For Chiji’s 4th birthday, she got a big girl bike and Child Find of America got $225.

Chiji's 4th Birthday Party

Chiji had a face painting party with her friends to celebrate her 4th birthday.

After viewing the list of charities on the ECHOage website, Chiji chose to support Child Find of America.  In her words, “Oh yes, we should give them money so the Mommy’s and Daddy’s can bring their kids home. Every kid should be with their Mommy and Daddy.”

Outta the mouths of babes.

Chiji also expressed excitement for her gift choice.  “ I would like a big girl bike so my little sister can ride my bike.”  At four years of age, you are already a giving and generous soul, Chiji.

We are so proud to know that young girls like you are doing such positive and wonderful things in our world.

Chiji, we hope you have many exciting adventures exploring the world on your big girl bike.

Happy, happy, 4th birthday.


For his 1st birthday, Dominic put money toward his Registered Education Savings Plan (yup, you read that correctly) and Plan Canada got $55.

This young boy is going places!

Dominic turns ONE!

Dominic turns ONE!

Looks like the world can learn a thing or two from Dominic.

Saving for an education and helping other kids in need, all before he can say the words Happy Birthday.

Dominic’s Mom shares why she chose to ECHOage Dominic’s first birthday.

“We decided to use ECHOage so we could make this big event more meaningful. Instead of Dominic getting more toys he doesn’t need, we could put the funds toward starting his RESP.”

“We chose Plan Canada because we sponsor two children already with them and know that a small Screen Shot 2012-12-06 at 8.50.51 AMamount can make a big difference to children they support in less fortunate areas of the world”.

We can only imagine what you will do for your 2nd birthday, Dominic.

Happy, happy birthday sweet, little boy!


For their 7th birthday, Dylan and Jacob got a Nintendo DS, Mariokart and Super Mario. Autism Speaks got $797.50!

Twins Jacob and Dylan decided to turn 7 in a very special way.  Talk about making an impact!  Who would ever think that two seven year old boys could give so much to children and families suffering from Autism? Ask Jacob and Dylan…
Jacob: ” I wanted to help Autism Speaks because it is really sad that there are kids who can’t talk or even know when something is funny, so we should help them.”
Dylan: “Autism is a really hard thing, and it is hard for the Mommies and Daddies too, so we want to help so that the scientists can continue their work more and more.”
Jenn, their loving Mom, is beaming with pride:
“When I explained to the boys what Autism is, and how it effects some of our closest friends and family, and that the money from their birthday party would help fund research that could one day help people we love, they didn’t hesitate.  They both thought it was a great idea. As a parent, you always question whether you are raising your children properly.  You want to teach them to be good people, but you are never sure if the lessons are getting through.  The experience with ECHOage really made me feel like I was really doing something right…I have never been so proud in my life.”
Jacob and Dylan

For her 5th birthday, Dylan got her own Ipod, and WWF got $260!

 

Dylan turns 5!

Dylan is not your typical five-year-old.  Influenced by her music loving father, she is a girl who regularly listens to Sonshine and Broccoli, while dancing around her house.  She also sits eagerly each week and watches her older brothers play acoustic guitar with their teacher Brock, (aka: Broccoli).  Of course, we’re all wondering, how did this amazing girl end up with such a beautiful name like “Dylan” – must be… )

Dylan makes it clear: “I wanted my OWN iPod so that I didn’t have to borrow my brothers’ anymore. And, I wanted to help WWF because I love animals, i love nature, and I especially love pandas and monkeys and bats!

Louise, Dylan’s proud mother, adds:  “ECHOage helps me teach my children about being generous and caring. It is amazing that while teaching my daughter compassion, she also got to choose a big birthday gift. I recently heard her tell someone that the iPod she got was a gift from all of her friends. That is a gift she will always remember!”
Dylan, we are all singing your praises today.  Congratulations to a big five-year-old girl who made a big, lasting impact on us, on animals, and on many children to come.  Love ECHOage.


For her birthday, Tessa got books and a shopping spree at a local toy store. The George Hull Centre for Children and Families got $180.

From the outside, this birthday party was just like every other birthday party: bowling, balloons and birthday cake, but Tessa had her own thoughts about how her 8th birthday party could become so much more.

Tessa's 8th Birthday Party

“I chose to support the George Hull Centre for Children and Families because I wanted to help kids who are sad or angry and don’t know what to do.  I’ve never done an ECHOage party before but I’m really glad I did it because it feels good to help people and I still get to have a fun party with all of my friends – we went bowling!”

The Centre provides professional consultation, support and family treatment for a broad range of problems affecting the mental health of children and youth.

Happy 8th birthday to you Tessa!  We hope that you had fun shopping at Mastermind Toys and Indigo.  We would love to hear all about the gifts and books that you chose.

