Guest Author - Jackie O´Neal

My Exclusive interview with Handbag of Hope designer, Ali Spizman

Ali Spizman, national volunteer and teen ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation ,shared some of her insights and comments with me last week concerning her charitable endeavor.

Q: Ali, congratulations! To date I've learned you have helped raise a quarter of a million dollars for Make-A-Wish Foundation. How do you feel about this accomplishment and what plans do you have for the future regarding your project?

A: I am very proud of this accomplishment, but I feel like when you passionately care about helping others your work is never really finished. It has been a wonderful experience working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and I was very fortunate since during my senior year of high school I spent more than 300 hours volunteering at the Make-A-Wish offices in Atlanta. Through this internship, I was able to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a very successful and well known nonprofit functions and the incredible things they are doing for brightening the lives of children. I had the chance to work with a remarkable group of people and volunteers and learned so much about how each of us can make a difference.

My goal is to raise as many funds as possible, and thanks to the Handbag of Hope and the help of the foundation, Claire's and the Icing by Claire's who has been so wonderful, this is such a fabulous start. I want to see this project continue with great success and hopefully do everything I can to help raise more money to grant wishes. From what I’ve been told, the handbags and accessories are flying out of the Claire’s and Icing by Claire’s stores, where they are available exclusively, in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. I want the whole world to learn about Hope Stout, The Handbag of Hope, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (see www.claires.com for more information)

Currently as a National Teen Volunteer Ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I talk about the organization by spreading awareness about their mission through the Handbag of Hope. This organization is amazing; they are now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, and their website is www.wish.org which will tell you all about them. I have met several “wish children” which was a very rewarding experience; they inspired me beyond words. I want to dedicate my efforts to brightening the lives of these kids and helping them in any way possible.

Q: You are an inspiration to others through your project and dedication. What advice do you have for someone wanting to start a project similar to yours? Someone who may want to use their creativity to help a charitable cause?

A: The best advice I have for anyone who wants to begin any type of project is to dream big and keep every option open. Use your great communications skills, give yourself permission to bring your ideas to life and don't give up. I also had a lot of help. You have to be able to ask for people to help you. I had the help of an incredible manufacturer and other supportive individuals. If someone wishes to work for charitable cause, the person should do their homework—lots and lots of research to find a nonprofit organization that they can relate to or feel passionate about.

This is one of the most meaningful opportunities I have ever had. I have always dreamed big and while this dream was accomplished, it only created a larger dream and goal for me to try and achieve which was trying to make a difference. I love fashion and combining a good cause with ways that teens can carry a cause was really exciting. Please tell your readers to always follow their dreams because no dream is too big to come true. However, even if you start small and take one step at a time, follow through, team up with other talented people and work hard...your dreams can come true! Mine did, and their dreams can too!