Santa ’ s Southern Workshop skeptical that we would follow through and actually show up ,” Amy recalled . “ They were protective of these children who had already had many disappointments in their lives . But we showed up one Saturday afternoon and soon had about 40 kids dancing around and doing the limbo . It was amazing .”
cake and ice cream . At the end of the day , the two reflected on this simple but meaningful day in the park and how much it meant to their family . Despite the business of their own lives , their desire to give back remains strong and they wanted their children to grow up with the same spirit of giving . Thus , the inspiration for Bright Blessings .
Within a month , the Cervantes packed up their young boys and the luauthemed birthday supplies and headed to Charlotte ’ s Salvation Army Center of Hope . “ We made contact with the Salvation Army and I think they were
The family ’ s monthly service project was a stepping stone for creating Bright Blessings , now a fully-formed philanthropic organization . Along with its other similar projects , its Bless-A- Birthday program provides birthday parties and gifts to children at 18 shelters . The parties can include as few as eight children or as many as 60 , ranging in age from one to 18 . The events are creative themed-affairs .
“ The children not only enjoy the thrill of the celebration , some of whom may not have ever attended a birthday party before ,” Amy said . “ They love the excitement of the luau , funky town dance party or Mad Science experiments , as much as the joy of receiving gifts such as footballs , board games and books .”
THOUGHTFUL EXPANSION
Bright Blessings , working with partner agencies across four counties in North and South Carolina , has brought joy and comfort to more than
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