Most people go for a little cake and ice cream to mark the occasion of their birthday, but longtime Burbank resident Barry Burnett rings in his birthday with a special tradition - he spends the better part of his birthday ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

"I started doing this 13 years ago," remarked Burnett. "It just feels good to focus on other people and their needs ... rather than the fact than I'm getting older."

This year Burnett recruited friend and fellow realtor Whit Prouty to join him at the kettle to celebrate his 53rd birthday. "I was actually excited when Barry invited me to join him," said Prouty. "I've never done this before but I believe in the good work of the Salvation Army and what a better way to get into the spirit of giving and celebrate Barry's birthday."

Last week Burnett got a call from his father who asked him how he would be celebrating his upcoming birthday.

"Ringing the bell, of course," replied Burnett. "You're still doing that after all these years?" his dad commented. "Wow, I'm proud of you son."

Noted Burnett, "I'm 53 and still making my dad proud - that's icing on the cake."