400 guests save 10-year-old’s birthday party after mom’s Facebook post goes viral

400 guests save 10-year-old’s birthday party after mom’s Facebook post goes viral

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SHAKOPEE, Minnesota — A guest list that started at zero quickly shot into the hundreds after a Minnesota mother turned to Facebook to save her daughter’s 10th birthday party.

Mackenzie Moretter couldn’t wait to celebrate her birthday with her classmates, but as the day of her party drew closer, it became clear that none of the 10 girls she invited were planning to attend.

“It’s happened to her on previous birthdays where she would end up sitting alone with family,” Mackenzie’s mom, Jenny Moretter, told ABC News. “I didn’t want it to happen to my daughter again this year.”

As a baby, Mackenzie was diagnosed with Sotos Syndrome — a rare form of gigantism that can also cause delays in speech, social and intellectual development, according to the National Library of Medicine.Mackenzie has had a difficult time making friends, according to her parents.

“Mackenzie is a lot taller than other classmates. Kids are friendly to her, but she doesn’t have friends,” Matthew Moretter, McKenzie’s dad, told NBC affiliate KARE. “No one calls and talks to her. I’ll show up at her school, and she will be playing alone.”

Heartbroken over her daughter’s heartbreak, Jenny Moretter posted a moving plea on Facebook, according to USA Today.

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“She is incredibly loving and wants more than anything to have friends,” Moretter wrote. “As a mother, it is heartbreaking being you want your children to be happy… Thank you all for reading a mother’s wish.”

Jenny Moretter asked that anyone with a daughter around Mackenzie’s age drop by her party and wish her a happy birthday.

“I honestly thought it would be a matter of a few other moms out there who I touched their heartstrings,” Jenny Moretter told Yahoo News.

She was hoping for at least 10 people to respond, but as her post went viral, the RSVPs shot to over 400.

When the big day finally arrived, Mackenzie was shocked as the masses starting filing in. Among the party guests: Queen Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen,”; Minnesota Vikings star Charles Johnson and his family; Snoopy from a local amusement park; a professional DJ; and even the town mayor, who declared Saturday as Mackenzie Moretter Day, according to KARE.

“I was amazed at how quickly the community pulled together this huge birthday party in less than 24 hours,” Jenny Moretter told ABC News.

Local restaurants donated food to serve the crowd. People set up an arts and crafts table and a bubble machine. A professional photographer showed up to capture the magic for Mackenzie. The event had to be moved to a local park to accommodate the growing crowd.


I'm overwhelmed with emotions. My heart has been touched by so many stories similar to mine or just people wishing her a Happy Birthday. I will never be able to thank you all enough for your kindness.

–Jenny Moretter, Mackenzie's mom


Some of the girls who were on the original guest list even showed up to apologize, Jenny Moretter said.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotions,” Jenny Moretter wrote on the event Facebook page. “My heart has been touched by so many stories similar to mine or just people wishing her a Happy Birthday. I will never be able to thank you all enough for your kindness.”

As for Mackenzie, her 10th birthday will be one she’ll never forget.

“I have a hard time making friends in school, but thanks to all of you, my voice was heard,” Mackenzie told her adoring crowd. “I love you all.”

Jenny Moretter hopes her daughter’s story will inspire parents and children in situations similar to theirs, as well as serve as a reminder to remember children who are different.

“I just want people to know they should accept their children for who they are,” she told ABC News. “And for kids who see other kids alone, I’d love to encourage them to go say hi and definitely not make fun of them. I hope parents education their children more and that this can be a learning project for everybody.”

*A GoFundMe account set up in Mackenzie’s name raised over $4,000 in just four days. The Moretters plan to donate some of that money to Sotos Syndrome research, according to KARE. In addition, they’ll be sending a portion of the massive pile of gifts she received to a local children’s hospital.

* Disclaimer: ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.*

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