Bella's Birthday Beauty

My daughter, Isabella, turns 8 in a week. Did I really just type that sentence?!?!
Every year we do something special for her birthday. Isabella has been blessed with a very large and generous family. So, every year we try to focus on giving instead of receiving. Her birthday is a great time of year to do this. For the past few years, we've picked a special organization and, instead of birthday gifts, we've asked family and friends for donations. Twice she has chosen to donate toys and craft supplies to kids at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and last year we collected supplies for the Stray Animal Adoption Program (SAAP). It's been a fun tradition so far, and Isabella never ceases to amaze me with her giving spirit.
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Last year, as her birthday party was coming to an end, I asked her if she had a good time. She said, "Yea. I already know what I want to donate to next year." She said she wanted to help endangered animals. The fact that she thought of this all on her own, and that she has since not forgotten, is so wonderful to me.

We are an animal-loving family. Isabella has already grown up with a strong understanding of how important wildlife is to our environment. She has learned a lot just from her inquisitive nature, but also from places like the Cincinnati Zoo. We LOVE the zoo! Not only is the zoo a fun atmosphere and great form of exercise (that hill by the bears always gets me), but it's also filled with knowledge! 
After doing a little research, I found that the Cincinnati Zoo has a program called Project Saving Species. They are working on many field projects as well as raising money for programs around the world in an effort to help save the lives of endangered animals. From all the way in Kenya saving lions to right here in Cincinnati saving honeybees, they do amazing work!

So, I write this message in honor of my sweet and thoughtful Isabella. She is asking for 2 things:
1. If you have a cell phone lying around that you no longer use or need, we are going to collect them to help save gorillas. Click here for more info! 
2. She is also asking for donations to help Sumatran rhinos. I created a gofundme page here!  (More info on the zoo's program for Sumatran Rhinos is linked on the gofundme page.)

I've literally never posted anything on social media trying to raise money for something, but I would absolutely love to surprise Isabella and raise more than she expects!
If you can donate a phone or money, we would greatly appreciate your generosity. We started these types of birthday celebrations to show Isabella the importance of giving, especially when you already have so much in life. In a world that is very focused on 'things', we want to instill the importance of what really matter, like love and kindness. That's what True Beauty is all about!

PS. Isabella is still a kid and I still enjoy giving her 1 special gift for her birthday every year. It's my way to celebrate her willingness to give and how proud I am of her!