rescue_mission.gifMiami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach — With the help of countless volunteers, donors and supporters, the Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers hosted a “Gigantic Birthday Party” for more than 1,200 homeless and needy individuals who otherwise would not have had a birthday celebration.

“Something like this Gigantic Birthday Party sounds so simple until you are here, until you know what it means and how much everyone here at the Miami Rescue Mission cares for you,” said Jared, who has been homeless for two years. “I never thought I would be brought to tears by just blowing out candles…but here I am and those tears are real.”

Attendees at the three campuses in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach were treated to a wonderful meal, birthday cake and cupcakes, live entertainment as well as birthday gifts.

With such sponsors as Chick-Fil-A, Jesus Team Ministries, The Hackett Group, Jerry & Carol DeMott and many others, the homeless and needy persons were able to enjoy their birthday celebration regardless of their birth date.

The Miami Rescue Mission centers provide food, shelter, clothing, education, job training, spiritual direction and longterm rehabilitation programs in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano to nearly 1,000 homeless on a daily basis. The mission also has at-risk, after-school and summer day camp youth programs.

The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization started reaching out to the homeless in Broward County in 1992; in 1997 the Broward Outreach Center in Hollywood was opened.; and in 2002 the Broward Outreach Center in Pompano Beach was opened to serve the homeless in the north end of Broward. 

“The homeless people living on the streets usually never have a chance to celebrate their birthdays,” said Marilyn Brummitt, Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers director of development, “so we love to bring them together and let them celebrate at a special party created just for them.

No matter when their birthday is, they were able to celebrate their special day with us at our Gigantic Birthday Bash Party. This is just another way to show them that they are not forgotten and they can get help off the streets.”