Birthdays should be a chance for each child to feel especially loved and celebrated. But unfortunately, many children don't experience anything special on their day. That's where we step in.
- Working with the Rochester, Rome & Buffalo NY City School Districts, we adopt classrooms where 90% of the students are living at or below poverty.
- Our goal is that each child in the classroom feels noticed and cared about on their birthday. So, on their special day, we bring a burst of joy by providing both wants and needs.
- Elementary school kiddos receive two wrapped toys and a Cha Cha Cha bag full of goodies: Birthday Cake Oreos, a book, new socks and underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap, as well as a few grocery items (cereal, Mac n' Cheese, fruit cups, applesauce, Spaghettio's).
- High School kiddos receive Birthday Cake Oreos, toothbrush & toothpaste, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, feminine pads(girls), razors (boys) and a few special treats including a small denomination gift card.
We also believe in the idea of kids helping kids, and of teaching them about giving back. That's why we invite kids and teens to volunteer with us!
Our Birthday Board
Our volunteer birthday board gives their time and expertise to support and inspire the joy of giving in our volunteers and in the community. Pictured left to right is Founder, Carrie Green, Lynn Wilmarth, Jennifer DeAngelo, & Christine Pallotta-Reder. Mary Becker, Jessica Ellsworth and Seth Cox are also key contributors to our program.
6,500+ Smiles and Counting!
In January 2017, founder Carrie Green was shopping clearance toys with the intention of donating them the following holiday season, but wished there was an easy way to get them to the children sooner. She thought 'there ought to be a program for birthdays.' After a few days of thought, and with the input of friends and family, she developed the idea for Happy Birthday Cha Cha Cha.
Within a few weeks the program was up and running out of Carrie's basement. In the first school year, Happy Birthday Cha Cha Cha has brought birthday joy to 7 Rochester City School District classrooms and 129 children.
In 17/18, we provided for 422 children
In 18/19, we provided for 754 children
In 19/20, we provided for 1,000 children in Rochester, and 125 in Rome, NY
In 20/21, we for 1304 in Rochester, 130 in Rome and opened our third chapter in Buffalo, NY (75 children)
If you are passionate about helping children and giving back, have a willingness to fund raise, and want to start a chapter in your area, contact Carrie on how to get started!