It all began when two daughters Pam and Melinda and a granddaughter Lucinda decided to set a goal of getting 90 birthday cards for their mother and grandmother, Charlotte Clayton of Kyle, who turned 90 in November. Since they couldn't have a party due to the ongoing pandemic, they contacted family, friends, celebrities she liked, businesses she frequented, previous schools she attended, government officials, and a local Austin news station she was a fan of. It quickly grew to become a history of their mother’s life. It was the magic of hearing the excitement in people’s voices who wanted to participate in a person that maybe they have never met to help spread the joy of their mother’s special day.
The response was overwhelming. Everyone were willing to participate. A friend of a friend from Las Vegas heard of the challenge and sent 10 greetings to try to meet the goal. Businesses sent gift cards, certificates and gifts. Blue Bell Ice Cream awarded her the Cream of the Crop Award.
Clayton got birthday greetings from President Biden, city of Kyle officials and the mayor, Kyle PAWS Animal Shelter, city officials and her former employer of Lake Jackson where she resided for more than 50 years. Stephen F. Austin University created a special birthday card from 1950-1953 yearbook photos and sent alumni swag.
