When Derek Versey (Digi-VUE Advertising’s Account Executive) agreed to have himself, his wife, and his kids help transport students to the Kollab Youth GPS for Success led by Daniel Puder and Diana Pinto, last June at ABC7 studios, he didn’t expect to leave with a lasting sense of inspiration. He shared that he and his family frequently reminisce about that day with fondness. 
Unprompted, but deeply inspired, Versey wrote a song for Kollab Youth to express the positivity that this interaction left him with. Versey is the sales lead at Digi-Vue Advertising and is passionate about advertising jingles. Versey’s use of his talents and actions are a reminder that there is a lot of power in doing something nice, just for the sake of doing it. In addition to the professional and educational benefits of Kollab Youth programming, we also want students to learn lessons like this one articulated by Versey’s actions. Kollab Youth is teaching students the importance of being caring, kind individuals and the importance of community building.
“Music serves the savage beast,” Versey quoted. “If you put out positive music, you will attract positive people. Kollab Youth needed that message. Their positive actions led me to write a song as a ‘thank you’ for touching my heart.”
Listen to the song here.
What nobody from the Kollab Youth team knew until that day was that Versey always had a dream of starting a nonprofit that would benefit teens in need. As a father of two children who have passed away, along with those who came with him to the June 24 event, he has a soft spot in his heart for people and organizations helping underserved teens. He shared that helping Kollab Youth is fulfilling part of that dream he had for himself.
“There are no big I’s and little you’s in Kollab,” Versey said when asked what he felt set Kollab Youth apart from other organizations. “They don’t discriminate. In fact, they treat me like family. They are consistent in what they are doing.”
Kollab Youth is very grateful for Versey’s kind words both in his interview and in his song.
“Instead of us being thanked, it’s Derek who deserves our gratitude,” remarked Mary Hewitt, CEO of Kollab Youth. “Witnessing the profound impact Kollab Youth had on him and his family was incredibly empowering. It serves as a poignant reminder of the potential we hold to positively affect others’ lives. Derek’s conduct offers invaluable lessons for our teens, and we’re immensely thankful for him.”
Versey also took time to highlight how important it is that this program is free. By awarding these teens free access to resources, they have a great chance of making better futures for themselves.
“I tip my hat to Kollab Youth; they can count on me anytime they need.”