WHO WE ARE

OUR TEAM

JULIA WARREN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

When Julia Warren was 16, she experienced a profound moment that changed the trajectory of her life. After asking a child she was tutoring how old he was and when he was born - she was met with a simple yet stunning response: “I don’t know. I think I was born when it was cold out.” After grappling with how a child could not know something as simple as their birthday, Julia founded the non-profit, Celebrate RVA, in January of 2013.

She currently serves as the Executive Director and is a firm believer in the power of a celebration and how joy can impact a child’s heart. Passionate about creating meaningful impact, Julia also works closely with corporate and small business sponsors to help create a culture of community giving and philanthropy. She was named one of The Prospect’s 20 Under 20, The Law Firm of Allen & Allen’s 2015 Hometown Heroes, and Richmond Inno’s Top 25 under 25.

Paige sigler | program DIRECTOR

Paige is a party enthusiast with an extensive background in early childhood development. Originally from Lynchburg, Virginia, Paige moved to Richmond shortly after earning a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. She has spent the past ten years working with children in various roles. From teaching to coaching, mentoring to tutoring there is no hat she hasn’t worn while serving kids! Eager to give back to the community and make a lasting impact on today’s youth, she followed the confetti trail right to Celebrate RVA!

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Celebrate RVA volunteers bring cheery attitudes and help us set up, break down and participate in all the fun activities from balloon animals to potato sack races. Volunteers sing Happy Birthday, make a gift bag and decorate party hats with the kids!

Let's Party!

“This was the best birthday because I got to celebrate with you and all my friends. When I blew out my candle I wished for more birthdays.”

- Shonique

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Tyler Watkins, WestRock

Vice President, Finance Committee Chair

James Barber IV, Raymond James

Secretary of the Board

Kelsey Leavey, The Hodges Partnership

Board Member

C. Stinson Mundy, Esq., Linden Legal Strategies

Mary Cabell Sulc, Troutman Sanders LLP

JUNIOR BOARD

Chair

Loren Phillips, Capital One

Board Liaison

Caroline Logan, Virginia Tourism Corporation

BOARD MEMBER

Chelsea Moring, Illumination Events Studio

Christina Dick, TFB Agency

Ashley Young, Whittington Consulting

OUR PARTNERS

We are committed to reaching children wherever they may be. Our partnerships include Richmond Public Schools, Henrico Public Schools, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, Safe Harbor, The Salvation Army, and more!

Richmond Public Schools/Henrico Public Schools

We work together with both school districts to throw monthly birthday celebrations. This partnership gives our organization the opportunity celebrate over 960 children in the two school systems.

Real Life

Real Life allows us to celebrate children of individuals who have been incarcerated or are actively working towards addiction recovery.

Ronald McDonald House

We partner with the Ronald McDonald House to make sure any child that comes to VCU Health through World Pediatric receives a birthday party. These events are integral to establishing normalcy in a foreign place and giving the child a safe place to experience joy and love.

Childhood Cancer Foundation

Twice a year, we host a birthday party for survivors who are in remission, but are facing a new battle: the struggle to get back to a normal life. Our goal is to play a small part in relieving the stress of readjustment.

Safe Harbor

In Richmond, many children are displaced from their homes. These families find sanctuary at the Safe Harbor Human Trafficking Shelter. We partner with Safe Harbor to celebrate the birthdays of 10-15 kids each year.

The Doorways

Formerly Hospital Hospitality House, we celebrate children who are either receiving treatment at VCU Health or are accompanying a parent or guardian for their treatment.

The Salvation Army

With this partnership we strive to give mothers and their family all that they need to create joyful memories and allow them to execute the party as they see fit. We bring in all that is needed for activities and games, food and presents.