Yard sale raises money for Birthday Project

More than a year ago, Rehoboth resident Susan Rivers found a new retirement niche called the Birthday Project.

The goal is to match a child who is at or below the poverty line with an adult who was born the same day or close to it.

Rivers, who retired to Rehoboth after working in medical sales, said in the Birthday Project's first 17 months, 400 members signed up. “It's a full-time job now,” she said.

By signing up, members commit to remember a child with a gift card or present.

Rivers said she has been touched by the thanks she has received. One group told her they care for students whose birthdays are often left uncelebrated.

Rivers started with $5,000 in seed money, but printing expenses and the cost of maintaining the group's online presence have depleted funds, she said.

A yard sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, will be held at 138 Cornwall Road in Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club to raise funds for the growing Birthday Project.

Rivers said her two-car garage is already full of household items, strollers, DVDs and books.

With money raised from the garage sale, she said, she plans to create an interactive website for members.

Rivers said information on the children is anonymous – a requirement enforced by Megan's Law, which requires a criminal background check for adults interacting with children at school or other programs.

For more information on the Birthday Project, visit thebirthdayprojectinc.org. The group also has a Facebook page at Birthday Project.  

If you go

What: Birthday Project Yard Sale

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28

Where: 138 Cornwall Road, Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club