From VolunTEENs to Superstars...

I started a mini-series in 2020 called "VolunTEENs" as a way to showcase teens who serve their communities in extraordinary ways. From personal experience, when I serve in my community, I am inspired and gain creativity from the examples of my peers. By showcasing real examples, the goal was to encourage, inspire, and motivate other teens to get involved.

However, as I've grown older, I have come to understand the importance of inclusive representation for all. At the end of the day, your age should not play a determining factor in your volunteering excellence. This is why I transitioned to S.O.S. Superstars with hopes of promoting servitude for ALL categories of people in ALL 50 states.

The Superstars series has featured 3 participants in 3 states so far...

#1: Lindsay Hoffmeister - Orlando, Florida

Lindsay Hoffmeister is a senior at the University of Florida and serves as (IJM) International Justice Mission’s President.

This year she organized Threads, a thrift shop that collected donations for the national organization. After working with a variety of clubs on the UF campus, Lindsay was able to collect a surplus of potential shop items. Any items deemed unworthy were then donated to Goodwill. As VP of Philanthropy, I was able to briefly help the process by offering point incentives to anyone who donated through Alpha Chi Omega. I also stopped by and helped during the clothing sorting process, which allowed me to snag some before photos. Lindsay and her committee hosted Threads for two days last week at Pascals, a local coffee shop. In two days alone, they were able to raise over $1200 for IJM!!! Lindsay has hosted other fundraising events and participated in nationwide campaigns to make a difference, truly exemplifying her superstar qualities. She turned her passions into an opportunity to create real change.

#2: Rylie Dewley - Michigan

I was honored to conduct an interview with Rylie over Zoom, featuring her amazing work with Start Heart Smart. Her platform advocates for the education of heart health for all ages. Not only is Rylie a former Miss Michigan's Teen, but her exemplary work has been recognized by state officials! To watch my interview with Rylie, CLICK HERE!

#3: Mimi Hymel - Arizona

Mimi Hymel started Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe after personally being affected by Hurricane Katrina. Her outstanding work has been featured throughout the media and news nationwide and her bears have provided comfort in over 12 states! She recently combined this with her passion for golf and is hosting her first charity golf tournament very soon.

To hear more about her, her amazing efforts, and her advice to other future nonprofit founders…CLICK HERE

Thank you again to Mimi for joining me for a Zoom call and dealing with some technical difficulties on my part. She’s seriously the best!

More S.O.S. Superstars to come! Remember, Serve Our State is intended for anyone and can be anything, anywhere.