At the Cedar Park Costco, Fariba Abolbaghaei is known for getting things done. On any given day, you’ll find her chatting with local business owners, offering pep talks to coworkers, and connecting with her growing list of community partners she’s built over nearly 25 years with the company.
She’s worked across several departments during her time at Costco. Still, in recent years, she’s become something of a legend for a different reason: her tireless fundraising for Dell Children’s through Children’s Miracle Network.
Every May, Costco offers “Jumbo Balloons”—$500 charitable sponsorships that give business members in-warehouse promotion while supporting local children’s hospitals through CMN. Last year, Fariba personally sold more than 60 jumbo balloons, raising over $30,000 on her own. Altogether, the Cedar Park warehouse brings in more than $100,000 annually for Dell Children’s.
Still, when you ask her about it, she’s quick to redirect the spotlight.
“This is not a one-person job,” she says. “The whole warehouse makes this happen.”
Coworkers flag potential donors. Managers make room in schedules for outreach. Employees across departments spread the word. What looks like one person’s extraordinary success is, in Fariba’s eyes, a team effort powered by shared purpose.
A Promise Born from Experience
Fariba’s passion for helping children began long before she came to Costco.
Earlier in her career, Fariba worked with families of children with disabilities, helping parents navigate school support plans and advocating for their needs. She also spent time teaching young children—experiences that shaped her lifelong connection to kids and deepened her understanding of what they need to thrive.
“Children see the world simply and honestly,” she says. “No matter what they’re going through, they deserve happiness.”
That belief became deeply personal after her young nephew lost his mother to cancer. Watching a child grapple with such profound loss solidified something in Fariba that had always been there, but now felt urgent.
“I promised myself I would do whatever it takes for children,” she says. “Kids in the hospital are brave, but they’re hurting. If I can make even a small difference, I will.”
Selling balloons became her way to show up for them.
Connection Through Compassion
Fariba’s approach with local businesses is both heartfelt and direct. Nearly everyone, she points out, has a child in their life they love—a son, a daughter, a niece, a nephew, a grandchild.
“When you talk about helping children, people understand,” she says. “Many say yes because they can feel how much it matters.”
Some donors give in honor of a child they know who received care at Dell Children’s. Others choose to stay anonymous, giving purely for the cause with no expectation of recognition.
“They don’t want recognition,” Fariba says. “They just want to help. That’s beautiful.”
Her connection to Dell Children’s is also deeply personal. Fariba’s daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, once volunteered at the hospital, sanitizing toys in the child life playroom—a role that allowed her to contribute in a meaningful way while being supported by staff who recognized her strengths.
“I wanted her to know she is always capable of helping others,” Fariba says. “Dell Children’s welcomed her. I still have her picture there. It means everything to me.”
Each year, when Costco employees tour the hospital, Fariba watches their motivation deepen. They witness not only advanced medical care, but warm, thoughtfully designed spaces where kids can play, imagine, and simply be children—even in the midst of treatment.
“You see what the fundraising really supports,” she says. “It’s healing, but it’s also joy.”
Moving Forward with Heart
This year brings change.
A new Costco is opening nearby, and many employees are transferring locations. The numbers may look different this May, but Fariba’s commitment won’t waver.
“We’ll do our best, no matter what,” she says. “Every year I try to go a little higher.”
Her advice to anyone hoping to make an impact through fundraising is grounded in persistence, respect, and grace.
“You might hear ‘no’ many times,” she says. “That’s okay. Respect it. Maybe next year will be different. It only takes one ‘yes’ to make a difference. Just keep going.”
For Fariba, every balloon sold is more than a fundraiser. It’s a promise to children that they are seen, supported, and never alone—and a reminder of what’s possible when an entire community chooses to come together to take care of each other.