Can you share the inspiration behind starting It's My Party?
I started It's My Party Modiin in 2014. I've always loved celebrating my kids' birthdays, and after making Aliyah in 2010, I noticed how stressful birthdays were for me here in Israel. I wanted to create a business that would make it easier for parents to celebrate their child's or anyone's special day! Over the years, we expanded to include balloons and event planning. It's been so special being a part of countless special occasions for so many people! It's My Party is centered around bringing happiness, joy, and exactly that—smiles to people. My goal has always been for people to enjoy the special milestones in their lives and with their loved ones.
How did the collaboration with Smiles for the Kids come about? In what ways have your events contributed to supporting children and families affected by the war?
When the war hit, my business went from very successful to nothing overnight. After 11 years of building my business, October was supposed to be my best month yet, and in one day, everything was canceled. I also started receiving many requests from America about donating to my business to help with evacuees and whoever could benefit. As a small business owner, I did not want to turn my business into a charity. Additionally, many Americans were asking for tax-deductible donations and where they should send them. That's when I bumped into Aron, and he told me he had opened a nonprofit organization, and I could send donations to him and, on top of that, start working with him! It was perfect for me and an answer to everything I needed and wanted to do. I could make army families, evacuees, and whole communities happy with my business and just send all donations to Smiles for the Kids, allowing me to grow with the organization. The impact we have been able to have on so many children and families is hard to express in words. Smiles for the Kids has not only saved my business and many others but has given me a purpose and a reason to keep going during this historically difficult time. The thanks, hugs, and never-ending love we are getting from these communities and people heavily affected by the war, as well as the connections we are making, have given all of us the strength to keep going.
What challenges have you faced while organizing events during these times, and how have you overcome them?
When the war hit, all celebrating stopped. Only around a month ago, people started to try and reschedule their events. My business relies on people being able to plan in advance—now it's very hard because we don't know what we will wake up to each day, emotionally and physically. I cope by taking it day by day with my clients. We plan and think positively, understanding that we are in this together. That's how we get through, with understanding and allowing for some grace in everything.
What keeps you motivated to continue creating joyous experiences for others, especially in light of recent global challenges?
The reactions I get when I deliver an activity for a family who hasn't seen their dad/husband in months are priceless. The reactions when we show up in a community of traumatized or evacuated people and just show them love and support by giving them a fun few hours are indescribable.
How can our readers get involved or support It's My Party and Smiles for the Kids?
Supporting Smiles for the Kids also supports It's My Party. I have directed any donations that people want to send my business exclusively through Smiles for the Kids for whatever is needed, from activities for army families to community carnivals and BBQing for soldiers. I see the impact we are having on the war effort, and Smiles for the Kids is now my passion. Supporting them is supporting me and vice versa—so please send any donations directly to Smiles :)