- April 28, 2024
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After a successful opening event in December, Yes You’re Invited Inc. (Y2I2) has announced its first Community Birthday Bash to be held 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at the Palm Coast Community Center.
The non-profit Y2I2 was formed last year after the Kocher family saw a need for various groups of children and young adults to be included in social events, according to a press release.
Y212's current mission is to throw birthday parties for kids and young adults who otherwise would not have the ability to come together with a group of peers to celebrate their special day. Although many of Y212’s participants have disabilities or special needs, that is not a requirement.
“We want to help children and young adults in our community feel accepted and make friends in an environment supporting inclusion,” Rosanne Kocher said.
Y2I2 held an opening event for the community with a Holiday Party in December.
The idea came from the Kochers’ 10-year-old daughter, Annabelle, after her own birthday party included many new friends with unique challenges. She said, “I wish we could do that all the time.” So her parents, Chris and Rosanne said, “Why can’t we?”
At the time, Annabelle was participating in the Penguin Project, an organization that pairs participants with disabilities with non-disabled peers to produce theater productions. The Flagler Playhouse, a Penguin Project chapter, presented the play, “Annie Jr.”
Here, she met new friends to invite to her party. The Penguin Project was a large group, but the family didn’t want anyone to feel left out. She she also invited friends from Vincent’s Clubhouse, a local organization that supports children and young adults those with autism.
The party had a great turnout. The diversity in the room was apparent: blindness, Downs syndrome, autism, invisible disabilities and non-disabled peers. There was karaoke. One non-verbal girl sang with a friend in her own unique way. Others danced together. There was encouragement, excitement, happiness, and, most importantly, inclusion. In Annabelle’s words: “It was the best party ever!”
This inclusion is Y2I2’s goal for each party going forward. The first Birthday Bash will celebrate four special guests, who have birthdays this quarter. Those who may not otherwise be invited and included are also invited. It’s an open guest list for all to come and have a great time. The party will include music, subs and cake, a small egg hunt, social activities, mad libs, jokes that party goers can pick and tell and birthday card making stations.
Y2I2 is accepting applications for those with summer birthdays for the summer party. Go to www.y2i2.org or their Facebook page. Donations can also be made at either site.
