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July 19th, 2010 | Birthdays, Giving, News, Press, Volunteers

Claudia & Michael Cuddyer

228 less fortunate children will have Happy Birthdays thanks to the great support of the Minnesota Twins Wives and players who filled birthday bags following their winning game on July 18th. Special thanks to Claudia and Michael Cuddyer for helping to organize this fun event. 

Watch for some great autographed Minnesota Twins items to be auctioned off  during our Social Summer Online Fundraiser throughout August. 

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July 14th, 2010 | Volunteers

Scoop It Forward, a summer-long promotion, invites people to discover volunteer opportunities on VolunteerMatch.org. Once signed up for an opportunity, you will receive coupons for free, service-themed ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s. The two special flavors, Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder are available exclusively at Target stores throughout the nation.

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July 9th, 2010 | Children, Family, Giving, Kids, Volunteers

Two year-olds through kindergarten age children who participate in the Sunday School program at Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church earned their own money by doing chores, sacrificing a trip to McDonalds and saving their allowance to purchase birthday gifts which filled 62 birthday bags.  One young girl even used her own birthday money.  Bre Pilon, who organized the event, said “The response is amazing even at such a young age.  Thank you for giving us this opportunity to teach our children to think beyond themselves…”

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July 8th, 2010 | Birthdays

By Dan Corbett (in Ireland)

The atmosphere of birthday parties in Ireland is often very specific. Large gatherings of gift-bearing family and friends are accompanied by plenty of food and drink along with joyful singing, dancing, and story-telling. Old Celtic symbols are on display, time-honoured toasts are preserved, and deep-rooted Irish traditions are followed, regardless of the age being celebrated. One such tradition involves holding the birthday child by their hands and feet and bumping them gently on the floor. The amount of bumps the child receives corresponds to their age and as well as an additional bump for good luck.

While this exciting and jovial occasion is anticipated every year by children and teenagers all over Ireland, not all have this privilege to look forward to. For those living in poverty, birthdays can be ruined by the worry of money. Consider the case of Matthew, an 8 year old boy from Dublin who spoke up in a classroom discussion on poverty. “I was pretty sure I was going to get a bicycle for my birthday,” said Matthew, “just like the really cool one Peter has at school. It’s red and green and has these brilliant lights that look like they’re straight out of a spaceship. I think it’s the best bike I’ve ever seen”. Continue reading »

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June 29th, 2010 | Children, Donations, Family, Giving, Kids

Interesting suggestion  in the Philanthropy Potluck blog –

“The next time your family comes together for a day at the lake or a barbecue in the backyard, why not take an hour to discuss your estate and how your family can make an impact on the things that are most meaningful to all of you?”

To help you start the discussion, they provide some topics and questions to post to your “kitchen table philanthropists.”    Read full article.

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June 24th, 2010 | Children, Funding, News, Press

Minneapolis Star Tribune, June 23
The cold and rain didn’t keep 100 Cheerful Givers fans from cheering on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 12. Tickets to the game were sold as a fundraiser to help the charity provide toy-filled birthday gift bags for less fortunate children in Minnesota.

The group also enjoyed wavers featuring right fielder Michael Cuddyer, which were provided by Animal Fair/Sports & Entertrainment.

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