INPERSON
Sydney Martin uses her birthday to help kids who have never celebrated a birthday of their own .
By Paul Glasser
A
local 12-year-old girl recently organized a birthday party for children who have never had their own celebration .
Sydney Martin hosted the fundraiser event at the Thomas Dance Studio in Bridgeville . Her mother , Kim , says Sydney was very eager to help less fortunate children have their own birthday experience .
“ She ’ s a very kind-hearted young lady who is always thinking about others ,” Kim says .
She told Sydney about Beverly ’ s Birthdays , an organization that has helped more than 10,000 deserving children in the Pittsburgh area have a birthday celebration since 2011 . Sydney decided to work with the group to host a party . First , she had to fill out an application to join the organization .
“ I was traveling for work , so I did no other pushing or prodding or reminding ,” Kim says . “ She did it herself with no input from me .”
After Sydney successfully applied , Beverly ’ s Birthdays provided leadership training that she used to plan and organize her own fundraising event . For the last several years , the Martin family has celebrated birthdays with a sleepover or other informal activity instead of a traditional party . Since she didn ’ t need or want any more gifts , Sydney decided she would collect money and donations to help homeless or needy children have their own birthday experiences instead .
Her party at the studio included a selfie booth , a dance hall with lights and music , games , a raffle , food and drinks . Many local merchants donated refreshments or gift certificates . About 35 attended the event in December .
Sydney exceeded her fundraising goal of $ 500 and collected more than $ 800 in cash donations as well as toys , games and other
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