Fundraise your birthday this year: Donate to Fondazzjoni Sebħ!

In this exclusive Q&A, the birthday fundraising participants, Goddo Debattista and Dattoli Marlene, discuss their experiences organizing a birthday fundraising event and the outcome of their noble gesture.

Marlene Dattoli, Fundrasing and Events Executive at Fondazzjoni Sebh

• What inspired you to donate your birthday to support our foundation?

I chose to donate my birthday to the Foundation because I deeply admire the place where I work and dedicate my time. I am proud of its meaningful mission to support those in need, and this special occasion felt like the perfect opportunity to give back. My contribution is a small way to support the Foundation’s growth, helping to enhance its services and provide excellent care to the residents.

• What motivated you to make this generous choice?

This year, I felt deeply inspired to make my birthday more meaningful. From the bottom of my heart, I chose to forgo my usual celebrations to support those in need. Recognizing how fortunate I am, I wanted to share joy with those who need it most.

It was an incredibly rewarding choice, one that empowered me and filled my heart. Everyone facing difficult times deserves a better life, and donating our birthday gifts to them is a beautiful way to make a difference. This simple act creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow, and I am now eager to spread awareness of this important initiative.

• How much did you manage to raise through your fundraiser?

My birthday fundraising was a truly special event, blending celebration with solidarity through a unique initiative, the “Rising Sun: Sebħ” drink, dedicated to the Foundation. It was a perfect match, beautifully crafted to create an engaging and entertaining evening in a magical venue.

The event took place at the Hoppy Hare pub in Mosta, where I welcomed friends, colleagues, and even passersby, amplifying the impact and encouraging more donations. To further support the cause, I displayed a donation can, making it easy for attendees to contribute. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, I successfully raised around €600, making this birthday a truly meaningful and fulfilling experience

• Did you reach your fundraising goal?

Thanks to the combination of my birthday fundraising and the karaoke event organized by the pub, both promoted on social media, I was able to reach my target. The added visibility and engaging atmosphere encouraged more people to participate and contribute, making the event even more impactful.

• How do you hope to inspire others to take similar initiatives?

I would love to serve as an ambassador for this meaningful initiative, inspiring others to give back to the community through generous acts. My goal is to raise awareness by spreading the word, organizing impactful campaigns, crafting engaging content, and creating video testimonials featuring those who have taken part. Additionally, I aim to provide clear guidance on how the initiative works, making it easy for others to get involved and make a difference.

• What will the funds be used for?

The funds I collected will be used for running expenses.

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Goddo Debattista, Team Goddo

• What inspired you to donate your birthday to support our foundation?

I have been actively supporting charitable organizations that resonate deeply with my values since 2003. My guiding principle is to assist to the fullest extent possible. Contributing to the fundraising and awareness efforts for the wonderful children residing in out-of-home care at ‘Fondazzjoni Sebh’ facilities holds significant importance for me. 

• What motivated you to make this generous choice?

 Over the past 22 years, I have been organizing fundraising and awareness events. My journey began with support for ‘Razzett Tal-Hbiberija’, and subsequently extended to organizations such as Children with Cancer UK, Puttinu Cares, Anna Kennedy Autism Charity UK, and Dementia UK. In 2022, my esteemed friend Julian Muscat acquainted me with the remarkable efforts of ‘Fondazzjoni Sebh’, which operates tirelessly around the clock for the benefit of children. I was deeply impressed by the charity and its outstanding team. 

• How much did you manage to raise through your fundraiser?

This remarkable event, ‘Pass Pass Mas-Sebh,’ is organized collaboratively by Team Goddo, Round Table Malta 3, and AXD Restoration Works. In 2023, we successfully raised more than €6,000, and in 2024, our efforts yielded over €11,000. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this cause. Our achievements are a collective effort. 

• Did you reach your fundraising goal?

We indeed accomplished this, and we are thrilled that the children will embark on their inaugural educational journey abroad. The team is pleased with the outcome, which has motivated us to persist in and further enhance the legacy of ‘Pass Pass Mas Sebh’ that we have established.  

• How do you hope to inspire others to take similar initiatives?

Celebrating a birthday typically involves receiving gifts and hosting a party. However, it can be profoundly inspiring to incorporate a commitment to support the remarkable efforts of ‘Fondazzjoni Sebh’ in their work with children as part of the festivities. I have devoted my last two birthdays to raising awareness and funds through such a pledge, and the sense of fulfillment I have experienced has been immense, significantly enhancing my life. I highly recommend it! 

• What will the funds be used for?

 I joined the initiative to assist the children upon discovering their aspiration for an unprecedented educational experience abroad. The team dedicated significant effort over the past two years to realize this dream. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, whether by walking, donating, or spreading kindness. You are Team Goddo xx.

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