Our Mission
At the Cortesano Foundation, our mission is to bring joy, dignity, and celebration into the lives of underprivileged children, one birthday at a time. We believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved. Through meaningful experiences and community-driven events, we transform ordinary moments into lasting memories that inspire hope and belonging.
A Growing Crisis of Displacement
Across the United States, over 2.5 million children are currently living in shelters. For many families, soaring rent prices have made housing unaffordable. Others have been derailed by unexpected illness or caregiving responsibilities, forcing difficult choices between shelter and survival. Though their stay in a shelter may be temporary, we aim to bring consistency and care to their everyday lives, ensuring that meaningful milestones, like birthdays, are never overlooked.
Think Back to Your Birthday
Did you mark the days on a calendar? Maybe you celebrated all month long, filled with excitement, laughter, and a few too many sweets. The build-up, the surprise, the feeling of being seen, birthdays are magical. We believe every child deserves that same joyful experience, no matter their life situation.
Donate
Your gift helps bring joy to a child on their birthday. Each donation provides age-appropriate games, activities, decorations, and more... thoughtfully packaged in a “Birthday in a Bag” and delivered to a child experiencing homelessness.
Volunteer
Grab your party hat - it’s time to spread joy! Sign up to help bring birthday magic to a child near you. We’re always looking for birthday enthusiasts to help make these celebrations special. If we’re not in your area yet, consider rallying your community to support a child in need nearby.
Advocate
Raise your voice and help us spread the joy! The more birthday enthusiasts we have, the more children we can celebrate. Every child deserves to feel seen, special, and sung to on their big day.