Press Release:
Kareem Bayoumy loves people. Music, dancing, Broadway, Philadelphia sports and his job at Chick-fil-A all put him where he is happiest: around others. Yet at 17, his mother says Kareem has never had a friend come to his birthday, never been invited to a peer’s birthday party, and never received a call or text from a peer simply because they wanted to be his friend.
On Sunday, October 25, CHERAB Circle of Friends is asking the community to change that. From 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Crestmont Park, Kareem will be the guest of honor at an open-invite belated birthday celebration with live music, dancing, games, food and community participation. Everyone is welcome.
Kareem, who turned 17 in June, has Down syndrome and autism. He has undergone more than a dozen surgeries and experienced bullying, disability-based harassment, exclusion and social isolation. He is also outgoing, joyful and eager to be part of the action whenever he is included.
At Chick-fil-A in Willow Grove Mall, Kareem greets customers, offers refills and delivers meals to other mall employees. His mother says the job has given him confidence, purpose and belonging. His boss, Joe Tamasitis, is now helping bring that same welcome into the community.
For CHERAB, the birthday is the mechanism, not the end goal. For years, the Foundation has used open-invite community celebrations to bring people together around children who have been bullied or alienated, raise awareness about differences, and foster acceptance and compassion. Past events have drawn hundreds, along with local and national media coverage, including Inside Edition.
The response to Kareem’s story is already beginning to take shape — starting with the people already in his corner. Joe Tamasitis, Kareem’s manager at the Chick-fil-A in Willow Grove Mall, was one of the first to say yes. Joe worked with Abington Township to secure Crestmont Park for the celebration at no charge — a rental that would typically cost hundreds of dollars for a four-hour event. Food and refreshments will be provided.
Steve Grandizio, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Little Smiles PA, has stepped up for Kareem again — this time helping turn an ordinary birthday into a full afternoon of celebration. Steve is providing a limousine experience, snacks and live entertainment, including a two-piece band donating its performance.
Kristen Everett of The Brave Little Bears is also supporting the effort, helping connect organizers with local photographers to capture the day, and the Eagles Autism Foundation has offered to put together a special gift basket for Kareem.
And this is only the beginning. Organizers are now reaching out to the community for additional participants and donated goods and services, including a birthday cake, decorating, face painting, photography, games, activities and entertainment.
The October 25 celebration will welcome families and community members, with invitations going out to first responders, cosplayers, local motorcycle groups that support anti-bullying efforts, businesses, entertainers, schools, nonprofits and other organizations that want to help create a day centered on friendship and inclusion.
More details below:
ABOUT THE CHERAB FOUNDATION
Volunteer-based since 2000, the Cherab Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting children with neurological, genetic, speech and communication challenges and their families. CHERAB Circle of Friends brings communities together around children and teens who have experienced bullying, alienation or social isolation to foster friendship, acceptance and compassion. Past events have been featured in local and national media. Donations are tax-deductible. Federal Tax ID: 22-3685234. cherab.org
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