Community rallies for toddler’s birthday after no one shows up to original party

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Kansas City mother’s social media post after nobody showed up to her daughter’s first birthday party sparked a community-wide response that gave the toddler a celebration she deserved.

Tyashia Wills spent hours preparing for her daughter Camille’s first birthday party last weekend, but no guests showed up to the celebration.

Wills posted a video about the experience on social media, and it quickly gained millions of interactions.

Community members stepped up to organize a new party for the one-year-old. The new party featured everything from elaborate balloon arches to photo opportunities and even face painting.

Preston Hopkins, a Kansas City man who helped coordinate the redo celebration, said he hopes the experience can inspire positive change in the city.

“If I can be that one person to start the momentum for good things in Kansas City and for good things to come out of Kansas City, I’m the anchor, and I’m starting it,” Hopkins said. “So let’s get the ball rolling on positivity and love and community.”

Wills said she was overwhelmed by the response from Kansas City and beyond.

“Y’all did not have to think about Camille, and y’all did,” Wills said. “Not just Kansas City, but the entire world.”

Hopkins and Wills said they are already looking forward to Camille’s second birthday.