Funds raised go directly to the Stork Fund, which supports newborn medicine at the Brigham, benefiting our smallest and most vulnerable patients. This includes areas such as the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), fetal cardiac surgery, high-risk obstetrics, and educational materials for expecting parents.

Welcoming almost 8,000 babies per year, the Brigham is the birthing destination for families in Boston and beyond. By organizing a birthday party with purpose instead of, or in addition to, a traditional one, you can honor your child’s special day while giving back.

When you pledge to support the Brigham by hosting a birthday party with purpose, we will send out a birthday party box that includes a Brigham bear, birthday banner, party favors, and branded thank you cards.

Here are some tips to help you spread the word:

Our team will help you set up your personal fundraising page on TeamRaiser. TeamRaiser will allow you to customize your fundraising page with pictures and text of your choice! When you create your print or digital invitation, be sure to include your fundraising page. Need a shorter URL? Free services like bitly.com or ow.ly will create one for you.

Use the Brigham Parties with Purpose logo and customizable invitation, which can be emailed or printed (download the invitation, download the logo).

Email your extended network and share that your child’s birthday will be celebrated this year by giving back and helping all babies born at the Brigham have the best possible chance for a healthy life. Note that, even if people cannot attend the actual birthday party, they can make a gift of any amount in your child’s honor directly to your personal fundraising page.

Ask, ask, and ask again. Generally, it takes three “asks” before a person responds with a donation. So, if someone does not respond to an email, it does not mean no! Plan to reach out to your network several times.

Use social media, as described in the section that follows.

Post on Facebook:

• First, make sure to “Like” the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Facebook page.

When posting on your own page, tag the Brigham in the message by typing @BrighamandWomensHospital.

• For example: Hard to believe Michael is turning 2 next month! Our house is full of more trucks, puzzles and books it can hold, so instead of birthday gifts, we are giving back to @BrighamandWomensHospital. Please celebrate with us by making a donation in Michael’s honor.

• Include link to your TeamRaiser fundraising page.

Post on Twitter:

• “Follow” the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Twitter page

• Tweet a message about your child’s birthday and include the Brigham’s Twitter handle: @BrighamWomens. For example: For Michael’s 2nd birthday, we are giving back to @BrighamandWomens! Join us by making a gift in his honor.

• Include a link to your TeamRaiser fundraising page.

Encourage sharing:

• Ask your friends and family to share your Facebook posts or retweet your Twitter messages.

Acknowledge gifts:

• Send a tweet or updated Facebook status to thank people when they make a donation.

• For example: Thank you, @AdrienneRoss, for your donation in honor of Michael’s 2nd birthday in support of @BrighamandWomensHospital! Maybe he will share some cake with you!

Use pictures:

• • Everyone loves photos, and they get the most attention in busy newsfeeds. Who can resist a cute baby picture?

• • For example: This big guy is celebrating his 2nd birthday in the best way: by giving back to help other babies. Keep Michael smiling by making a donation! #BWHpartieswithpurpose @BrighamandWomensHospital

Donations may be made online or offline, by credit card, personal check, or cash.

• Online donations are any donations made online through your TeamRaiser fundraising page. If someone wishes to make a birthday gift online, direct them to your fundraising page and the gift will be reflected on your page in real time.
• Offline donations include personal or cashier’s checks (made out to Brigham and Women’s Hospital). The Brigham cannot accept checks made payable to the child or parents organizing the party. Party hosts are asked to mail checks payable to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, with the birthday party honoree’s name listed on the memo line, to:

Brigham Development Office
Attn: Brigham Parties with Purpose Program
263 Huntington Ave #318, Boston, MA 02115

Note: Our team will add offline gifts to your TeamRaiser page once checks are received in our office. This will allow your network to see the total amount of dollars raised in honor of your child’s birthday.

Thank you cards are included in the birthday box, and we encourage you to write personal notes to your friends and family. Shout-outs on social media also work well. Either way, please do reach out with a thank you message, and remember to add a personal touch.

Donors will also receive an acknowledgment letter and tax receipt for donations from the Brigham Development Office.

Party hosts are encouraged to use the Brigham Parties with Purpose graphic identity, which notes “benefiting Brigham and Women’s Hospital.” (Download the logo)