Volunteer Spotlight: David S.

What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
I am a wish granter and have also participated in airport meet and greets and shopping sprees. I also serve on the board of directors.

How did you first find Make-A-Wish?
​​​​I first found Make-A-Wish through the Wish Ball gala. My employer at the time had purchased a table and we were invited to attend. It’s been nine years and now we host our own table. It’s the event of the season!

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota?
I started volunteering as a wish granter in 2016 and joined the board in 2020. 

What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
Wish granting is rewarding because you get to meet wish kids and see how excited they are throughout the process. Each milestone is important, from the first meeting where they are “dreaming” of their wish to the engagements along the way and then finally a reveal and grant. It is rewarding to see the wish kid’s reactions to every step.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Have fun! The wish process is full of joy for the family. Oftentimes we may feel sad about the situation that the family is going through, but their wish is a moment of joy and you get to be a huge part of it. Enjoy it, have fun and make their experience memorable.

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
The first wish I granted was to a three-year-old boy who wanted to meet Thomas the Tank Engine. I was not only his wish granter, but I also had the privilege to send him off at the airport and be there at pick up when his family came back. He let me pick him up and carry him to the baggage return and was telling me all about his trip. Then he fell asleep on my shoulder! Seeing his joy and excitement was the best feeling.