What is a "Card Party"?
A card party is the act of kindness in motion—a gathering where caring people come together to write and create cards for members of our Forget-Me-Not Friends Club across all 50 states. Each card becomes a message of friendship and belonging, reminding someone with a disability that they matter and are not forgotten.
A card party can be held in person or virtually, shared with a group or enjoyed solo. Cards and letters can be simply crafted, handwritten, or typed—what matters most is the care taken by the creator of the card.
This is an excellent volunteer activity for anyone, especially companies and organizations looking to engage their employees or members in meaningful service. Because card parties can be hosted at a workplace, community site, or online, they’re an easy and impactful way to spread joy, build connection, and make a difference together.
Click here and download the Quick Start Guide for our Summer Card Making Challenge.
Summer Card Making Challenge
A simple smile can brighten a day, spark connection, and remind someone they are not forgotten.
Through Smiles for Miles, volunteers, families, businesses, and community groups help create handmade cards and meaningful moments of connection for members of the Forget-Me-Not Friends Club.
Every smile shared truly travels for miles.
The “Say It with a Smile!” challenge is designed to be simple, flexible, and accessible for everyone. Individuals and organizations can participate by hosting Card Parties in person or virtually, creating cards independently, or organizing volunteer activities at workplaces, churches, or community events. No artistic experience is needed. Participants simply need blank 5x7 greeting cards, markers, stickers, and a willingness to help spread kindness.
The Forgotten Wishes Foundation offers a FREE “Say It with a Smile” Quick Start Guide with card-making instructions and recommended supplies, making participation easy for groups of all sizes. There is also a full How to Host a Card Party Guide with more detailed instructions, with sample written messages, what not to say, and more about volunteer service hours.
Funds raised during the Smiles for Miles campaign will help support:
- Postage and mailing costs
- Printing newsletters and outreach materials
- Club Member mailings throughout the year
- Community outreach and engagement efforts
TEXT the word GIVE to (866) 511-3883 to make a donation today.
Raising Funds During a Card Party
While every card party helps spread joy, it can also be an excellent way to raise funds that keep the magic going. Each donation—whether through corporate volunteer service hours, personal gifts, or creative fundraising efforts during the event—helps us handle, package, and deliver the hundreds of cards and letters sent to our Forget-Me-Not Friends Club members nationwide. These funds make it possible for every message of friendship to reach its destination safely.
There are many fun ways to add fundraising to your card party: set up a friendly “per-card” donation challenge, host a raffle or bake sale, match employee contributions, or invite participants to make a small gift as they sign their cards. However it happens, every dollar helps us continue bringing joy, belonging, and connection to friends who need it most.