I haven’t been this excited in a while. What about you ask? Today I met to finalize a partnership with Operation Breakthrough, an organization to help children in poverty, right here in Kansas City. They help over 600 children everyday of families that live below the federal poverty guidelines.

Now, if you re-rewind back to 2005, myself and a couple roommates wanted a reason to throw a party — naturally Christmas came to mind as one of our favorite holidays. Approximately 60-70 people attended our first party. Last year we had well over 100+. Every year since 2005 has been a great success. After cleaning up last year, it was unanimously in agreement that we need to turn all of our hard work in to good for others, and raise money to benefit a charity. This year I decided to aim to break new ground and build a foundation for the continual planning of this great party.

**The vision for “The Ugly Sweater Christmas Party” is to become the biggest and best yearly holiday fund raiser in Kansas City.**

That being said, we’ve got a long way to go in becoming the “largest”, but I’ve formed a steering committee of about 10 people who I consider good friends, I trust, that can make this event a success. We want to focus on planning the best party we can this year that is fun and helps a great organization, Operation Breakthrough.

I should note, we decided on Operation Breakthrough because we wanted an organization that wasn’t already highly established and we wanted to keep it local. We could of easily picked Toys 4 Tots, but they already have several large companies helping to their cause. Our benefit is homegrown and requires us to build exposure about our event.  Why not build exposure for a organization that is up-and-coming as well? We think it’s a win-win situation.  Take this into consideration; 49% of Operation Breakthrough’s funds come from private contributions.  In order to survive, they need OUR help. Anything we can do to help contribute to that 49% is considered success.

So, stay tuned — we’re currently working to secure a venue for the party (we’re thinking Levee, John’s Upper Deck, Tower Tavern or Harlings) and a logo and website are coming soon!
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