Weeks into my first job, one of my execs asked me if I was interested in volunteering and philanthropy. In theory, yes I was— I had done fun and silly fundraising events in college like smashing watermelons to raise a few hundred bucks for local food banks, or collect clothing donations.

But what she was proposing was a little more polished— joining the associate board of the Illinois Make-a-Wish Foundation, helping fundraise, throw charity galas, and grant wishes. Desperately unqualified I did it anyways and after contributing negative value for a bit, I finally learned how to be helpful in building partnerships, securing in-kind donations, generally get the word out and help run a board exec team.

Fast forward a bit, I got a chance to smash all my interests together into one fun event— doing a holiday card drive, collecting Pokemon Cards to bring to children awaiting wishes at Make-a-Wish as well as Holiday gifts for Toys for Tots.

Talk to me if you have ideas on how can help make people’s lives better!