Lizette Vela named Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer by National Philanthropy Day

Advocate, activist, supporter, mentor and champion are just some of the words to describe National Philanthropy Day's Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Lizette Vela. For three decades, she has been changing the world with her giving heart. Not only does she own and operate Enchanted Memories and Funtastik Balloons & Party Rentals, but she also currently serves as the immediate past-president of Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild (BHLHDG) in support of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH).

Her dynamic efforts have changed the landscape for children's health care in the Coachella Valley. Her work for BHLHDG has resulted in the provision of medical care to more than 12,000 children at LLUCH's Indio Clinic alone. And you can often find her reading and interacting with the young patients in the clinic's playroom.

Vela attributes her volunteering values to her father, who was a Christian pastor.

"You never know what people are going through until you ask if they need help," she says. "I remember a family who moved here from New York and had nowhere to stay. My dad found housing and jobs, and we are still friends with them today. He taught me to give and give and give some more. There is always a way to provide."

As the family matriarch, Vela has led her family to volunteer for many of her favorite nonprofits.

"A few years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with cancer and our family took turns taking care of her, driving her to treatments, picking up medication, etc. She has since passed, but the love and positive energy we gained from taking care of her has transitioned to caring for other cancer patients that we can support in their journey."

Vela volunteers her time and talents to several local nonprofits, including American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Autism Society, Inland Empire, Child Protection Services Adoption Services, Christopher's Clubhouse, Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services, Desi Strong Foundation, Family YMCA of the Desert, Olive Crest, McCallum Theatre, Make a Family in Farmworkers Services, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Suicide Prevention Walk and Women's Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley.

When she volunteers, she's known to bring Salvadorian food and balloons, brightening everyone's day.

Vela joined BHLHDG in 2013 and immediately offered to chair its signature fundraising event. Her strategic planning and dedication raised more than $100,000 in the first year. Last year, under her leadership, more than $500,000 was raised.

"Lizette is a devout optimist who devotes herself to helping people and supporting nonprofits to grow and thrive," says Rachelle Bussell, senior vice president for advancement, LLUCH. "She organizes countless meetings with potential donors to build relationships, recruits family and friends to support her causes, speaks passionately about our life-saving work, and there is no doubt that she has influenced change in the most joyful and gracious way."

"Lizette gives of her time and talent to make a difference, and there are no boundaries to her compassion," says Josh N. Zahid, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals CA, Desert Communities chapter (AFP). "Her diligence, persistence and her desire to make life better for others is profound."

"It gives me an incredible sense of purpose and fulfillment that is unmatched," Vela says. "The opportunity to positively impact a child's life and ensure that they have a bright future is a reward in itself, and the benefits that my fellow volunteers receive are immeasurable."

For more information regarding National Philanthropy Day and AFP's monthly educational luncheons, please visit afpcadesert.org.

Theresa Maggio is the business development director of The Competitive Advantage, a full scope business development and revenue generation marketing firm in Palm Desert, Calif. She proudly works with the College of the Desert Foundation, OneFuture Coachella Valley, the Association of Fundraising Professionals CA, Desert Communities Chapter and PS Concerts.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Lizette Vela named Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer