With Our Best
WINTER 2019
Make-A-Wish® Michigan has changed my life not once but twice By Brandy, wish sister and wish mom Thirty-five years ago, in January 1984, my brother Joshua was the first wish to be granted in Michigan. As an 8-year-old girl, I remember him being sick a lot because of the cancer. When he went into the hospital, it was very scary, and I really missed him. Even as a child, I felt the stress and the worry. Josh’s trip to Walt Disney World® Resort was moved up because his health was failing. Knowing now that he would pass away soon after the trip, it was even more special knowing we had such a fun time together as a family. Fast forward to April 2017 when my husband Nate and I noticed that our daughter Briella was not acting like her normal bubbly self. Over the next four months, Briella’s gums became so swollen that she couldn’t eat so she was rapidly losing weight. After six doctor visits, we took her in for an ultrasound. The cancer was everywhere. Briella stayed in the ICU for 17 days following the initial diagnosis. I was very worried about her long and beautiful hair falling out in clumps and the stress that she would feel from that. My motherin-law cut Briella’s hair into a cute little pixie bob, but Briella was so sad about her hair. That was a defining moment for her in accepting her diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma. Briella has always wanted to go to Walt Disney World® Resort so that is where she wished to go. It was a life-changing trip for our family. It took the stress and the worry away. It was something fun to look forward to, especially when we were spending so much time in hospitals. Through all the hospital stays and appointments, it was hard not being able to be there for our two boys on top of the stress that we had for our ill child. The wish washed all of that away, and it reconnected us. At the end of it, the wish made our love for each other even stronger. It was literally a trip of a lifetime. It is such a blessing that Make-A-Wish has given to my family not once but twice. To have that time together—first on Josh’s wish and then Briella’s wish—is just a miracle that I will be forever grateful for.
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Briella, 13 T-cell lymphoma
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort ‹ Joshua, 11 brain tumor
FY 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
Wish kid SJ passes out snacks on a plane as a wish enhancement on his wish trip.
A note from the Board Chair & CEO
Chair Julie Booth Chief Financial Officer Quicken Loans
Treasurer Kenneth Stanecki Chief Financial Officer TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants
Vice Chair Rob Casalou President and CEO Trinity Health Michigan
Secretary Todd Van Tol Senior Vice President Health Care Value Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
BOARD MEMBERS
Dear Make-A-Wish Friends, Because of our generous Michigan community, we granted 416 wishes to Michigan children last year. This means that more than 400 wish kids and families experienced the transformational power of a wish, a wish that was only possible through your support. This year we celebrated 35 years of wish granting in Michigan and the granting of our 10,000th wish to a Michigan child. As we wrap up our 35th anniversary year, there are so many more children who are still waiting for their wishes to come true. The number of referrals is higher than ever before, and right now there are more than 800 Michigan children battling critical illnesses in need of the hope and strength that a wish provides. Your support—donations large and small—will make a big difference in the life of a child. We are committed to being a vital resource to our inspiring children and families, and to ensure that we reach more children each year and infuse their lives with the power of possibilities and the opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. We are so grateful for all of you who make wishes possible for our courageous Michigan children—our volunteers, donors, corporate friends, event participants and community supporters. We hope that you will consider a year end gift to Make-A-Wish Michigan and plan to join us at one of our upcoming Signature Events in 2020. On behalf of the Make-A-Wish Michigan volunteer Board of Directors and staff team, thank you for your tremendous support and all that you do to create life-changing wishes for children in our community. We wish you and your family the very best in the year ahead.
Jason Beauch Vice President - Pharmacy Meijer, Inc.
