How has your Serbian heritage influenced your involvement in this cause?<\/strong>
\nYes, most of my family lives in Serbia, and I\u2019m very connected to it. I speak Serbian at home, and spending time in Belgrade each summer has had a significant impact on me. Through my family\u2019s culture, I\u2019ve learned a lot about community involvement and generosity. Those values have always been important to me, and I carry them with me in everything I do. When I was volunteering, I could really feel the importance of giving back\u2014something I\u2019ve seen my family practice for years.<\/p>\n
Can you tell us how you raised funds for Best Buddies?<\/strong>
\nThe success of the fundraiser was largely due to the incredible generosity of the people around me. I decided to use the Go Fund Me platform to raise money, and I reached out to friends, family, and people in the Serbian community living in America. It was amazing to see how many people were willing to help. By sharing the cause with those in my neighborhood and network, we were able to raise significant funds. The response was overwhelming, and I\u2019m so grateful to everyone who supported us.<\/p>\n
How does it feel knowing you helped children in need from so far away?<\/strong>
\nIt felt very fulfilling, honestly. Even though I\u2019m far from Serbia, knowing that I helped these children felt like such a meaningful accomplishment. The small contributions that we made were so significant to these kids and their families. What may seem like a small gesture to some can create a world of change for others. That realization made the whole process even more rewarding.<\/p>\n
What advice would you give to others who want to help?<\/strong>
\nI would definitely encourage others to get involved in any way they can. Whether it\u2019s through volunteering, fundraising, or simply supporting local organizations, every little bit helps. It\u2019s heartwarming to see the impact one person can make just by being proactive in their community. It\u2019s amazing how connected we can become and how much help we can provide to people all over the world. We all have the ability to make this world a better place if we just take the initiative.<\/p>\n
What values from your Serbian background have influenced your actions?<\/strong>
\nOne of the most important values I\u2019ve taken from Serbian culture is the importance of community involvement. Growing up, I watched my parents and extended family always step up to help others. I carried that with me when I started volunteering with Best Buddies. The bond I formed with the children\u2014playing sports, making soap, and dancing\u2014was something I\u2019ll never forget. They taught me how to be honest, direct, and loving, which is so important in any relationship. That spirit of community has shaped everything I do.<\/p>\n
Do you have any final thoughts on supporting children with special needs?<\/strong>
\nI\u2019d say, go for it. Volunteering and fundraising for children with special needs is one of the most fulfilling experiences you can have. Not only are you helping those who are underprivileged, but it also enriches your own life in ways you can\u2019t imagine. Seeing the joy and progress of these kids is heartwarming, and it\u2019s a reminder that, together, we can make a real difference. If more people get involved, we can create a world of change for everyone.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”44px”][vc_column_text css=””]\n