A Strategic Vision for the Magic of Play

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Mirza Kafedzic. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

From the hallways of children’s hospitals to the classrooms of special education centers, the magic of interactive theatre provides a vital escape for children facing medical and developmental challenges. While the actors of Only Make Believe (OMB) take center stage, the sustainability of this joy is anchored by the quiet, dedicated work of volunteers like Mirza Kafedzic. Serving as the treasurer of the board, Mirza has transformed the traditional role of financial oversight into a catalyst for growth.

Mirza’s impact is perhaps most visible in the organization’s remarkable financial trajectory. In just the past four years, he has emerged as one of the top three fundraising board members, contributing between $200,000 and $250,000 through a combination of personal giving and strategic donor cultivation. Beyond the numbers, he has acted as a bridge-builder, leading cultivation events that introduced corporate sponsors and future leaders to OMB’s flagship gala. His ability to translate complex financial data into accessible narratives has empowered board members to engage deeply with the organization’s health, ensuring that every dollar raised is a dollar directed toward a child’s smile.

The post-pandemic landscape presented unique hurdles for nonprofits, yet Mirza stepped into the fray as a trusted partner to the executive director and CEO. By chairing the finance committee and guiding budget conversations, he helped OMB balance ambitious expansion with fiscal responsibility. In 2023, the organization reached a historic milestone: over 100,000 children, and record revenue.

Mirza’s leadership was instrumental in OMB’s successful expansion into Philadelphia, and he continues to scout new horizons, including South Florida. From serving as the board liaison to the junior board to his active role on the development committee, he brings a consistent pulse of energy and accountability to the organization. He views his role not merely as a title, but as a privilege—a chance to ensure that the 100,000 children served last year are just the beginning.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I have the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors of Only Make Believe (OMB) and the honor to be on OMB’s Board Executive Committee as treasurer. OMB is a nonprofit that, through its company of Broadway actors, puts on interactive theater in children’s hospitals and care centers. Shows are always free for children and their loved ones.

Aside from the usual governance aspect of non-profit board service, my role as a board member is to be an ambassador for the organization, spreading OMB’s mission, connecting OMB to like-minded people and companies, and fundraising. We are a nonprofit after all! My role as Board Executive Committee member and treasurer is to be a liaison regarding finances between the incredibly inspiring CEO and staff of OMB and the board.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

I was introduced to OMB by BoardLead, a great organization that introduces executives who wish to serve to nonprofits that are looking to expand their boards. I was drawn to OMB due to its mission and how personal it was to me, and how OMB responded during COVID when all in-person shows were canceled. OMB rallied and started virtual programming so that kids could still see live performances, and interact via phone or chat. Our virtual programing continues to this day and is a part of our expansion.

Why is this issue so important to you?

Having spent a lot of time in hospitals as a kid, OMB mission hit home for me. OMB’s motto is “imagination helps heal.” For those 30-45 minutes every time OMB does a show, the kids can escape their day-to-day life and using their imagination escape into this Only Make Believe world that is full of fun, play and song. It certainly aids in their non-physical healing.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

OMB is currently in 80 partner facilities across the NYC and Washington D.C. area for in-person performances. Since its founding over 25 years ago, we have performed for over 100,000 kids! We’re slowly expanding to facilities in Philadelphia and Boston. We expect to expand into other areas geographically. Additionally, thanks to a very generous grant, we’re building an in-house studio to be able to also expand our virtual programming.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

Words cannot describe how full my heart gets when seeing the kids during our performances. I have seen kids who are just out of chemo, in their ropes and rolling their drip, smiling, laughing, singing and dancing along to the show. I have seen autistic kids who usually do not move or speak much move around and make sounds along to the music. I have heard kids call into our program from their hospital rooms with suggestions on what the actors should do next. And sometimes kids who have seen the shows, as we perform 4-6 times in a facility over a couple of months, give away the plot! Our actors are empathetic and inspiring performers, and they are taught how to adjust performances for their audience, which makes it that much more targeted and powerful.

What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?

It is not just money that makes an impact. One’s time, network and word of mouth are extremely helpful as well.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

Nonprofits are amazing organizations. With limited resources many are able to achieve much. By definition nonprofits provide a service that is usually not measured in financial returns. However, their non-financial returns are certainly there. OMB, for example, has performed for over 100,000 children and their families since our founding over 25 years ago. That is over 100,000 directly impacted children, and once you multiply that by their family members, you start to see the vast impact and reach that an
organization like OMB has been able to achieve, with limited resources. This is only possible through support from individuals, companies and governments.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Find something that you relate to in some way and just get involved. Just do it, no matter how big or small. Volunteer your time, network and money for a cause that is selfless. The return to others will be vast, and the return to your heart will be immeasurable.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Mirza? Find local volunteer opportunities.