Hal Ostrow Attorney/Shareholder Rhoades McKee
Dirk Bloemendaal Managing Counsel, Corporate Government Affairs Amway Corporation
Manthan Pandit VP, Sales and Program Management Robert Bosch LLC
Phil Bocketti SVP, Endowment and Foundation Consultant, Sr. Portfolio Manager UBS Financial Services
Roland Pascua President I&C Consulting Services
With gratitude,
John Lallo Partner Orka Solutions
Julie Booth Board Chair
2 With Our Best Wishes | Winter 2019
Karen Davis President & CEO
Denise Christy Chief Marketing Officer Marsh and McLellan Agency Daniel Cobb Chief Executive Officer Daniel Brian Advertising Donna Doleman Dickerson Chief Marketing Officer GreenPath Financial Wellness Arlen-Dean Gaddy Director of Market Strategy Erhardt Construction Sue Jandernoa Community Volunteer Gary Steven Jonna President Whitehall Real Estate Interests Tina Kanis Community Volunteer
Mike Lomonaco Chief Development and Community Engagement Officer John Ball Zoo Mary Eilleen Lyon Associate VP for University Communications Grand Valley State University
Jon Pope Vice President of Corporate Benefits NFP Dr. Giselle Sholler Director, Pediatric Oncology Research & Endowed Haworth Family Director of Innovative Therapeutics Clinic Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Korey Thomas Corporate Controller Herman Miller Cindy VanGelderen Accounting Faculty Emeritus Aquinas College Meg Miller Willit Community Volunteer Gregory Yanik, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics University of Michigan Chapter Medical Advisor James Fahner, M.D. Division Chief Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Ex Officio Karen Davis President & CEO Make-A-Wish Michigan
SIGNATURE EVENT
Walk For Wishes® registration open for Southeast and Northern Michigan events Turn your steps into wishes at Walk For Wishes! Our 22nd Annual Southeast Michigan Walk returns to the Detroit Zoo on May 2, 2020. Our Northern Michigan Walk returns to Traverse City for its second year on June 13, 2020. These events will each feature an inspiring opening ceremony, lunch, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities. Register today to help make a difference in the lives of the more than 800 Michigan children in need of a wish come true. Register today to help grant wishes! Southeast: WalkForWishesMI.org Northern: WalkForWishesNorthMI.org SIGNATURE EVENT
Wish kid SJ surprised on stage at Walk For Wishes® - West Michigan More than 600 registered walkers watched as wish kid SJ reached over to hug Ben Orange from Allegiant Air, who had surprised the 5-year-old boy with the news that his request to pass out snacks as a wish enhancement on the plane during his flight to Walt Disney World® Resort would be granted. Walkers were inspired by the on-stage surprise during the opening ceremony prior to the start of Walk For Wishes® - West Michigan—sponsored by Meijer, Planet Fitness and Zip Xpress—on Sept. 14. The program, emceed by Shmitty of 104.5 SNX, kicked off a beautiful fall morning at Robinette’s Apple Haus in Grand Rapids where walkers enjoyed cider and donuts along with activities for the whole family. Thank you to the many supporters, volunteers and corporate friends who joined us!
wish kid SJ
WISH STORY
Benjamin's wish gives family hope
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Benjamin, 8
Like many 8-year-olds, Benjamin likes baseball, video games and cars. Yet he has been through more than most kids his age. Born with a heart defect, Benjamin has had three open heart surgeries and deals daily with the challenges of battling a critical illness. A wish is exactly what Benjamin needed to shift his focus from surgeries and hospital stays to a world of possibilities. When given the opportunity for a wish, he knew he wanted to visit Walt Disney World® Resort to spend time with his favorite character Donald Duck. “The trip meant more than words can express,” Benjamin’s mom, Elizabeth, said. “We are a Disney family and the kids enjoy the movies. Going there was something both kids wanted, but we haven’t been able to make it happen with all the medical responsibilities. They treasure the moments that Make-A-Wish gave us.” Benjamin’s wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort was more than just a vacation. It was a chance to take a break from their full schedule and medical challenges and allowed them to make lifelong memories. “Make-A-Wish empowers children to enjoy something they always wanted and helps them to forget about being sick for a blissful moment,” Elizabeth said. “It was such a blessing for our family. You gave our family hope.” Winter 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 3
CORPORATE GIVING
Arby's donates $60,000 to help grant wishes in Michigan
Wish kid Addyson poses with her new Barbie Dream House.
