Every gift to Connections for Children (CFC) starts with a reason, a moment, a value, a person
who opened a door. In this Q&A, we sat down with Board Member Erica Exberger, a graphic
designer, advocate, and mom of three living in Manhattan Beach, to talk about how she found
CFC, why she gives, and how she's raising her own children to be the next generation of
philanthropists.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a graphic designer, stay-at-home mom, and activist living in Manhattan Beach with my
husband and our three boys. My husband is originally from California and I'm from
Maryland.
How did you first learn about Connections for Children?
A good friend invited me to a CFC event and later encouraged me to consider becoming a Board
Member. I'm grateful she did, because I probably wouldn't have known about the
organization otherwise.
What inspired you to become involved with Connections for Children?
I loved the mission and the opportunity to become involved at a deeper level. At the time, my
schedule allowed for it, and I believe that when you have the time and the knowledge to
contribute, it's important to give that time to an organization that's making a difference.
There are many wonderful organizations to support. Why do you choose to give to
Connections for Children?
At the heart of why I give is my faith. I've always believed everyone has something to give,
whether it's your time, your talent, or your treasure. Throughout the years, I've donated my
graphic design skills to organizations, my parish, and community projects. I also believe
everyone has time to give, even if it's just a little, whether that's helping at a beach cleanup, an
animal shelter, or a food drive. There's always a way to make a difference.
I was fortunate that a friend introduced me to CFC, and that reminded me how important
personal connections are. So many people don't know about organizations unless someone
invites them in.
What really drew me to CFC was its commitment to supporting young families. Raising children
is hard at every stage, but those early years can be especially challenging. Parents who want or
need to work deserve to know their children are somewhere safe, cared for, and enriched while
they're providing for their families. I love being able to support an organization that helps make
that possible.
What do you wish more people knew about the work CFC does?
I wish more people knew the whole picture of what CFC does. I love that CFC supports family
child care providers and small child care businesses, and I especially appreciate the continuing
education opportunities for providers.
As a parent, it was reassuring to know the people caring for my children had opportunities to
continue learning and growing. Ongoing training keeps people inspired and helps them provide
the best possible care, and when we're talking about our children, that's incredibly important.
We know your children have become involved in fundraising and volunteering for CFC. How
did that begin?
Giving back has always been part of my life. My parents were always volunteering, whether it
was painting classrooms, helping at our community center, or serving on nonprofit boards. It
wasn't anything elaborate, but we were always doing something to help.
One memory has always stayed with me. When I was a teenager, my parents took me to plant
daffodil bulbs on a hillside at the entrance to our town. At the time, I wasn't thrilled
about it, but when those flowers bloomed the following spring, it was so rewarding to see how
a simple act could make such a difference.
That experience has always reminded me that we're planting seeds for the future. You never
know what might inspire someone, whether it's next week or years from now. That's why I want
my children to experience volunteering and giving back while they're young.
Why was it important to you that they engage in philanthropy at a young age?
Children are always listening and watching, even when you don't think they are. They may
Not always seem excited in the moment, but those experiences become part of who they
are.
I want my children to understand that giving back isn't about making yourself feel good. It's
about contributing to something bigger than yourself. I hope they'll always look for
opportunities to help others in whatever way they can.
What have they learned through this experience?
I think they've learned that even small acts of kindness matter. Whether they're helping with a
fundraiser or volunteering at an event, they're beginning to understand that everyone can make
a difference.
How has watching them become involved influenced your own perspective?
Watching them has reinforced for me how important it is to lead by example. When children
grow up seeing generosity modeled, those values become part of who they are. That's what I
hope stays with them as they grow up.
What would you tell a friend or colleague about why they should become a donor?
I'd tell them it's fun, rewarding, and deeply satisfying to be part of something that's making a
difference. Whether you're volunteering behind the scenes, attending an event, or making a
donation, you're contributing in a meaningful way.
It also gives you the chance to meet new people and see perspectives outside of your own day
to-day life. Everyone can get involved at a level they're comfortable with and I think everyone
benefits from doing it.
If someone asked you why their gift matters, what would you say?
Every gift matters because it has a direct impact on a child or family.
One of my favorite CFC campaigns is Holiday Angels, because you can see exactly how your
generosity makes a difference. Whether it's donating a toy or making a financial gift, you're
helping bring joy to a child during the holidays.
It's meaningful to know your gift is reaching a family in need, and I love how CFC helps donors
see the impact of their generosity.
What are your hopes for the children and families we serve?
I hope CFC continues building on everything it's already doing while expanding support for
children with sensory needs and developmental differences.
Having walked some of these journeys with my own son, I know how difficult it can be to find
Resources you trust. I'd love to see CFC continue growing in that area so more families can find
the support they need.
I'm also excited to see community events like the Family Learning Festival continue to grow. I'd
love to see even more local and national businesses get involved so these events can reach even
more families.
Inspired by Erica's story? Give today or learn more about volunteering with Connections for
Children, because every gift, like every daffodil bulb, is a seed planted for someone else's future.
