7th Grader Brings Blessings, Birthday Cakes

April 4, 2013 - PRLog -- Who better than a kid to understand the importance of a birthday?  So who better than Anika Jane Beamer, a seventh grader from Farmington, to start the “Blessed Birthdays” foundation, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the birthdays of less fortunate children? Her first birthday blessings are going to first through third graders enrolled at the St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center (http://www.svsfcenter.org/).

At age 10, Ms. Beamer came up with the idea for providing less fortunate kids with a traditional birthday party -- one that includes games, food and a gift. With the organizational help of her parents and financial support of her church and community, Ms. Beamer quickly raised more than $1,600. In February 2013, Ms. Beamer hosted the first “Blessed Birthdays” celebration at the Center, and has been back every month with party favors for children in two age groups.

Ms. Beamer says she’s used to the usual comments about her being “a little young” to begin a career in philanthropy, and dismisses them all.

“Kids can’t do a lot of things,” said Ms. Beamer, “but this is one thing I can do. I understand what it takes to make a birthday special. This is a chance to make someone feel special.”

In addition to Ms. Beamer’s formal fundraising activities, she donates all the money she receives on Christmas, birthdays and special occasions to the foundation. From that she buys each celebrant a unique toy, and hand makes and decorates a cake -- in their favorite flavor. She also brings cupcakes, games and prizes into the classroom for the party. Ms. Beamer was told by one student that she appreciated the cake to take home to share with her family, as she had not received a birthday cake on her actual birthday the day before.

Ms. Beamer chose the St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center because of its dedication to education.

“The Education Experience empowers kids through learning,” she said. “If kids get a good education, they can do anything they really want to. The Center is making a difference in kids’ lives.”

The Beamer family has a personal relationship with the St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center as well.  Ms. Beamer’s twin brothers, now age 14, were adopted when the Center was an orphanage in Farmington Hills.  

“Giving has no age requirement,” said Diane Renaud, Executive Director/CEO, St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center (http://www.svsfcenter.org/). “Ms. Beamer is mature beyond her years, in understanding what many adults don’t realize.  That something as simple as giving a birthday cake can make an at-risk child feel special on their birthday and can change that child’s entire outlook.  The Center is honored with her generosity. I hope she inspires others in her generation that a small act of kindness can make the biggest difference.  Her thoughtfulness is inspiring.”

Ms. Beamer’s favorite birthday celebration: “Being at home with my family and the people I love, and feeling that a lot of people care about me.”

About St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center

Founded in 1844, the St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center began serving Southeastern Michigan as a residential/foster care agency for children. In 2006, the Center closed its residential campus and returned to its roots of providing educational programs.  The Education Experience offers basic skill-building and academic enhancement for at-risk children and GED assistance for adults.  The programs are designed to help build self-sufficiency and dignity, and help Detroiters achieve employment success and other personal goals. For more information, visit http://www.svsfcenter.org/

Media Contacts:

Sue Voyles, 734-667-2005 / sue@logos-communications.com

Diane Renaud, (313) 535-9200 / diane.renaud@svsfcenter.org