MICHIGAN
Over 1,200 Clarkston Junior High School students gathered inside of their school gymnasium to surprise 10-year-old Addyson with a princess-themed celebration during their school’s Wish Week pep rally. The energy in the room was exuberant and full of life. Students dressed in pink-and-white custom T-shirts sporting text that read “Team Addyson” on the back, enthusiastically cheered on Addyson, a local wish kid with a respiratory disorder. With the extraordinary efforts of Clarkston Junior High School and the entire community, their week-long Wish Week raised more than $10,000 for Make-A-Wish® Michigan. Students surprised Addyson with a special wish enhancement—a Barbie Dream House—that made Addyson drop her jaw in disbelief during the pep rally. Addyson then heard the news that she was heading to Walt Disney World® Resort as blue-and-white balloons fell from the ceiling. “Students met Addyson at events prior to the wish reveal, and I think that the students felt very connected to her,” Clarkston Junior High School teacher Laura Rinehart said. “Their passion for wanting to help Addyson’s wish come true spread throughout our entire community.” The support of students, the school district and the entire community made all the difference in their fundraising efforts for Make-A-Wish Michigan. Their fundraising activities included an event at Topgolf with a silent auction, a restaurant night and an amazing spirit week filled with carnival food, games, a Color Run and a pep rally for Addyson. “Get as many kids involved as possible,” Laura advised for ways to ensure a successful wish week. “Do events that kids are interested in. If you have a social media representative, get them to help you advertise your events.”
To host a wish week at your school visit michigan.wish.org/kidsforwishkids 4 With Our Best Wishes | Winter 2019
Twice a year, Arby’s and The Arby’s Foundation activate their “Make A Difference Campaign” where guests are asked to donate $1 during their visit over a four-week timeframe. The funds raised are meant to go to local charities that work closely with and impact children. Earlier this year, the Arby’s team visited Make-A-Wish Michigan’s Brighton office and was inspired by the room of toys for young kids in need as well as the wall of wishes in the hallway. Shortly after their visit, the Michigan operators voted to select Make-A-Wish Michigan as a recipient of a portion of those funds totaling $60,000. “Arby’s has its six core values that we live by: Dream Big, Work Hard, Play Fair, Have Fun, Get It Done and Make a Difference,” said Senior Director of Operations for Arby’s Restaurant Group, Eric Ballance. “We saw so many of these values being lived by Make-A-Wish.” Make-A-Wish Michigan does not receive any state or federal funding. Wishes are funded entirely through private support from individuals, foundations and corporations like Arby’s. “Our employees are thrilled [to be involved with Make-A-Wish],” Ballance said. “We had the opportunity to have [a Make-A-Wish representative] come to a recent meeting where all of our General Managers were present. She explained to them how Make-A-Wish worked and then showed the video of Forrest, the young man with a passion for cooking. We were able to see first-hand how Forrest’s wish came true and the impact it had on not only him but his family as well. Then, they were hooked!” Companies can make a donation of any size to help grant life-changing wishes for Michigan kids with critical illnesses. Engaging in a wish gives employees the chance to be personally invested in helping a local child see their wish come true. If your company would like more information, please contact Rae Anne Yuskowatz at ryuskowatz@michigan.wish.org
I wish to have a treehouse Camden, 3 gastrointestinal disorder
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
