,” said Cathy Cardaneo, birthday party program coordinator. “The joy we are able to spread by celebrating these children is evident in the smiles we see and the noise level we are happy to endure.”
