Margie Barilla Foundation Celebrates Foster Youth with Birthday Celebration at Yogi Bear Park

BOSTIC, N.C. - Sept. 2, 2026 - PRLog -- The celebration brought foster youth, caregivers, families, and supporters together for a day centered on one simple but meaningful purpose: making sure children in foster care know they are seen, valued, and worthy of being celebrated.

Throughout the day, children and teens enjoyed outdoor games, water activities, a treasure hunt, arts and crafts, nature exploration, pizza, candy bingo, and a special birthday celebration. The beautiful Golden Valley setting provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with laughter, new memories, and moments of connection.

For the Margie Barilla Foundation, the event represented much more than a day of fun. Children in foster care can experience significant transitions and uncertainty, and milestones such as birthdays deserve to be recognized and celebrated. The Foundation created the National Foster Care Birthday Celebration to give foster youth an opportunity to simply be kids while surrounded by a community committed to supporting them.

"Looking back on this incredible day, we are reminded why these celebrations matter so much," said Margie Barilla, Founder of the Margie Barilla Foundation. "Every child deserves to feel special, celebrated, and supported. Seeing the smiles, laughter, and excitement throughout the day was something we will carry with us as we continue this mission across the country."

The Golden Valley celebration is part of the Margie Barilla Foundation's broader commitment to supporting children in foster care, displaced foster youth, and survivors of human trafficking. Throughout 2026, the Foundation is hosting events across the United States to create meaningful experiences for foster youth while continuing to raise awareness and resources for vulnerable children and young adults.

The Foundation looks forward to continuing these celebrations nationwide and creating more opportunities for children to experience the joy, recognition, and sense of belonging every young person deserves.

About the Margie Barilla Foundation

The Margie Barilla Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families by providing hope, healing, and opportunity through compassionate programs, community partnerships, and meaningful advocacy. The Foundation supports children in foster care, displaced foster youth, survivors of human trafficking, and individuals facing behavioral health challenges while working to create safer and stronger communities across the United States.