Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Elkalyoubie.
Hi Omar, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my Give Kids The World journey when I was given a tour as a media blogger for Behind the Thrills. I then began volunteering for a fundraiser called Hearts of Reality where I was able to turn it into a major monetary fundraiser and fan event. My passion for Give Kids The World changed my life and lead to applying for a position at the Village in Development. For the last 5 years, I have been able to raise millions of dollars to help grant wishes. I have been able to build relationships with wish families and help go above and beyond filling extra magic wishes for the special families that come to Give Kids The World. Sometimes the only happy memories that these families have with their child are those that happen at the Village.
Whether I’m dressed as the Grinch, having my friends Jodi Benson, Bret Iwan, Paige O’Hara, or Linda Larkin call an ailing child, or sharing childlike wonder with a wish kid at a theme park; I am fortunate to be a part of something so special. Give Kids The World changes lives every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The mission of Give Kids The World is one that I believe in and feel very passionate about. I don’t see a rocky road as struggles but more of a challenge where the reward is making critically ill kids happy. The biggest challenges have been finding ways to make events happen, finding sponsors, and the arduous work that comes with executing a successful event, and of course the lack of sleep 🙂 the outcome is happy children, so it makes it all worthwhile.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the Senior Development Manager for Give Kids The World. In simple terms, I raise money to grant wishes. In some ways, I feel like a genie. I am always seeking out opportunities to make a child’s wish extra special. I am known as a master peer-to-peer fundraiser, and I’m very good at relationship building. I am most proud of the wishes that I have the pleasure of helping fulfill. I am also proud of what I have been able to create with the Hearts of Reality event. My career at Give Kids The World is not a job; it’s my purpose in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gktw.org/heartsofreality
- Instagram: @the_omar_show
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/heartsofreality1
- Twitter: @heartsofreality
