Volunteer Spotlight: Diane F.

What ways are you involved as a volunteer? 
I am a Wish Granter and am currently working with three wish kids. I also volunteer with the speaker’s bureau, airport meet & greets, and events. I enjoy helping the Volunteer Services area doing data clean-up projects with the volunteer database as well. 

How did you first find Make-A-Wish? 
A good friend of mine asked me to attend the Wish Ball in 2013. We had a fun night learning about Make-A-Wish and both of us couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks after. We knew we needed to get involved and now we are wish granters together.

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota?
I have been volunteering for 9 years.

What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish? 
People often ask if being a Make-A-Wish volunteer is tough because of seeing wish kids go through hard medical issues. It can be, but it is very rewarding when years later you are still part of their lives and get to see them graduate from high school, go off to college, get married, etc.

What advice would you give to new volunteers? 
Just have fun with it! There are so many different ways to volunteer with Make-A-Wish that if you find yourself in a rut, just try volunteering in a different opportunity. You may not know what you will find most rewarding until you try it!

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish? 
I can’t think of just one story that stands out, but I have to say that ‘emotional grandpas’ really inspire me! During a number of different wish reveals and send-off parties, I have seen many grandpas overcome with emotion. They are always so sweet and in disbelief that strangers would volunteer their time to make their grandchild feel so special.