You’ve already made this year extra special by reaching out and helping other young kids in need feel better!


For her birthday, Kira got a Best Buy gift card and Cancer Free Kids got $205!

Kira’s 10th Birthday

Meet Kira who turned 10 doing what she loves.  Kira chose to support Cancer Free Kids because she is part of the Kindness and Caring Club at her school and she is always looking for new ways to help others.  Cancer Free Kids is working everyday to eradicate cancer as a life-threatening disease in children by funding promising research that might otherwise go unfunded.
Kira chose her birthday gifts – Best Buy gift cards – because she really loves playing on her iTouch and her Nintendo DS, and now she can get more games.

Kira’s mom Ali had this to share about her special daughter:
“Kira has a heart for children who are ill and she wanted to help in any way she could. I love ECHOage because it is an excellent opportunity to open a child’s eyes to the bigger world. It helps them understand that there are people that need our help and this reiterates to her how blessed she is.  My daughter really wants to help others in need, and this was another great opportunity to share her love for people!”

Happy Birthday Kira from everyone at ECHOage who is watching you lead the way. 


For Zack’s 9th laser tag birthday party, he got an iPod and Jacob’s Ladder got $160.

Zack was passionate about helping Jacob’s Ladder as he has a personal connection to Jacob and wanted to do something to help.

Zack’s 9th birthday party.

Not every nine year old chooses to fund research, awareness, education and treatment for neurodegenerative illnesses.  But this nine year old chose to celebrate his birthday with his friends and make a difference by supporting this tremendous charity’s mission.

We are certainly inspired by Zack, and of course Jacob who has touched the lives of countless people both young – and not so young – with his loving nature and enormous smile. 

Getting an iPod was certainly icing on the cake for Zack.  Nothing like the gift of music and video games to keep a nine year old moving and shaking.

Zack, we thank you for making your Laser Tag birthday party an event that will have lasting impact for Jacob’s Ladder and all of your friends who helped make this birthday party extra special.


For Ethan’s 9th birthday he got an electric scooter and helmet and Autism Speaks got $450!

You spoke Ethan, and your family and friends listened, and took action.  They rallied around and helped you to support a cause near and dear to your heart.  A community united makes for a powerful and memorable birthday party.

Ethan’s birthday party in support of Autism Speaks.

In his own words, Ethan shares his passion for helping to find the missing pieces of the Autistic puzzle…

“I chose to support Autism Speaks because my uncle Matt, who is one of my best friends was born with Autism.  So many kids are born with Autism and I want to help Dr.’s find out why and find a cure.  This was the best party of my life.  All kids should give to a charity.  It felt so good to raise $450.00 and I love my electric scooter!”

Ethan’s ECHOage Award!

Ethan, at nine years of age, you have already made contributions that will last a lifetime.  A loving nephew, a young leader and a creative soul.

The beat goes on thanks to you and your generous spirit.

Enjoy your electric scooter and a giant 9th Happy Birthday to you, Ethan!


For Yo Yo’s 5th Birthday he got MC Hammer Pants, A San Francisco Giants T-Shirt, LEGO and Books for Africa got $300.

Yo Yo’s Hip Hop Hippity Hop 5th birthday was a blast.  A party in the park in support of Books for Africa for this inspiring young little boy.

Happy 5th Birthday to you Yo Yo!

When asked why he chose to support Books for Africa he said,

“ I liked donating to Books for Africa because there are kids who don’t have any books and it made me happy to help kids, like me, get new books.”

Yo Yo’s birthday gift is helping to end the book famine in Africa. 

At age 5 (that’s right, age 5), Yo Yo is spreading importance of literacy.

Because of you Yo Yo, there is a sweet young boy who will be getting the gift of books all because you chose to make a difference at your ECHOage birthday party.

We hope you are dancing around in your MC Hammer pants right now, feeling proud to be a young leader (and reader).

A Hip Hop Happity Birthday to you Yo Yo.


For Abbey’s 6th birthday, she got Monster High toys and Critter Camp got $220!

Abbey with the gifts she chose.

Abbey is from New Jersey and just celebrated her 6th birthday. Her loving mother Michele said it best…So we have to quote her:

“Abbey was so happy to have an ECHOage party. When her dad and I told her about it she gave us a great big YES. Abbey is huge animal lover and picked her charity very easily. She was excited to help Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Every time I told her someone had just RSVP’d to her party, her arms went up in the air and she yelled, “Yeah, I saved an animal.” We are so proud of her as are her friends and family. We hope this wonderful idea spreads to some of her party guests. Her sister Emily’s party coming up this month is also an ECHOage party.  What a wonderful concept.”

Thank you Michele.  And Thank You Abbey.  Many animals, many kids, your friends, your guests and every body at ECHOage thanks you for the wonderful thing you have done.