Julia and Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is celebrating her 37th birthday today. In lieu of pricey gifts, the singer/actress asks that friends and fans donate to a Foundation named in honor of her late nephew, Julian King.

7-year-old Julian was abducted and murdered by his mother, Julia Hudson’s estranged husband William Balfour, who shot and killed Jennifer and Julia’s mother and brother in their Chicago home in 2008.

“I’m so happy to announce that this year I will be donating my birthday to the Julian D. King Foundation,” she captioned a photo of herself and her sister Julia.

“The Foundation was established to provide stability, support and positive experiences for children of all backgrounds to help enable them to grow to be productive, confident and happy adults. Thank you for helping us reach our goal of $6,000 to assist and aid those in need..”

The link to donate to the Julian D. King Foundation is www.facebook.com/donate/1995347890521511

Balfour is currently serving multiple life sentences in an Illinois prison.