Volunteer Spotlight: Bill K.
What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
I started out as an airport greeter for wish families traveling, which was a lot of fun. Then I offered up that I am also a photographer and if they needed me to take wish photos, I’d be happy to do that, and so it began. I became a volunteer photographer and have loved helping in that way.
Whether it’s a portrait session with wish kids, a fundraising event or a wish reveal event, I love to be a part of it and capture photos that will bring joy to the wish families and help Make-A-Wish in telling their story.
How did you first find Make-A-Wish?
My Delta Air Lines co-worker (Donna Voye) asked me to be an airport greeter with her. Since we both knew the airport process quite well, it seemed like a great fit and a very worthwhile organization to be involved with. So, it took me maybe 3 seconds to say YES.
How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota?
I have been a volunteer with Make-A-Wish for over 10 years now. I try and stay active as opportunities arise for me.
What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
It’s meeting the people. Everyone from the wonderful wish kids and their families to the great staff at Make-A-Wish. Along with meeting the wish families and seeing the smiles on their faces. I get to provide lasting photo memories for them. And the staff at Make-A-Wish is just incredible, I can’t say that enough. They care so much about what they do and it makes volunteering such a great experience.
What advice would you give to new volunteers? Give whatever time you can. Any amount of time volunteering is good time spent. And of course, have fun with it and know that your involvement means the world to these kids and their families. Everyone has something great to offer and I would encourage everyone to do so and experience the same joy I receive when I’m out there volunteering with my blue Make-A-Wish shirt on.
What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
There are so many stories that I could mention, but I’ll share this one:
A young girl named Sabrina wanted to create a music CD and sing her new songs with a big concert to her friends. I got to be one of the "paparazzi’s” taking her photograph when her limousine pulled up to the mansion and all the way through the evening, including her signing autographs to her adoring fans. It was done so well and she was amazing. At no time did I feel she was a “wish kid” battling health issues. She was just a young girl whose spirit was off the charts and having the time of her life, and I got to participate in that. That evening was magical and I’ve had many more moments like that since then. I’m still in awe that I can be a part of something like this and will continue to do so for as long as I’m able.