Make-A-Wish Overview
- 1. Make-A-Wish® grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.
- 2. Background: • 1980 • 7 yr. old Chris Greicius, “I wish to be a Policeman” • Organized by Mom (Linda) & 2 Public Service / Policemen, (Frank & Scott) • 100% funded thru donated time & in-kind donations • “Why can’t we provide this experience to more kids who have a wish?” • The Make-A-Wish Foundation was created
- 3. Today: • The largest wish granting organization in the world • Formal 501(c3) tax exempt organization • 220,000 wishes granted worldwide to date! • 25,000 volunteers • 62 chapters, 5 continents • Local Chapter: Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley • 11 full time staff / 300 volunteers • 4,470+ wishes granted to date • Professionally run with Formal Board, Governance and Integrity
- 4. Wishes: • Children referred by Parents, Guardians, Medical Practitioners (CHOP), or Child themselves • Formal review/approval process • Wish Types: • I wish to go… (Disney, Hawaii) • I wish to be… (Fireman, Actor • I wish to meet… (Oprah Winfrey, Danny DiVito) • I wish to have… (Computer, Hot-tub) • Average cost of Wish: $7,500+ in-kind donations (air miles, limo rides, products, etc..) • Most requested wish: Disney World
- 6. Enriching Life: “Andrew was diagnosed with brain cancer in early April and we have just completed radiation and are currently undergoing chemotherapy for treatment. Andrew has not eaten since the radiation began and has lost many pounds over the past few months.” “I think the very best part of the trip to Disney for us was Andrew began eating during our stay at the village! This is tremendous news for him and all of us were delighted to see such progress in a week. Perhaps a change of scenery was all we needed but it has made us all so happy to have him join us during mealtime and the color is coming back in his face.”
- 7. Donations: • Corporations • Individuals • Charitable Trusts / Organizations • Volunteer Fundraising Efforts/Events • “In-Kind” Donations • NOT from telemarketing or door-to-door solicitations per National Chapter Rules
- 8. Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley Challenge: • # of qualified wish requests are increasing exponentially • Economy has strained donation levels • Response: Our Mission is to grant 100% of qualified wishes within 6-9 months of referral! • How? By leveraging Strategy + People + A Rigorous Focus on Execution
- 9. How Can You Help? • Organize, promote, and execute a Fundraiser • Dinner “Gala” Event • Pancake Breakfast • Bowling or Golf Tournament • Bus Trip to Event (NYCity Show, etc..) • Art Auction • Participate in MAW Organized Walk-A-Thon • Conduct a letter/call campaign for donations to your network • Volunteer to interview a family and be the face of our chapter with the wish child and their family
- 10. What’s In It For You? • Make a Difference - Truly enrich the life of a child and his/her family • You GET more than you GIVE! • Enthusiastic and vocal volunteers will result in positive awareness of the Mission and Value of participation in your organization.