Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Chenault Lohoefer.
Hi Paige, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Birthday Party Project all started with one simple question: “What about him?” Paige Chenault Lohoefer began her event planning career after planning and coordinating her own wedding that left her guests and friends asking, “can you help me with mine?” From the very beginning, Paige planned events differently, putting her own innovative twist on age-old celebrations. Word got around and before she knew it, she was planning large events all around the country. It felt like something truly special had just fallen into her lap – all she had to do was say, “yes!”
Ten years later, Paige was sitting on a plane, pregnant with her daughter, Lizzie. Flipping through Parents Magazine, she was overwhelmed with excitement as she daydreamed about all the ways she’d celebrate her daughter-to-be. After a decade of crafting people’s celebrations, she knew how much fun she was going to have planning birthday parties for her daughter. Then, she flipped open an issue of Time, landing on the image of a small, malnourished boy in Haiti. The thought was immediate: “What about him?”
Over the following months and years, Paige never forgot the image of that little boy, wondering who would celebrate him as she continued celebrating others.
On her daughter’s third birthday, Paige’s eyes filled with tears of joy and excitement as she watched Lizzie blow out the candles on her cake. It was at this moment that all of her sadness for that boy in Haiti turned to determination: “I can do something about this.”
Paige knew the power that celebrations have to bring people together and create joy. This is her skill set, and she was ready to use it to make a difference.
She wanted not only her own daughter to feel the sense of importance and belonging that comes with being celebrated, but for children whose circumstances might not otherwise leave room for those occasions to feel it as well.
Paige tested her idea, talking to friends and trusted advisors, visiting different agencies and shelters to understand what homelessness looked like in her community. It became clear that shelters had volunteers with great intentions, but they were lacking in the consistency that can really bolster a child experiencing homelessness or transition.
So in 2012, Paige went to Family Gateway in Dallas, TX with a plan: she and a few friends would bring a bunch of supplies and host a party for all 40 kids who lived there, celebrating the 11 kids with birthdays that month. That first celebration was a huge hit, and the party hasn’t stopped since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building anything takes conviction and courage to push through challenging times. Starting a non-profit required a new skillset, a group of committed helpers, and determination to celebrate kids no matter what.
From learning the ins and outs of non-profit management, to growing and leading a team of volunteers around the nation. There’s always something new to learn.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Birthday Party Project?
At The Birthday Party Project, we know you want every child to feel important. You want to be a part of something bigger than yourself and give back in a way that truly lifts up others. More than 2.5 million children experiencing homelessness and transition live in circumstances that can make them feel isolated and overlooked. We believe all kids deserve to feel seen, special, and celebrated.
That’s why we started The Birthday Party Project, a non-profit organization bringing JOY to children experiencing homelessness through the MAGIC of birthday celebrations.
There are several ways to get involved, from wrapping gifts to hosting parties. Make a donation toward our efforts to celebrate children in all living conditions, volunteer your time as a Birthday Enthusiast, or help us collect gifts, funds, and supplies when you #ShareYourBirthday. When you join The Birthday Party Project, you’ll use your time, talents, energy, and love to change lives with JOY.
WE HOST JOYFUL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Say YES, and Keep Going! Say YES to those things that scare you, and try to learn why you feel afraid. My guess is you’ll learn it isn’t that scary after all.
Rely on the expertise of others. We aren’t supposed to have all the answers! Find people that are subject matter experts and bring them into the conversation. Allow them to challenge you, and ask all the questions.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebirthdaypartyproject.org
- Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/thebirthdaypartyproject
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thebirthdaypartyproject/
