What is the Chai Lifeline Buchman Birthday Initiative?
The Chai Lifeline Buchman Birthday Initiative takes Chai Lifeline's children's birthdays to the next level. This program ensures that families receive much-need emotional and tangible support by making birthdays memorable and fun. Cakes, balloons, gifts and special experiences delivered in distinctive Chai Lifeline fashion enables children and their families to find joy and happiness even when adversity threatens.
The Initiative provides an avenue for individuals to sponsor a birthday in honor of their own, their child's, or someone else's birthday or special occasion, as well as to sponsor a bar or bat mitzvah to commemorate the momentous day. The Initiative also provides an opportunity to set up a campaign to allow other to donate to the Birthday Initiative in lieu of gifts.
The Buchman Birthday Initiative was launched by Jenny and Moshe Buchman in conjunction with the Chai Lifeline West Coast Los Angeles 2018 Gala in hopes that it would help reduce the isolation that too often accompanies pediatric illness and bring joy to children and their families when most needed. This program now touches the lives of hundreds of children annually.
How can I participate in the Birthday Initiative?
It is easy to help bring joy to a Chai Lifeline child on their special day. You can directly sponsor a birthday with the option to designate it in honor of someone (click here). Or, you can host your own birthday campaign and raise funds for a birthday - consider asking your friends to contribute to a campaign in lieu of receiving birthday gifts (click here).
How do I notify someone about a birthday I sponsored in their honor?
On the donation page, there is a "notify someone" option. Simply include the email address (or mailing address) of the recipient and a custom message. An email will be generated and immediately sent to them. If you want to make a donation in advance and have a notice sent out at a later date, please contact the Chai Lifeline office at 310-274-6331.
Can I pick a specific date to sponsor? Will I be informed about whose birthday I sponsored? Can I participate in the birthday I sponsor?
Please provide us with a specific birth-date you are sponsoring in honor of. Unfortunately, due to confidentiality as well as logistical challenges with coordinating birthday celebrations for sick children, your donation will sponsor a birthday during the month you selected (not the specific date). Additionally, we are unable to provide you details about the specific birthday celebration. However, please check our social media accounts and Photos section on this website to see the birthday celebrations that are taking place - you will see the joy on the children's faces!
What other services does Chai Lifeline offer? How else can I get involved?
You can learn more about Chai Lifeline's West Coast office here or call 310-274-6331. We are always here ready to help those that need our services, and can always use more volunteers and donors.
