Thank You for Another Great Year!

2009 was another exciting year for Cheerful Givers. 37,531 less fortunate children were able to experience the joy of receiving a birthday gift from their parents.

Download full report as a PDF

2009 Accomplishments

  • 37,351 less fortunate children received birthday gift bags
  • 2,988 volunteers donated 6,056 volunteer hours valued at $122,634
  • 461 individual donors made financial contributions
  • In-kind donations valued at $543,615
  • Milestone reached of providing 300,000 birthday bags since founded in 1994
  • Governor proclaimed April 4, 2009 “Cheerful Givers Day” throughout Minnesota
  • 2009 Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy State Award
  • Conducted our first online-only fundraiser
  • Annual event at Mall of America was expanded with a Barnes & Noble book fair
  • Make A Difference Day event with national publicity involving Miss Minnesota
  • Sport team involvement:
    • Minnesota Twins game & Minnesota Twins wives support
    • Minnesota Wild charity-of-the-month in April
    • Minnesota Timberwolves game – Second place in Fastbreak Foundation “Season of Giving” & “Hero in the Making” Award
    • Minnesota Vikings fill birthday bags & Vikings Children’s Fund support
  • Media:
    • Coverage appeared in USA Weekend, USA Today, The Humanitarian Magazine, Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Fox 9 News, YouTube, Clear Channel, Kare 11 & FM 107
    • Monthly e-newsletter to 2,800 subscribers
    • Monthly media alerts

Quotes

For a mother, a gift symbolizes more than just a toy or stuffed animal — it represents her ability to provide. — Jennifer Apps, Child Advocate, Chattanooga Room in the Inn

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