Nonprofit Week 2025: The Ultimate Gift of Life

Executive director Kristy Vandenberg represents The Ultimate Gift of Life, a nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about organ donation and increasing donor registrations to shorten lengthy waiting lists.

Although the recent flood led to many local event cancellations, the organization’s mission remains unchanged. Vandeberg regularly engages in outreach, typically attending about 40 events annually to speak to diverse groups, with a current focus on high schools to reach students obtaining driver’s licenses.

Vandeberg works to dispel common myths about organ donation, such as misconceptions that age, religion or race are barriers. Instead, a person’s health and suitable match are the primary factors for successful transplantation. Medical professionals prioritize saving lives and do not consider donor status until brain death has been declared.

The kidney is the most needed organ, and living donations are possible. Currently, only about 60 percent of Texans are registered donors, despite 10,000 people in the state needing an organ.

The organization’s fundraising efforts include seeking regular donors and participating in “the big give” in September. They also host a “Trees of Hope” event before Thanksgiving, allowing individuals to donate tiny Christmas trees to Meals on Wheels recipients.

For more information, visit theultimategiftoflife.com.