Sisters celebrating. In lieu of presents, make a donation

You're never too old for birthday presents and birthday wishes. But Clinton resident Heather Boyte is turning the tables there.

Boyte, who on May 30 celebrated her 23rd birthday, is teaming with sister Tiffany, 20, to transform her party into an opportunity for gift-giving to the Children's Miracle Network and Special Olympics.

During the event, from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Bob Boyte Honda in Brandon, "Heather has asked that people come to her party for cake, ice cream and karaoke," said mom Tandy Boyte.

But the girls want those taking part to make a donation to either Special Olympics or the Children's Miracle Network in lieu of gifts.

Heather Boyte said she planned her party as a fundraiser because she wants to give back to her community.

"Instead of getting presents, I want to say thanks and to see if I can get things for these organizations, too," Heather Boyte said.

"I did Special Olympics when I was little, and that's what motivated me to do this."
As a grade-schooler, Heather Boyte excelled in Special Olympics sports including swimming, bocce, bowling and skating. Today, she's a Special Olympics ambassador, attending organization events and speaking publicly about its purpose.

A veteran pageant and Miss Mississippi participant, Tiffany Boyte is the reigning Miss New South. Clinton residents often see her and dad Bob on television commercials for Bob Boyte Honda in which they together yell: "Deal!"

Her pageant platform for several years has been raising awareness about the Special Olympics and encouraging donations to help support its programs.

"And, even before I was involved with Miss Mississippi, Heather and I both sang for a benefit for the Children's Miracle Network," said Tiffany Boyte, an Ole Miss student and talented vocalist. "We have learned more about CMN and volunteered for it. Heather really loves the idea of helping people."

The Children's Miracle Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals. The Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is a member of the network.

Tandy Boyte said she and husband Bob took Heather to Dream Cakes on Lakeland Drive in Flowood to pick out a 1960s-themed cake for her party.

"Heather told them what she was doing for her birthday, and she asked how much the cake would cost," Tandy Boyte said. "The lady said she would be right back. She came back and said they are donating the cake because they were so touched by Heather's heart.

"Bob and I teared up."

Heather, too, was overwhelmed.

"I was so happy," she said. "It's a two-layer cake - vanilla on the top layer and chocolate on the bottom - and it's going to be covered in fondant."

She's hoping for a big turnout Sunday and lots of support for Special Olympics and the Children's Miracle Network.

The girls "want to come back and do this again next year," Tandy Boyte said.
"They want to make it really big one day."

Clinton sisters Heather (left) and Tiffany Boyte will celebrate Heather's birthday Sunday by hosting a party at Bob Boyte Honda. But in lieu of gifts, Heather would like the community to make donations to the Children's Miracle Network or Mississippi Special Olympics.

Ruth Ingram • ringram@clintonnews.com • June 3, 2010