Why I Became A Volunteer For Extra-Ordinary Birthdays
Meet Keiana
Keiana’s commitment as a volunteer Party Host for Extra-Ordinary Birthdays is truly remarkable. Her profound connection to EOB emerged even before she discovered the organization’s existence. Read on as she shares her captivating journey—a story you won’t want to miss!
Have you ever had a dream that just stuck with you?
That happened to me the night of November 21, 2011.
I dreamed that I organized a party for an underprivileged child and his family to make the child feel special. I’ve had extremely vivid dreams ever since I can remember so I wrote this one off as just another wild Keiana dream. I even attributed this night’s feature film playing in my subconscious to my Virgo personality traits, career in public relations and my desire to uplift children. However, unlike many of my dreams, I never forgot this one.
And the day that I learned about Extra-Ordinary Birthdays while scrolling through my Instagram feed, the dream made perfect sense. (In fact, I shed a few tears of joy when I read more about EO Birthdays. It felt like that wild dream was really a divine revelation from God.)
Every time I help host a party with families living at Sarah Hope in Baltimore, I have the pleasure of fulfilling my dream of helping an underprivileged child and their family feel special. However, I have to let you know that these parties make me feel special too. Extra-Ordinary Birthday party attendees not only receive gifts, they give them too.
Here’s several of the best gifts that I’ve been given at an EO Birthday Party:
Fun times: Yes, I know that my chief responsibility as a volunteer party host is to make sure that party-goers are having fun. However, I have a blast every time I do some arts and crafts, help the kids play party games and dance to Gracie’s Corner songs.
Real smiles: As a Washingtonian who has spent most of my career in politics, I see people smile all the time on the street and halls of Congress. However, those often obligatory smiles have nothing on the big (and sometimes toothless) smiles of the children entering the activities room at Sarah’s Hope to celebrate a birthday. Their smiles only widen as they play with their loved ones, share snacks and cake and open their presents.
Gratitude and hope: Many people would believe that today’s children are selfish, spoiled and ungrateful. The children who celebrate their birthdays with EO volunteers break these stereotypes each month. They cherish the hour they have for their parties. They’re grateful for every book, toy and clothing item they receive. (Take that Apple gadgets. haha) The gratitude that I see these children share with Extra-Ordinary Birthday volunteers today gives me hope for the future. I know that they will grow up to be our next generation of loving parents, philanthropists and leaders. I can’t wait to say “I remember them when they were a kid.”
A dream led me to Extra-Ordinary Birthdays, and today the gifts I receive from this great organization are helping to make my dreams come true.
Fun Fact
Keiana, an author and the owner of Power Communications, is on a mission to empower young people through imaginative storytelling and to foster a lifelong love of reading through books. Her company prioritizes uplifting marginalized voices and values through motivational stories. Recently, Keiana donated copies of her latest book, “Clucky Comes Home,” to EOB. Check it out and support!