For 12-year-old Gabe, who turns 12 today, it wasn't enough to receive presents. He had to give something in return.

So, to celebrate his 12th birthday, which landed on 12/12/12, he decided to raise $1,212.12 for Seattle Public theater, with which he will be playing Charlie in their 12th main stage production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." He has been an active participant of the theater's youth program for some time now and he spends much of his free time there, his mother said.

But he didn't raise $1,212.12 as he had hoped. He accidentally overshot his goal. By a lot.

He raised about $2,000, and then a generous donor matched his first $1,212, making him reach over $3,000 worth of donations.

"It's ... amazing because contributions are in all amounts and from people of all ages, from his school friends giving rolled up dollar bills and pennies, to grandparents writing checks for $50 ad $100 dollars," said his mother, Susan Motte.

She said she was really excited for her son to be doing something for the organization he loves so much.

Gabe is a resident of Phinney Ridge and he goes to school in Ballard at Salmon Bay Elementary.

Follow Ballard News-Tribune on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ballardnewstrib

And Twitter at http://twitter.com/ballardnewstrib