Yes, You’re Invited Inc (Y2I2) has announced its second Community Birthday Bash for July 13, 6pm at the Palm Coast Community Center. Y2I2 sponsors children and young adults who may otherwise not be able to celebrate with friends and throws them an ultimate birthday party. They don’t want anyone to feel left out, so everyone is invited to come celebrate too. The theme for this summer event is Glow Party, with approximately 1000 glow sticks, black lights and more! These events are free to the public, as they do not wish cost to be a hindrance, but any donations are greatly appreciated. Food will be provided with Chick-fil-A Palm Coast donating 400 chicken nuggets and sauce. The organization will also provide cupcakes and snacks.
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.
Y212’s current mission is to throw birthday parties for kids/young adults who otherwise would not have the ability to come together with a group of peers to celebrate their special day. This could be for a number of reasons – be it financial, needing help to build a social group, or other challenges. Although many of our participants have disabilities/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.
Y2I2 held an opening event for the community with a Holiday Party in December based on the same concept of inviting all to come out for a great time. Feedback was positive. The organization has grown quickly with the need being even bigger than first foreseen. The last event sponsored three Special Guests and had approximately 85 attendees. They are expecting an even bigger turnout this weekend to celebrate the five sponsored Special Guests.
Each Special Guest has their own table decorated in a theme specific to their own loves. Although gifts are not the main goal, Y2I2 does provide some special items to make their day even more amazing and has a drive for gift donations from the community. Each also receives their own birthday cake. Most importantly they have the memories of everyone coming together to celebrate them. For many of our Special Guests this may be the only childhood birthday event they have other than possibly a family gathering. Yes You’re Invited Inc strives to leave them with the knowledge that they are important and valued in our community. They help them see they have friends here and build lasting connections. It is more than a birthday party overall. The event leaves a lasting impact for the Special Guests, invitees and parents.
Y2I2 would like to thank their other community sponsors for this event; Congruence Counseling, Santos Group, Cali Collective, LCI Taxes, Realtor Diana Donaldson, From the Heart -New to You, as well as their board members and volunteers for all their support.
Y2I2 will begin accepting applications for Special Guests sponsorships for the Fall big birthday bash after this event. An application can be obtained by following the link to send a message on their website www.y2i2.org or their Facebook group page. Donations can also be made at either of these locations.
Yes, You’re Invited is a 501 (c)(3) Our goal is to bring together “the excluded” to make friends and “be included.”
Y2I2 Mission Statement: IN A SINGLE WORD, INCLUSION. OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE AT YES! YOU’RE INVITED! INC WILL BE TO GIVE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, AND THOSE WHO MAY NOT OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO DUE TO FINANCIAL OR OTHER REASONS, THE CHANCE TO BE INCLUDED. EXAMPLES ARE BEING INVITED, AND ABLE, TO ATTEND A BIRTHDAY PARTY, SPORTING EVENT, OR HOLIDAY EVENT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS BARRIERS TO THOSE WITH DISABILITIES AND/OR WITH FINANCIAL LIMITATIONS, ETC AND IT WILL BE OUR MISSION TO GET THESE INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED!
