Beginning this month, children living at the Westhab Homeless Shelter in Mount Vernon can look forward to monthly birthday parties thanks to New Rochelle resident Julie Latz and her new organization, “We Celebrate You.” Latz’ volunteer program arranges 90-minute birthday parties onsite at the shelter, including new, unopened birthday gifts for all children at the shelter celebrating their birthday that month; as well as entertainment, cake, pizza, party favors and books for all of the children who attend the party.
“Children who live in a homeless shelter often miss out on things that many of us take for granted,” said Latz. “We Celebrate You ensures these youngsters won’t miss out on their own birthday. My goal is for children – regardless of their circumstances – to have something to look forward to, through community, activity, and most importantly fun. I recall having the most wonderful memories of my own birthday parties as a child, and I am excited to help children at the shelter create their own special memories. It’s important that these children feel seen and know that their birthdays matter.”
The first party will take place Jan. 25, featuring entertainment from Larchmont’s Plaster Palace Pottery and face painter Emma Wasserman of Chappaqua, a cake from Sam’s Club in Elmsford, pizza from Deanna’s Pizzeria in New Rochelle, and party supplies from Verry Velma Party Supplies in Mount Vernon.
For future parties, We Celebrate You seeks local residents and businesses willing to donate birthday cake, pizza and beverages, entertainment (clowns, magicians, face painters, balloon artists, etc.); party goods such as plates, cups, cutlery and decorations; and monetary donations or gift cards for any of the above categories, or to go toward gifts to be given to the children celebrating their birthdays.
Parties will be staffed by Westhab Homeless Shelter’s team members. To donate services or if you have questions, email Julie Latz at wecelebrateyou1@gmail.com.
