Lara Gaither is the Executive Director of The Birthday Party Project (TBPP). TBPP brings JOY to homeless children through the MAGIC of birthdays. Lara believes that “homeless children are the littlest victims of conditions they cannot control -– these parties are not only a celebration of their special day - but also a loud exclamation that they matter”.

Since 2012, TBPP celebrated over 500 birthdays with 4,000 kids. TBPP currently partners with 10 DFW agencies and looks to grow to more than 14 in 2014. Prior to TBPP, Lara served as senior staff at Genesis Women's Shelter in Dallas, TX with a primary focus on outreach and community development. Through technology and strategic planning, she elevated the Dallas community’s awareness regarding the pervasiveness and effects of domestic abuse.