Everything was coming together. My plan was simple: do a quick live video to celebrate an incredible collaboration and announce what’s next. But then… the weather had other plans.
So, here’s the story. For my birthday this year, I wanted to raise funds to support some of our nonprofit partners, the ones that often get overlooked by outside donors. If you’ve followed our journey, you know that one of our core beliefs is that no nonprofit is too small to matter. But this time, the cause hit even closer to home, literally.
I’ve shared before how Cardz For Kidz started—how I “accidentally started it on purpose.” I’ve always had a passion for helping kids, from making handmade birthday cards in elementary school to building a nonprofit that now spreads encouragement worldwide. And now, once again, everything is falling into place in an unexpected way.
This year, my birthday fundraiser is a little different. In the past, I raised money for our scholarship fund. This time, I’m raising funds to purchase portable entertainment systems for a couple of nonprofits that desperately need them.
How All This Came Together
It all started when University of Michigan alumni hosted an event supporting my neighbors—the Chicago Bulls—in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center.
Now, if you know our history, you know Cardz For Kidz has a strong presence in
Northeast Ohio (sent nearly 4,000 cards). I even have a family friend on the Cavs! I had to promise my nephew, I’m still loyal.
It's just over the years, my parents and I have been the top donors to Cardz For Kidz, and I’ve been looking for more ways to raise funds. Thankfully, the Chicago Bulls donated a suite, allowing us to raffle off tickets. But while that was a fun and rewarding experience, there was an even more impactful event at a Bulls game.
One of my most memorable moments came years ago when I received extra tickets from work. After failing to find coworkers to join me, I invited some of our original Cardz For Kidz volunteers. Sitting next to a stranger at the game, I struck up a conversation (as any extrovert would). That one conversation led to an introduction to his wife, who helped launch our military and VA Hospital card program. To date, we’ve sent over 46,000 cards to military members, veterans, and their families.
Full circle moment.
Recently, the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks hosted a neighborhood meeting about upcoming renovations near the United Center (which, fun fact, is down the street from our “global headquarters” aka… my condo). While others focused on the development plans, I had my eyes on the Bulls’ and Blackhawks’ community relations teams.
That moment led to:
Connecting with Pepsi who sponsored a portable entertainment system for Cook County Health
The Bulls donating a box for a fundraising raffle
The Blackhawks partnering with a school to create cards for veterans
Now, here’s where you come in.
We had a corporate partner initially agreed to donate a portable entertainment system to a VA Hospital, then changed their mind. They wanted to serve kids instead. So, we suggested Maryville Academy, a nonprofit we’ve supported since 2019. Again, they changed their mind.
But after hearing from my contact at the VA Hospital—who used to volunteer by carrying a briefcase full of games to bring joy to patients—I knew we had to make this happen. And when I reconnected with Maryville and heard how difficult it is for some children to leave or receive visitors, I realized we need to give them more than just our cherished handmade cards.
In past years, I raised funds for scholarships. This year, I want to make sure that both veterans and children have something to look forward to. I know firsthand—as a volunteer, employee, patient, donor, and more—how much these moments of joy can mean.
Usually, when we set fundraising goals, we celebrate progress, even if we fall short. But this time it is different.
I’ve already:
Applied for a grant
Created a Facebook birthday fundraiser
Set up this fundraising page – link to page
Worked with a connection to secure the systems at a lower cost
But here’s my pinky promise: No matter what, I’ll personally make up the difference to ensure these two nonprofits receive their entertainment systems.
This year for my birthday, let’s create SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE together. Please consider contributing here:
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s make an impact—together. 🎉
*Apologize for any errors with this post. This post was so urgent, we didn’t follow the standard process to check with our standard proofer – CIMA post.
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