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Paige Chenault
Founder at The Birthday Party Project
Paige Chenault is the founder and CEO of The Birthday Party Project, a nonprofit organization that throws birthday parties for children experiencing homelessness.1 Her journey to creating this impactful organization is both inspiring and unique.
Background and Career
Before founding The Birthday Party Project, Paige Chenault was a successful event planner. In 2005, she started her own company called Paige Chenault Events, where she organized high-end weddings and events.2 Her expertise in creating memorable experiences for clients would later become the foundation for her nonprofit work.
The Birth of The Birthday Party Project
The idea for The Birthday Party Project came to Paige during a pivotal moment on an airplane. While reading a magazine article about children's birthday parties and planning her own daughter's celebration, she had a realization. This epiphany led her to consider how she could use her party planning skills to make a difference in the lives of children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays.1
Impact and Achievements
Under Paige's leadership, The Birthday Party Project has achieved remarkable success:
- Celebrated 10,000 children's birthdays in eight years
- Impacted a total of 50,000 children through these celebrations
- Engaged 38,000 volunteers, whom they call "birthday enthusiasts"
- Partners with homeless and transitional living facilities to host parties1
Vision and Future Goals
Paige's vision for The Birthday Party Project extends beyond its current achievements. She dreams of:
- Celebrating every child in America
- Expanding the project internationally
- Creating larger-than-life experiences for children, such as trips to Disneyland or movie lots
- Partnering with people who share her big dreams and vision1
Paige Chenault's work with The Birthday Party Project demonstrates how one person's skills and passion can be channeled into creating joy and positive experiences for children facing challenging circumstances. Her innovative approach to addressing a often-overlooked aspect of childhood has made a significant impact on thousands of lives.