Pursuing my career aspirations at Michigan State University My name is Darby Walker. I’m a junior studying at the beautiful Michigan State University, and I am a wish child. I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the ripe age of 16 years old. Being diagnosed at such a formative part of my life really uprooted my life. I remember feeling terrified, alone and very unsure what my future was going to hold. Watching the world carry on without you is a very hard pill to swallow, and it can create stress, worry and anxiety in many patients, no matter what age. However, for me, I was able to find my silver lining in the dark storm cloud that I felt that I had been living in. A wish, almost anything that I had ever wanted, all I had to do was say the words, and soon it would be mine. The power of a wish is incredible. The inspiration and determination it Today, Darby is a gives children and young adults is unmatched. It’s like finally junior at MSU studying being able to see the light at the end of what feels like a communications. never ending bleak and terrifying tunnel. It gives those children who spend their days cooped up in a small sterile scented room something to look forward to—one more reason to keep on fighting the good fight. Fortunately for me, I was lucky enough to win my fight and enter remission during the summer of 2017. Looking back at my experience, it has helped me to gain so much perspective on my life. I’ve come out on the other side a resilient, sassy and incredibly Wish kid Darby with In 2017, Darby received her wish for tuition appreciative young woman. volunteers Ginny and Barb assistance as she started her freshman year at MSU. I was granted my wish of tuition assistance during the summer of 2017 right before I was to start my freshman year at MSU. With my wish, I was finally going to be able to start a new chapwter in my life. It gave me the ability to be in charge of my own life! Being here on Michigan State University’s campus has been all I could ever ask for and then some. As a freshman, I joined the sorority of Chi Omega, who has a national alliance with Make-A-Wish, and was blessed to meet some of the most amazing women who have supported, loved and stood by my side through thick and thin. Today I’m currently working towards a degree in Communications with a PR minor. I’m a member of the executive board of Chi Omega and working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Communication Arts and Science Building. If you would have told me that this is what my life was going to be while I was spending my days laying in a Sparrow Hospital bed, I would have called security to have the maniac removed. So thank you Make-A-Wish, for all you have done for me, for all that you have done for the rest of the children and young adults who have to deal with life-threatening illnesses during what should be the most carefree years of their lives.
YOU
CAN CHANGE THE LIVES
OF THE MORE THAN 800 MICHIGAN KIDS IN NEED OF A WISH
Resolve to be a difference maker in 2020 Are you looking for a 2020 New Year’s Resolution that will make a lasting impact in the community? As the year comes to a close, we challenge you to become a monthly donor and help close the gap. In 2019, Make-A-Wish Michigan granted 416 life-changing wishes, yet there are more than 800 Michigan children in need of a wish come true. You can be the difference maker to Michigan children with critical illnesses. By pledging your support, you can help transform the lives of kids in your community every month, all year. Start giving today at michigan.wish.org/donate. Winter 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 5
Since 1984 Make-A-Wish® Michigan has been granting transformational wishes for Michigan children with critical illnesses. Thank you to our Michigan community for helping make wishes come true.
Make-A-Wish Michigan grants its first wish to wish kid Joshua, who wished to go to Walt Disney World® Resort.
Make-A-Wish Michigan grants its 1,000th to wish kid Meagan, who wished to go to Walt Disney World® Resort.
Greenridge Realty Dream Team Foundation names Make-A-Wish Michigan their charity of choice. Since then, they have raised more than $1 million and helped to grant more than 145 wishes to Michigan kids.
1994
1999
1984 1987
1998
Four cyclists challenge each other to bike from Canton to Mackinac for charity, and the Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour was born.
Make-A-Wish Michigan granted Alex’s wish to film a PSA about kindness. Her wish spearheaded the formation of Team Alex on the Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour. Since its inception, Team Alex has raised more than $5 million.
6 With Our Best Wishes | Winter 2019
2000
Make-A-Wish Michigan opens a satellite office in Grand Rapids.
Make-A-Wish Michigan celebrates its 20th anniversary and grants its 4,000th wish to wish kid Lisa, who wished to be a zookeeper.
Make-A-Wish Michigan grants its 6,000th wish at the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour to wish kid Amanda, who wished to meet Elmo. WAM raised more than $1.52 million this year.
