Grandmother hosts 'community birthday party' for kids who...

Post Reply New Topic

Grandmother hosts 'community birthday party' for kids who don't get invites

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- Sending out birthday invitations is supposed to be an exciting thing, but for some kids and their parents, it can be heartbreaking.

This especially rings true when no one responds or doesn't show up for the party.

A Grand Traverse County grandmother knows the pain and is doing something about it.

"We do a birthday party for unique kids. I call them unique kids because I don't like the name 'special needs', because I think they're unique," explained Ronie Williams.

Ronie's mission began after watching her grandson's heartbreak.

Jacob is on the spectrum, and in the past that has led to some rough birthday parties.

"Special needs or unique kids do not get kids to come to their parties, or they don't get invited to parties," said Ronie. "We decided to get together and throw big parties, and celebrate everybody's birthday, not just Jacob's but everybody's birthday."

So two years ago, Jacob's unique party for anyone unique was held.

That first year 25 kids took part and last year the number doubled.

The third birthday party will be held this Saturday at Blair Township Park.

All ages and all levels of uniqueness are welcome starting at 1 p.m.

Ronie said expect cupcakes and bring swimsuits for the splash pad.

The theme is Spiderman. No gifts are required...