[Photo credit: Foster Love]
“For many children in foster care, birthdays can be just another day, often spent apart from their siblings,” said Gianna Mulkay, Executive Director of Foster Love. “Birthday Palooza changes that by creating a space where these children can reunite, have fun, make memories, and celebrate their special day surrounded by love and support.”
Lisa Clements, CEO of Kidspace Children’s Museum, emphasized the importance of these connections, stating, “Being separated from siblings can be a lonely and upsetting experience for children in the foster system. It seems like such a small thing for kids to be able to celebrate milestones like birthdays together, have time to play and be silly, and take pictures with their siblings, but these simple, special moments can help children feel connected, safe, and loved.”
This year’s pirate-themed celebration will feature a variety of activities including swashbuckling games, treasure hunts, and “The Salty Sea Monkey disco, where you can dance ’til you need peg legs.” Attendees will also enjoy “Piratey photo ops – BYO parrot or use one of ours,” “A treasure trove of free grub, so you can save your doubloons,” personalized birthday gifts described as “Personalized birthday booty for each child in attendance,” “A bounty of delicious treats and birthday surprises,” and special guest appearances.
The Birthday Palooza represents part of a broader commitment by Kidspace Children’s Museum to support foster youth and families. The museum was recently named FosterMorey Organization of the Year for initiatives including hosting free admission for Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) family visitations and CASA volunteers with the youth they support, creating a magical Halloween celebration for 100 foster families, hosting the DCFS summer playdate and inviting all the foster families in LA County to play, providing internships and employment opportunities for former foster youth, featuring children in need of adoptive families on Fox-11’s Wednesday’s Child segment, and supporting foster families as an official Foster Care Friendly Workplace.
The event is made possible through donations, volunteers, and community partners dedicated to celebrating childhood and creating meaningful experiences for children in the foster care system.
Foster Love is a national nonprofit organization that provides essential resources, experiences, and advocacy for children in foster care. Through community-driven initiatives, Foster Love creates opportunities for youth to feel supported, valued, and empowered. Kidspace Children’s Museum, located in Pasadena, California, is a nonprofit museum designed to inspire children to explore, create, and learn through play with immersive exhibits, hands-on programs, and interactive experiences that foster curiosity and connection.
For logos and high-resolution photos, a press kit is available. For more information, contact Sara Jennings at (626) 243-4581 or sjennings@kidspacemuseum.org.
