Bingo Fundraiser

Raina Hirschhorn, 23, opened Raina’s Place, a private party venue in Woodbury, in 2010. By having her own business, she helps other people make wonderful memories.  Unfortunately, there are children who are not so fortunate. Instead of worrying where to have their birthday party and whom to invite, they are worrying where they will live and what they will eat. She created Stone Soup Parties, a 501©3 not for profit charity, to give these children one day of the year to make them feel special, give them hope and to let them know that somebody cares.

Stone Soup Parties’ mission is to provide birthday parties to underprivileged and homeless children in New York as no cost to the family. The party will afford each child a special time to celebrate their birthday where these children typically would not otherwise be able to have a birthday party. The charity is founded on the basic principle that all children should have a joyful birthday, surrounded by family and friends, and to let them know that their births meant something.

On March 31, 2012, Stone Soup Parties hosted their first party at Raina’s Place for Matthew, the son of Gloria and Tim Costello, who adopted 12 children with special needs. Matthew, obsessed with Mickey Mouse and the gang, had a fun filled day including a visit from Mickey Mouse himself, face painting, balloon animals, cotton candy, hair braids and more!

After the party, Hirschhorn received a touching email from Gloria saying, “Thank you will never be enough. Sarah [one of her other children] said, "The Costellos are so lucky!" How wonderful that they feel that way. It was more than I ever expected it could be. I pray we cross paths again, you are a true inspiration. God Bless and love from all the Costellos”

The name “Stone Soup Parties” was inspired by the old folk story “Stone Soup” with the important moral of the story that by working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good is achieved. Balloons a la Mode was generous enough to dazzle the place in magical Mickey fashion and Yama (LiberianWoman.net) graciously did the girl’s hair braids. Franks Gourmet Pizza provided the food, and Professional Kids Entertainment entertained the children.

Stone Soup Parties will be hosting a Bingo Fundraiser on Friday, April 20, 2012. This event will include Bingo for great prizes, dinner, and dessert. They are requesting prize donations and gift certificates for this event from local businesses

For more information, to donate to this wonderful cause, or to nominate a deserving child, please visit www.StoneSoupParties.org.