need some wording help

Kaitlin'smom wrote: okay I dont have the date yet but Kaitlin had decided on her birthday party (I know I am late but it wont happen till Jan anyway so I think I have time) so anyway we talked and she like my suggestion that instead of her friend bringing gifts she woudl ask for monatry donation and then all we collect would be donated to the charity of her choise (she has it narrowed down but not sure yet). I am now tring to come up with simple but effective wording to add to the invites I was thinking

Come join Kaitlin for ______ fun as she celebrates her birthday. Kaitlin askes that in leiu of gifs monatry donation be brought, does not matter the ammount. Kaitlin woudl like to take all the donations and donate it, she knows she is lucky and has alot and wants to give back.

something is off in that any suggestions?

A&A'smommy replied: I think thats really cute and a great idea!!! I may have to steal your idea next year!!

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Sounds good!

It's lieu, though. Typo? lol

grandma replied:
Wouldn't it be better if Kaitlin took the 'gifts of money' and donated it to her favorite chairty in her and her guests names?

Calimama replied: What about...


Come join Kaitlyn for tons of fun as she celebrates (or as we celebrate) her 5th (insert her age lol) birthday! Kaitlyn asks that in lieu of presents, monetary donations be brought so she can donate to those children less fortunate and give back to her community!

Kaitlin'smom replied:
ooohhh thats good, still missing something...........but deffinalty sounds better than what I had

Calimama replied:
Like an ending? I was kinda thinking it was missing something too.. I'll think about it for a bit.

Calimama replied: Come join Kaitlyn for tons of fun as we celebrate her upcoming birthday! Kaitlyn asks that in lieu of presents, monetary donations be brought (or be given if you like that wording better) so she can donate to those children less fortunate, and give back to the community. We look forward to seeing you there, and having all of you help us celebrate as she hits the next milestone in her life, five years old!!

Is that cheesy? Sorry, I just woke up.

Kentuckychick replied: I would go with something along the lines of;

We would love for you to join in the fun at Kaitlyn's upcoming (insert age) birthday party! Kaitlyn has decided to do something special this year so we ask that in lieu of any gifts, monetary donations be brought in a sealed envelope so that Kaitlyn can give back to her community through the charity of her choice. We feel so lucky and blessed by our daughter and look forward to seeing all of you there to share in this experience!


The envelope bit was just an idea that can be left in or taken out -- I think this is best to allow parents/family members to donate without feeling like it has to be a "big deal" if they can't afford too much or want to put in a little more. Kaitlyn can either open the envelopes after everyone has left or you can leave them sealed and give them to the charity that way.

Good Luck!

msoulz replied: Perhaps ask the guests to not bring a gift but rather make a donation themselves to a charity? Or give them the option - donate themselves or bring their donation and Kaitlyn will gather the gifts and make one donation to her favorite charity. That way if anyone is at all uncomfortable about the amount they would give they don't have to give it to you but hopefully will choose a charity.

Edited to add I would specify the charity too. People are really funny about where their money goes.

That is such a great thing Kaitlyn is doing!!

redchief replied:
Come join Kaitlin for ______ fun as she celebrates her birthday. Kaitlin asks that instead of gifts a monetary donation be brought (for "named charity"). Please place your gift in an unmarked envelope (no donation at all is necessary). Kaitlin would like to take all of the donations (to "named charity") the day after the party. She knows she is lucky and has a lot and her #1 Birthday Wish to give to those who are in need.

I really think you should name the charity in the invitation, mainly because people can be mean... sad but true. I can almost hear the echoes of, "She just doesn't want to have to worry about returning gifts she doesn't like!" and, "How greedy. She's probably going to keep all of the money for herself." I know this sounds ugly, Di, but I also know people will say just those kinds of things.

Kaitlin'smom replied: thanks everyone for you suggestions. I do plan on naming the charity she is just deciding which one she likes best. I deffinalty like the idea of it being in a blank envelope cause I dont care if people can only give $1 its better than giving her things she does not need and will either be gotten rid of or collect dust. Then I was thinking I could get a picture of her donating it and putting that in the thank you's

Calimama replied:
That's a great idea!

My2Beauties replied: Awww that's so sweet of Kaitlin! What a big girl! I like the other suggestions, just be careful on typos

monetary
lieu

I think those are the only 2 I saw

Kaitlin'smom replied:
yep spell check hopefully will get those

redchief replied:
I agree! That's one awfully grown up young lady you have there, Di.

Kaitlin'smom replied:
thank you

grandma replied:
I don't know any four year old's like that

Kaitlin'smom replied:
she will be 5 and VERY(not to toot our horns) smart. Plus it helps we have already involved her in a fundraising benifit for the sitter who son is very sick, she loved helping and asked what more we can do to help others.

grandma replied:
Toot away