- December 4, 2025
Annabelle Kocher, Kayden, Elliott, Corrie, Shannon, Loretta, Joe, Doreen, and Rosanne Kocher. Photo by Hannah Hodge
Sicily Caldorone plays with some toy cars. Photo by Hannah Hodge
Jakob and Leticia Garner sing together at the Summer Birthday Bash. Photo by Hannah Hodge
Jakob and Leticia Garner sing together at the Summer Birthday Bash. Photo by Hannah Hodge
A woman raises her hand to a worship song at the Summer Birthday Bash. Photo by Hannah Hodge.
Mila Mendes and Erica Mendes at the Summer Birthday Bash. Photo by Hannah Hodge
Food is served during the Summer Birthday Bash. Photo by Hannah Hodge
The Summer Birthday Bash serves cupcakes. Photo by Hannah Hodge
Peace Harris and Reignbow. Photo by Hannah Hodge
Maria Delgado, Patricia Hernandez and Phoenix. Photo by Hannah Hodge
For nearly two years, Yes You're Invited Inc. has made it its mission to ensure children with special needs are celebrated on their birthday — and feel included as they celebrate their peers.
The local nonprofit held its Summer Birthday Bash on Saturday, July 12, at the Palm Coast Community Center featuring five guests of honor. About 130 people attended the event, which featured food, karaoke, crafts and a Mexican fiesta theme.
Rosanne Kocher, president of Y2I2, founded the organization after her daughter Annabelle began planning her 10th birthday party. Annabelle, who is on the autism spectrum, discovered that many of her friends — whom she had met through groups for children with special needs — had never been invited to a birthday party.
And the party was a success, Kocher said.
"After that party, it was actually that night that Annabelle came to me, and she's like, 'Mom, that was the best thing ever. Why can't we do that all the time?'" Kocher recalled.
It wasn't because Annabelle, now 12, wanted more birthday parties for herself. It was because she had so much fun with her peers, and the party created an atmosphere that made the children comfortable, and led to overcoming sensory issues and social stresses.
So, Y2I2 was born, and the organization now throws quarterly birthday bashes. The nominations for special guests extends beyond those with special needs; they're open to all children and young adults who would otherwise not be able to celebrate their birthdays with a group of friends, be it for financial or other challenges.
"Even though it is a birthday party, it really isn't about just the birthday party," Kocher said. "... These are kids that in their hearts, it's normally something we're finding that they desired. These are kids that probably didn't have friends come to a birthday party before, and so it's special. It has a meaningfulness on that level."
Y2I2 will host a meet-up at The Brown Dog, 215 St. Joe Plaza Drive, Palm Coast, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, July 18. The restaurant will donate 10% of its sales to help support Y2I2's inclusive birthday celebrations.
The nonprofit is also taking nominations for its fall birthday bash at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, to celebrate children whose birthdays fall in September, October and November. This event will be held in partnership with Help Me Grow Florida, which connects families with free resources and health screenings. The fall birthday bash, to be held at the Carvery Gym in Bunnell, invites guests to come dressed as their favorite historical figure or from their favorite time period.
Visit yesyoureinvited.org.
