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2 Marco youngsters forgo birthday presents; ask for cash donations to benefit Humane Society
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Birthdays presents are usually among the highlights of any child’s party, but this time around Teagan Havemeier and Lily Rosenblum did without them.
Instead, agreeing to a suggestion from their moms — Lori Havemeier and Barbara Rosenblum — the two seven-year-old girls decided to ask their young party guests for cash donations to be given to the Humane Society of Naples.
The idea was a big hit, not only with the two hosts, but also with their pint-sized guests who arrived with envelopes instead of the usual big boxes and packets bursting with toys or clothes.
“I’m happy about this,” said Teagan Havemeier during the joint party. “I love animals, and the money will help them.”
“We have a yorkie,” said Lily Rosenblum. “I don’t mind not getting presents. It’s better this way.”
The novel decision came about when the two moms decided on the joint party at the Havemeier’s house.
“Kids just have too much stuff,” Barbara Rosenblum said.
“They have plenty of clothes and plenty of toys. We thought it would be ridiculous for everyone to bring two presents to the joint party, and that donating money gifts to the Humane Society would be a good idea. It would be something the children could relate to.”
Bottom line: More than a dozen youngsters had a heck of a good pool and pizza party, and later that afternoon the Humane Society of Naples benefited by $450 in cash.
Accompanied by their moms, the two young birthday girls handed over the proceedings in person.
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What a wonderful story. You girls should be very proud of yourselves. Happy Birthday!
#1 Posted by blondie on July 29, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sure they did, with the proper suggestions to share by the parents.
I have nothing against this, but it is not a big story. The kids did not think this idea up by their selfs.
#2 Posted by suntan on August 2, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This story is wonderful lesson in "giving". Whether or not the idea was the parents or the kids, the winners here are the pets at the humane society. It is the responsibilty of parents and society to teach children to give back, whether to their church, schools, or any charity, that is the moral of the story. Truly this was a great example that all the children attennding the party were able to participate in lending a helping hand. Happy Birthday!
#3 Posted by Marcoptomist on August 3, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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