Simon Says Give, So Betty Gives Cake
by Ashley Halladay
When it comes to kids throwing birthday parties for kids in need, Simon Says Give takes the cake.
Well, the youth-run organization technically gives the cake and so much more … to thousands of kids.
Yesterday, hundreds of volunteers showed up at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, to help Mandi Simon, 13, celebrate the fifth birthday of the non-profit organization she started at age seven, by packing 2,500 birthday boxes for kids who would otherwise go without a birthday party.
Simon believes every kid deserves to feel special and celebrated on their birthday, and one way her organization helps make that happen is by hosting a party or giving a “birthday in a box” kit with all the necessities for a fun party for 10 kids – including a gift-in-need and a gift-of-fun for the birthday kid.
The young party-thrower talks about Simon Says Give, the “birthday in a box” concept and Betty Crocker’s contribution to the cause for the Mall of America event, in this video.
Betty Crocker has been a part of celebrating special occasions with families since the 1920s. Of course, one of the biggest special occasions for everyone, is a birthday.
And a delicious cake is a birthday party essential.
That’s why Betty Crocker donated 2,500 boxes of cake mix and containers of Rainbow Chip frosting for yesterday’s Simon Says Give birthday box bash.
“We’re proud to be here with Simon Says Give, supporting the work they do to help underprivileged children celebrate birthdays together,” said Kimberly Seifert, marketing manager for Betty Crocker. “We’re excited to be partnering with them by donating some of our products so more kids can celebrate their birthdays with a cake on the table.”
At the end of this year, Simon Says Give will have helped around 150,000 children. And its goal is to support 2 million children by 2022.
But the organization can’t reach that goal without the help of young leaders and supportive adults.
Seventy percent of Simon Says Give’s volunteer hours are fulfilled by those 18 years old or younger. The organization is always looking for volunteers of all ages to help bring birthday wishes to life across the U.S.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit SimonSaysGive.org.
