Suvechha Sarkar
Chasing dreams of better education and stronger communities isn’t limited to classrooms or sports fields these days. Instead, it is a mission that is shared by passionate changemakers. Fundraiser Blankets by Birdy Boutique serves the purpose by swapping the traditional fundraising model, which consists of snacks and short-lived trinkets, with a meaningful and cozy item. The customizable blanket was featured on season 17 episode 3 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank,’ where the product gained attention as the founders shared that their mission is to demonstrate that fundraisers can be fair and equitable.
Fundraiser Blankets: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
The creation of Fundraiser Blankets by the brand, Birdy Boutique, began with two Polish sisters, Barbara Kent and Joanna Jozwik Serra, who are also the founders. However, long before that, the former started by completing a Master of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University. Barbara then joined the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering in May 1999. In December of that same year, she began serving in the military as an Army Officer and continued to work in that role until July 2011. Three months later, Barbara became a Business Development Specialist at Mission Essential Personnel LLC, before moving on in November 2012.
On the other hand, Joanna earned a Bachelor of Science from Wayne State University in 2006. However, her career started as an Elementary School Teacher in 2004. Over the years, her passion helped her become an award-winning educator before she decided to move on in 2013. During her years as a teacher, Joanna was herself associated with schools and sports programs, and she witnessed firsthand how they struggled with chronic underfunding. Furthermore, they had to rely on low-profit fundraisers with unhealthy dishes and even other low-value items. Ultimately, Joanna and Barbara developed a vision together —a fundraising model that was sustainable, meaningful, and profitable for both the schools and the groups.
Barbara and Joanna’s idea led to the formation of Birdy Boutique and its product, Fundraiser Blankets, in March 2014. It is an entirely women-owned business, founded by a service-disabled veteran and an educator. After its launch in the market, Fundraiser Blankets gradually gained popularity among the community. In 2024, they had partnered with over 4,500 K–12 schools and sports teams. During that time, the brand helped them raise funds while maintaining pride and unity, without including any junk items. The business also designs, prints, and manufactures customized textile products for multiple retailers and corporations, mainly for promotional use.
Fundraiser Blankets are completely custom-made and printed right in the home country. Each blanket is crafted from soft, durable fabrics that radiate color and comfort. The soft material is typically made from 300 grams per square meter (GSM) of fully polyester minky plush, as well as 520 GSM of entirely polyester minky plush, depending on the type of product the customer is purchasing. It is available in two sizes, with the product’s weight ranging from 1.3 lbs to 1.7 lbs. They are fully hemmed and individually wrapped. Moreover, the blankets allow unlimited color and full-area printing.
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Fundraiser Blankets: Where Are They Now?
Following the launch of Fundraiser Blankets, Birdy Boutique has partnered with several retailers and corporations, including Harris Teeter, Walgreens, and Meijer, among others. Apart from selling blankets through their website, customers can also find their products on Amazon, Walmart, and Lowe’s. Further cementing their credibility, the company has earned certifications from respected organizations like Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA). Customers interested in bringing Fundraiser Blankets to their schools or groups can easily request a free sample and custom design through the website. Consumers need to provide their name, organization, contact information, job title, and select the colors to visualize their custom creation.
The brand’s Large-sized Blanket, measuring 50″ x 60″, is available for $10.50, while the XL-sized product, measuring 60″ x 70″, is priced at $13. Interested individuals can book the item individually or opt for bulk orders. The brand further offers free designs, samples, and shipping. In the event of emergencies, they provide a two-week rush delivery service. Fundraiser Blankets are also available in two qualities: Classic Comfort, made with 300GSM plush, and Premium Plush, which is 520GSM and extra thick, ultra-soft, and double-sided plush. The company’s promotional campaigns have been just as exciting. It was evident from their January 2025 deal that people who purchased Fundraiser Blankets before January 16 received 10 additional customized items for free.
By February, Fundraiser Blankets were available at a catchy deal of just $9.50. In that same month, the founders appeared for an interview on the ‘Warrior Rising’ podcast, where they spoke about how two female entrepreneurs’ belief in themselves led them to success. Besides conducting a giveaway of free custom beach towels for Teacher’s Appreciation Week, they collaborated with educator Amanda. In April 2025, the product became a proud part of the inspiring Velocity Pitch Contest initiative. One month later, the brand partnered with Jude Laney Black, a military spouse, and created blankets for the Appalachian Counseling Center. By June, they also announced their new reversible custom headbands, available for $4.50.
The momentum continued, as shortly after, Birdy Boutique supported the Head Coach Training Center with their Fundraiser Blankets, helping to maximize revenue for the athletic department. By August, the product had reached a new height, securing the 35th position on the Vet100 list of the fastest-growing veteran-owned businesses nationwide. They also succeeded in becoming the ninth among those 100 businesses owned by women. The founders even had the opportunity to meet Martha Stewart in the following month at a ‘Warrior Rising’ event. With every blanket they create, the brand remains steadfast on its path to make fundraising fair, impactful, and filled with heartfelt causes.
