MIAMI – As a homeless man, Scott couldn’t remember the last time he celebrated his birthday.
But his heart is now flooded with happy memories thanks to The Caring Place.
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“This is the first time in years I’ve felt like I mattered,” said Scott. “Today gave me hope again.”
This week, the faith-based organization hosted simultaneous birthday parties for hundreds of homeless men, women and children who reside or receive services at its two centers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
“This celebration gives us the chance to say, ‘You are seen. You are loved. Your life has value,’” said Antonio Villasuso, President of The Caring Place. “It’s a moment of joy but also a door to deeper change.”
Dubbed the “Bombastic Birthday Party,” the dual events featured festive decorations, food, music and hundreds of cupcakes topped with candles. The honored guests received basic hygiene essentials along with new clothing, haircuts, handmade cards and other thoughtful gifts.
Local pastors and chaplains shared inspiring messages before the familiar “Happy Birthday” song was sung with joy and candles were blown.
“Events like this open the way for people to discover new possibilities, and we’ve seen that hope become reality,” added Villasuso. “Lives are being rebuilt, one step at a time.”
The cherished tradition began in 2006 when The Caring Place’s Vice President of Community Development and Major Donors, Marilyn Brummit, saw the need to honor those too often forgotten.
“We want to celebrate the birthdays of those in our community who may feel invisible,” said Brummit. “It’s about more than just cake and candles, it’s about reminding them that they are loved, remembered, and that there is help and hope available.”
To learn more about The Caring Place or to make a donation in support of life-changing events like the Bombastic Birthday Party, visit: www.caringplace.org/birthday
