Every child deserves a birthday party to remember. Thanks to a new local nonprofit organization called Little Dreamer Inc., now that can happen for one deserving student attending District 200 or St. Anne schools. Pictured above are members of the Little Dreamer’s junior board, from left: Sarah Morin, Jayne Bauer, Ellery Sterling, Megan Miller, Gabby Cossio, and (front center) Ava Currie. Karlie Kotel is on the board but not shown in this photo.
Barrington teenager Ava Currie never had to worry about her birthday party. The daughter of Barrington event-planner Christina Currie, the 17-year-old grew up with festive celebrations that included balloons, entertainment, and a cake to share with her friends. Themes were centered around a sport or hobby that mattered to her during that moment in her life.
It’s one of the small things some of us take for granted, but for many kids, it’s not something they can always count on. And
it’s for this reason that Ava is working with her mother to found Little Dreamer Inc.—a nonprofit entity centered around providing a personalized birthday party to deserving students who attend District 200 and St. Anne Elementary School.
“We believe that every child should experience at least one special birthday party in their youth,” says Christina, explaining
that the goal is to throw an annual party which falls within the school year calendar for a deserving child who “dreams big.”
“We are shooting for the stars, one cupcake at a time.”
To qualify for the Little Dreamer party, students must demonstrate a commitment to their education and home life. The application process will give them an opportunity to tell their story and be rewarded for their hard work.
Ava’s role is to lead the junior board at Barrington High School. Members of the board will share the news and encourage the
younger students to apply.
“I am personally hoping for 20 to 25 applicants,” Christina says. “It will be a hard decision. We anticipate that each child’s story will touch our hearts.”
And while children’s birthday parties can get expensive, she says it’s not about extravagance. It’s about making personalized
memories.
“One of the favorite parties I threw for my children was my daughter Rachel’s 12th birthday party,” she says. “The kids went
apple picking in our neighborhood and then made homemade apple cider. The kids also picked up all the rotten apples on the
ground for the homeowner that graciously let the girls pick apples, and afterwards made apple sauce and decorated pumpkins.”
To be considered for a dream birthday party, applicants must include a 150 to 300-word essay on why they feel they or their
Little Dreamer should be granted a birthday party and a 100-word essay describing the perfect party.
For applications, rules, and regulations, visit littledreamer.org. To sponsor a child’s party with Little Dreamer, contact Christina Currie at 224-558-1764.