Kaide’s Pool Party

WITH A NOBLE CAUSE THIS DREAM TEAM PULLED TOGETHER THE ULTIMATE PARTY FOR A VERY SPECIAL LITTLE BOY WITH AN INFECTIOUS SMILE, TO CELEBRATE HIS STARTING HIGH SCHOOL.

WORDS: SHELLEY SYKES

For as long as I can remember, I have watched and supported Telethon in my hometown of Perth. I have always been inspired and deeply touched by the Telethon Little Stars. Being a mother of two boys who both started their lives in NICU, my husband and I have a great appreciation for the care and medical attention they received. This intensive and high dependency care for the sickest babies and infants is all possible thanks to research and funding for medical equipment.

Since 1968 Western Australians have raised over $349 million through Telethon for the kids of WA. The money raised has helped make significant advances in treating some of the life threatening diseases that face our children today. Telethon also provides equipment, resources and critical services for children across WA.

Each year, telethon selects two children to be ambassadors to represent the kids of WA. In 2018, Kaide Stratton and Charlotte Meredith where selected to be the ‘Telethon Little Stars’.

In 2012, I founded Favor Lane Party Boutique and like any new business owner, I set myself some future business goals. One of those goals was to somehow, offer more than my usual yearly donation to telethon. In October 2018, my dream to do so became a reality, when I gifted the two Telethon Little Stars with an Ultimate Dream Party Package.

I contacted a number of fellow Perth party and event industry vendors whom I have worked with over the years and hold in very high steed. As a collective we formed the Favor Lane ‘Dream Team’ and gifted both Kaide & Charlotte with an Ultimate Dream Party Package. The first party was for Charlotte’s celebration of her 8th birthday. More recently, a pool party for Kaide in celebration of starting High School. The party included design, concept, planning and coordination of a fully styled party; full desserts which were professionally styled including a custom single tier birthday cake with a personalised cake topper and furniture and props were provided and styled accordingly. A professional photographer captured the party set up and some special moments of Kaide with his family and friends.

The colour theme was aqua, red and white. All of the partyware and desserts followed the ‘Pool Party’ theme – lifesavers, sharks and lifebouys included.

At 12 years old, Kaide was diagnosed with a degenerative and progressive condition called mucopolysaccahridosis (MPS). Fortunately, Kaide was diagnosed with MPS IVA (or Morquio syndrome), likely the least severe of the spectrums. Morquio

VENDOR CREDITS Concept, styling, coordination, props, tableware, favour bags + party favours @favorlaneparty Photography @inthelightofdark Balloon garland assembly + installation @stylishsoireesperth Picnic table, decor hire + set up @twilighteventsperth Cake, cupcakes + cookies @sweetdaisymay Donuts, macarons, lollipops, cakesicles + fudge @niknakssweetesttreats Acrylic cupcake toppers, vinyl favour bag stickers, welcome sign + easel @barley.boy Personalised cake topper @xoxodesign_au

FOLLOW @favorlaneparty ON INSTAGRAM

syndrome is a genetic condition where parents are carriers but show no signs. There is no known cure and is a very rare condition, impacting 1 in 250,000 births.

Kaide is a true inspiration. He shows constant courage and perseverance and will never give up. Kaide carries an infectious smile and brings life to any group. The brief from Kaide’s parents, Adele and Darren was a fun filled pool party at their home in Perth, to celebrate Kaide’s massive achievement...starting high school!

And a fun filled party it was. The weather Gods were kind. The sun was shining and the pool was sparkling. So was Kaide’s big bright smile. h