We are super excited to introduce you to Stephanie Frazier, Founder of The Confetti Foundation. The mission of The Confetti Foundation is to supply birthday parties to children who have to spend their birthday at the hospital, pediatric oncology clinic or hospice facility. The foundation was started with the hope that families will be able to shift their focus from their child’s sickness for just 30 minutes and celebrate. Although the party is not a cure, it will be a welcome distraction and a good reminder that every child deserves to be celebrated. Through the partnership of children’s hospitals, pediatric oncology clinics and pediatric hospice facilities in the United States, The Confetti Foundation’s goal is to provide a themed birthday party, positive memories, and normalcy during a difficult time. 

Stephanie, what were the circumstances that led you to make the decision to pursue The Confetti Foundation‘s mission?

My godson was born 8 weeks premature and during his NICU stay I had learned about a little boy who was celebrating his first birthday. He had spent his entire life in the hospital. Being an event planner, I wanted to know how they were celebrating this important milestone! I was told with a cake and a gift. But what about the decorations? The family and hospital did not have the means to make that purchase. What if this was my godson? How many other children did not have a decorated room on their birthday? I began calling children hospitals around the country asking how they celebrated birthdays, they all responded with….a cake and a gift. I set out to change that, to assure all birthday parties were celebrated with proper decorations to resemble a real party! 

Have you faced any obstacles in pursuing the mission of The Confetti Foundation? If so, how did you overcome them?

Being the first of it’s kind (a non profit that supplies birthday parties to hospitalized children) we do not fit into a category for grants. So in the beginning I was naive and thought non-profits apply for grants and they are given. Not true! I had to seek other funding to support this worthy mission. I built a community that believes birthdays should be celebrated, especially when you are sick. Happiness aids the healing process. 

What organizational structure have you needed to put into place to be able to make The Confetti Foundation a reality? What resources, financial and otherwise, have you needed to secure in order to make sure it is something that is sustainable?

When starting a nonprofit, you have to build a great board. People who will challenge your decisions and support the mission 100%. A strong business background also helped to gain funding. You also have to be relatable, if you do not believe in your mission no one else will either. 

Even amidst the COVID pandemic, you managed to pass 10,000 birthday celebrations in September 2020. And you have a goal to supply 3000 birthdays annually. What challenges do you face in reaching your goals and how can people help in their communities?

The challenge during the pandemic is our giving has tripled but our funding & volunteers have been minimal. Being a 100% volunteer based organization, I depended so much on others to pack the boxes and help make birthday cards and birthday banners. On March 13th, I closed to office to any outside volunteers and continued to this day to pack all of the boxes myself to assure safety and quality of our birthday boxes. How to help the most is to donate party supplies, sponsor a birthday party or make birthday banners. I can’t wait to be able to allow visitors back in! 

Was advocacy and driving change always something that was a key part of who you are?

Yes! I have always been a “doer”. Any way that I can help and make a situation better, I will. 

Many people may want to advocate but do not know where to start. Or they may think that one person cannot cause real change. Do you have any suggestions for people who may want to be advocates but do not know where to begin?  

What are your talents? Do you know how to draw….make cards for the elderly. Do you love baseball….coach a little league team.  Love animals….volunteer at your local shelter. Love social media….share a non profits post to your followers. There are SO many ways to give back. Volunteering should not be a an obligation. It should be something you enjoy doing! 

You can follow The Confetti Foundation on Facebook and Instagram. Volunteer opportunities may be found here. Donations can be made here.