BounceU gives sick kids a party

Local party company sets aside money for wishes of children with terminal illnesses.

MIAMI TWP. — Instead of celebrating the start of their company each fall, the owners of BounceU put money saved for their business anniversary toward birthday parties for children with terminal illnesses.

This is BounceU’s second anniversary; it opened in September 2008.

Owners Dejay and Sherri Hahn of Springboro decided to put the anniversary money toward the birthday parties after being contacted by the international nonprofit Chef David’s Kids, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., about the wish of a local teenager who requested a birthday party.

“It’s wonderful,” said Sherri Hahn. “I was so glad about the timing — that it all worked out so well.”

And the birthday party for the recipient does not have to be in the fall, Hahn said, noting the 2011 guest of honor likely will be a girl whose birthday is in February.

This year’s recipient was Benjamin Hadden, 16, of Beavercreek. BounceU hosted a recent party for Benjamin and his siblings, Jonathan, 20, and Kaitlyn, 18, who are also dealing with health issues.

Their mother, Julie Hadden, said the party made a family dream come true and appealed to friends of all ages who attended it.

“I’ve never been able to pay for a birthday party their whole life, and they had 15 friends come. It was awesome,” Hadden said. “They thought it was really cool, the older kids, too. It really is a place for everyone. They had a blast.”

BounceU contributes also to several other charity projects, including the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides help to severely injured military service members.

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