Read about Vanessa Brandt's experience volunteering with the "United Way John K. Mott Youth Fund Distribution Committee."

Vanessa is helping distribute grants while learning about organizations that are serving their community.

Tell us about the project, especially who benefited from this work.

Vanessa: This YFD committee distributed over $39,500 to different youth services agencies in need of the money. The most that we could give away to an organization was $5,000, and we successfully funded around 30 organizations with our grants.

What inspired you to get involved?

Vanessa: What inspired me was that my sister had been previously involved in YFDC.

What is/was the best thing about your experience?

Vanessa: I made a lot of friends, and I learned how hard it is to allocate funds to such needy organizations.

What is/was the hardest part?

Vanessa: Deciding who gets money and how much.

What was the biggest surprise?

Vanessa: How much fun I had.

What new things have you learned as a result of your experience, and how have you changed as a result?

Vanessa: I have learned to appreciate what I have, and how to help out those who are less fortunate.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of getting involved in philanthropy or volunteering?

Vanessa: Go for it!I had a great time, and I will never forget the things I learned, as well as the people I met .