David Dunlap

One Bite of Bounce & I Was Hooked

“Volunteering at a Bounce Bash has a direct impact which I see in real time – there is a sense of safety, navigation and structure that clearly helps Chicagoland families deal with chronic illness.”

For David Dunlap, volunteering is as ingrained as his DNA.

Growing up, David participated in many volunteer activities with his family, planting the seeds of an ongoing desire to help others. As a student at Butler University, David continued to nourish this aspect of his life, serving as his fraternity’s Philanthropy & Service Chair where he made a real difference to local low-income youth with incarcerated parents.

Once established in Chicago after graduation, David again craved helping others. While searching out a service opportunity on behalf of his employer, Entara, a co-worker recommended Bounce Children’s Foundation. Five minutes into an introductory conversation with Bounce CEO, Joan Steltmann, David was ready to jump right in.

“One bite of Bounce and I was hooked,” said David.

Leading Entara’s packing of Bounce Back Kit® family care packages quickly evolved into David being one of the most frequent volunteers at Bounce Bash® family adventures and recruiting many other volunteers. He’s even joined Bounce’s Emerging Leaders Board.

“The pull of the deep and direct impact Bounce delivers is unmatched,” said David. “Volunteering at a Bounce Bash has a direct impact which I see in real time – there is a sense of safety, navigation and structure that clearly helps Chicagoland families deal with chronic illness.”

David has been able to foster his love for helping others at Bounce, meeting Bounce Kiddos and their families in addition to bonding with other volunteers and staff.

“I want to be a rallying cry for volunteering at Bounce,” said David. “It is so rewarding to be involved, especially as Bounce grows and continues to expand its reach to help more children & their families.”