How Peggy’s Parties Began.
As a Mom I am always trying to teach kindness, understanding, and acceptance to my children. My oldest kiddo, Quinny is four years old. There are only so many volunteer opportunities that she can connect with at such a young age. I am constantly reading and researching to find unique ideas to open her up to new people and to connect her with our world outside of the tiny bubble that is our life in New Hampshire. In my quest to find ways to spread kindness I stumbled across the Facebook show called ‘Returning The Favor’. The show is centered around people who are doing amazing things for their community and the producers of the show ‘return the favor’ by doing something amazing for them. In January of 2019, a new episode aired that I wept through. Right away I was connected to the cause, the episode featured Megs Yunn from Pittsburgh and her Non-Profit Organization Beverly's Birthdays which throws birthday parties for homeless children.
Growing up in my family, my sister Lindsay and I were always treated as queens on our birthdays. My Mom, Peggy, loved birthdays and planned every detail of the day: from chocolate chip pancakes, balloons tied to your chair at the breakfast table, to a thoroughly thought out themed birthday party surrounded by friends, family, and homemade cake.
I was eleven years old when my mom passed away. Celebrating birthdays in the most extravagant fashion is a special way my mom lives on through my sister and I.
As I think back to June 2016 and my daughter Quinny’s first birthday, being able to give her what my mother had always given my sister and I, brought me so much joy. I am certain if my mom had been there on that day, she would have been in her glory. Stepping back and reflecting on the party through a mother’s eyes, I realized what was most important wasn’t the bells and whistles of the event, it was that Quinny was recognized and loved on her special day.
My husband and I are fortunate enough to be in a position in our lives where we can supply birthday celebrations for our children. For many families, that is not their reality; financial or personal troubles can force parents into difficult decisions where special life moments and milestones may need to be overlooked to ensure the everyday needs are taken care of.
In my heart I knew this was my calling, and will be my way of spreading my kindness and leading by example for my kids. It feels only fitting to name the organization after my mom who was the light inside my passion. So, Peggy's Parties was born.
My wish is for all children to experience their own special day where they feel recognized and loved, no matter their life circumstances. Peggy’s Parties allows the family to focus on the celebration of their child on their special day instead of their financial worries.
There is no telling how these memories will affect the future of these families, but the hope is that they will feel seen and loved in a safe judgement free space. Kindness is contagious...That is how all of this began, just a mom trying to teach her bright eyed babies that kindness matters.
