Piccolo’s Pizzeria in Eagan, Minnesota has been described as a quaint, family run place with broasted chicken that rocks, mouth-watering fries, great pizza and wonderful service.  But in addition to the food they offer, owners Wally and Pat Boudreau, who are on-site seven nights a week, have hearts of gold.

While their small business isn’t making them rich, they are reaching out to support Cheerful Givers in little ways that are making a difference.  In addition to their own donations, they keep a collection container on the check-out counter for customers who wish to make a contribution. And for those who prefer to pick-up their pizza but still want to leave a tip, we’ve heard these generous owners will turn those tips into donations as well.  It’s people like the Boudreaus who are the real heroes of our community.

By the way, we’ve also heard others say “it’s worth a trip to the burbs.”  They are located at 4162 Pilot Knob Road in Eagan.

  During National Volunteer Week, we join the many organizations who are thanking those who volunteer their time and talents to help others.  Last year, 3,878 volunteers gave their time to help us brighten a child’s birthday. Because we operate with just one staff, it would be impossible to even come close to meeting our goals without the great support of our volunteers.  THANK YOU!

Thanks to everyone who supported us on Cheerful Givers Day, Sunday, April 20th at the Mall of America to celebrate the birthday of all children.

Brian Turner (BT) of Cities 97 radio did his usual fantastic job as MC, and the crowd was thrilled with the music of Jeff James.  There was friendly competition between the Minnesota RollerGirls and the Minnesota Thunder soccer players in trying to get the most donations, but the win went to the Girls.  And another winner was Ragnar, Minnesota Vikings Mascot, who signed autographs, posed for photos and took time to talk to and listen to many kids. Special guests also included Megan Herickhoff, Miss Teen Minnesota, and Todd Krulewich of the Minnesota Twins.

There were lots of little artists out and about because we had many great coloring contest winners. And face painters, Julia and Sharon, put smiles on all the faces they decorated. The waitstaff from Bubba Gumps Restaurant took time from their busy Sunday afternoon to come and sing their rendition of Happy Birthday, joined by none other than Shrimp Louie. And everyone got to learn a bit more about our wonderful volunteers from Jeff Patnode, Marianne Richmond and Emily Morissette.

There are many people and organizations who made this event possible.  To our sponsors: Cities 97, Bubba Gump, Dakota Electric Association, Frank Milnar DDS, Minnesota Energy and Thrivent Financial (Central Minneapolis, Dakota County & Washington County Chapters) –  we say THANK YOU as well as to the 30 donors of silent auction items.  Great big kudos go to the many volunteers who made this Big Birthday Bash a big success!  

If you haven’t heard by now, Sunday, April 20th has been proclaimed by our Governor as “Cheerful Givers Day” and we plan to celebrate at the Mall of America between 1-3pm.  With our Master of Ceremonies being BT of Cities 97 radio, we’re assured of having a fun time!

The event includes entertainment by singer/guitarist Jeff James, a competition between the Minnesota Roller Girls and the Minnesota Thunder Soccer Players to raise donations, autographs by Ragnar, Minnesota Vikings Mascot, a silent auction, smiley cupcakes, face painting, fun games, characters, coloring contest and more.  Hope you can join us!

  The latest edition of Parenting Magazine features the article Raising a Kid Who Cares — How to nurture compassion in your child age by age.

Great to see they included “And what child doesn’t understand birthdays? Put together a gift bag for Cheerful Givers (cheerfulgivers.org); they go to kids in shelters.”

 Many people have learned about Cheerful Givers as a result of a quick search on Google, and most of that happens as a result of the Google grant we received which provides AdWords advertising.

 The Google Grants program supports organizations sharing Google’s philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.

Designed for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, Google Grants is a unique in-kind advertising program harnessing the power of Google AdWords advertising product. Google Grants has awarded AdWords advertising to hundreds of non-profit groups whose missions range from animal welfare to literacy, from supporting homeless children to promoting HIV education.

Go Google!

 This week we filled our 250,000th birthday bag!  Back in 1994 when Robin Maynard decided to create Cheerful Givers, she never dreamed that 14 years later there would be 250,000 less fortunate kids who have experienced the joy of having a birthday all because of her willingness to make a difference.

To Robin and the many thousands of volunteers who have donated, assembled and distributed our birthday bags, we say THANK YOU! 

 Early in the morning on November 15th, you could see long lines formed outside Twin Cities Target stores as music fans waited to get their hands on the latest Cities 97 Sampler. 

 30,000 copies of the CD quickly sold out with proceeds benefiting local charities.  And Cheerful Givers was very pleased to learn that they were among those charities.

The CD includes 19 tracks featuring artists such as John Mayer, Counting Crows, Colbie Caillat, Shawn Colvin and others. The tracks were recorded live in concert or in the radio station’s Studio C. This is the 19th year the radio station has released the CD.

We set a goal to raise $5,000 by April 20th which has been proclaimed by our Governor as “Cheerful Givers Day.”  To reach our goal, we’re asking our current supporters and new supporters to help by making a donation. To date, 27 donors have contributed $2,090. 

We also appreciate the organizations that are sponsoring our ”Big Birthday Bash” which will be held in the Rotunda at the Mall of America on Sunday, April 20 (1-3 pm).  They include Cities 97, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant, Dakota Electric Association, Minnesota Energy Resources, Momtalk.com and Frank Milnar DDS.  And if we reach our goal, there will be some matching funds from the Central Minneapolis and Washington County Chapters of Thrivent Financial.   Seems there isn’t a better time to make a donation…             Donate Now!

The Minnesota Sports Medicine Center recently took time from their important work to make about one hundred kids smile on their birthday.  After filling gift bags, the group delivered them to Mary’s Place in Minneapolis which provides a safe place for families by providing transitional housing.