About Us
Inspired by our calling, we aim:
- to enrich the lives of impoverished children and their families through a "celebration of life" approach
- to increase community awareness
- to help children to grow and learn through mutual support and care
- to be a good neighbor to people in need and to challenge injustice
- to encourage more followers
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on community events, accomplishments, projects and general reporting.
Board Members
Chairwoman, Executive Director- Nicole Thomas
Vice Chair, Director of Community Outreach-
Courtney Parades
Director of Financial Operations (Treasurer)-
Ashley Thiem
Secretary-
Michael Thomas
Director of Family Development and Community Service- Mackall Gantt
Director of Communications- Courtney Morris-West
General Board Member(s)- Michelle Semken (CFO), George Miars
The Birthday Presence Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots effort founded by Nicole Thomas in September 2009.
Through her personal efforts in philanthropy work, Nicole saw a need to help impoverished children on many levels. "A commonality amongst many of the impoverished children that I've met is a low self esteem and low self worth. They just need to be celebrated and inspired. They need to see that their community cares about them and are happy they are alive." Having three children of her own and thinking of the ways that she celebrates their lives, birthdays came to mind. "We make so many special memories on their birthdays. Memories that will last a lifetime. Memories that they will tell their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about. We laugh, we hug, we CELEBRATE." It was then that the idea was sparked.
Talking to friends and those sharing her passion in wanting to help children, many quickly became inspired by the idea and committed their efforts to assist. Thus, the Birthday Presence Foundation was born. "It's not just about the presents. It's about being a presence in a child's life, " one Board member states.
"Not only do we celebrate their lives through our birthday program, we aim to strengthen their families and community through our various other programs, " Nicole states.
Nicole Thomas
Founder
Chairwoman of the Board