2004
2009 2007
Make-A-Wish Michigan grants its 8,000th wish to wish kid Emily, who wished to be a celebrity, and Wish Ball - Southeast Michigan returns to Detroit.
2014 2013
Make-A-Wish Michigan grants its 5,000th wish to wish kid Alan, who wished to have a treehouse.
2019 Make-A-Wish Michigan celebrates its 35th anniversary and grants its 10,000th wish to wish kid Forrest, who wished to be a chef.
Make-A-Wish Michigan partners with WDIV in Metro Detroit to host its first Wishes in Flight telethon, securing millions of donated airline miles from supporters.
WISHFULLY SPEAKING "This wish has made it possible [for Joel] to feel like everyone else, at least whenever he's on his bike. He now knows what it means to really race and sometimes win, to know how a bike can help you ride as many as 20 miles, and to participate in a physical activity and not need to rest for the rest of the day. Joel has also gotten in better physical condition than he had ever known was possible— he feels better and is proud of that. He now looks forward to biking most days of the week. It has given him a freedom that he never even knew was possible.” ‹ Joel, 13, congenital heart disease I wish to have a therapy bike
“The treehouse gave Ayden a dream when everything around him looked like a nightmare. To most this may look like a treehouse, but to our family this treehouse represents so much more. This treehouse is a light at the end of a very long, scary and sometimes, uncertain tunnel. It represents an unfathomable amount of strength, resiliency and courage our son had to possess.”
“Zion hasn't smiled this much in a long time. Just to see her smile and be happy brought so much warmness to my heart, and I haven't seen that in a while. They made my daughter feel normal, and it's something money couldn't buy. Zion wanted to be a normal kid. She forgot about everything and she was happy, and she was always smiling.” Zion, 11, nervous system disorder › I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
›
Ayden, 8, myeloid leukemia I wish to have a treehouse
“My favorite part of the cruise was definitely swimming with the dolphins. We got to dance with them, kiss them, hold their fins while they swam, and they pushed us on a boogie board. The dolphins were smooth like silk. I couldn’t believe how well trained they were.” ‹ Camille, 15, cystic fibrosis I wish to go on a cruise “He has been through multiple surgeries, a three-month hospitalization, monthly treatments, monthly, biweekly or weekly blood draws for treatment level verification and a restricted diet. It is a very humbling experience to receive such an amazing gift from an organization. I will always be thankful and grateful to all the sponsors that made it happen, the volunteers that helped us along the way and the amazing people we met during our trip.” Leonardo, 3, rare disease › I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
“Make-A-Wish provided me with the stepping stones I needed to leap from my hospital bed and into my dreams. We made so many wonderful memories thanks to Make-A-Wish. What a beautiful way to start fresh.” Emily, 19, nervous system disorder › I wish to vist John Lennon's childhood home
Braydan’s Yellowstone adventure rejuvenates entire family Like most kids, Braydan looked forward to spending summers outside laughing and playing. His summer highlights always included time at Lake Michigan with friends and family. But in fourth grade, he went from the anticipation of a carefree summer at the lake to dealing with the stress and uncertainty of a leukemia diagnosis. Instead of playing outside, Braydan spent days in the hospital getting tests and chemotherapy. The simple joys of summer vanished as the 11-year-old boy was stuck inside due to exhaustion and nausea. When it came time for Braydan to choose a wish, going to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming was the perfect way to spend time with his family and indulge in his love for the outdoors. In the time leading up to his wish, he learned all about Yellowstone and wrote down the things he wanted to see and do. “The Make-A-Wish experience was much more than the trip itself,” Braydan’s mom, Jean, said. “It gave
Braydan a distraction when he needed it the most. He would take magazines and books to his inpatient stays and read about Yellowstone and find things he wanted to see and do.” Braydan’s eager anticipation of his wish adventure encouraged him to ask his nurses and teachers whether they had previously visited Yellowstone and what activities they would recommend. “The looking forward to his trip was such a fun time for him, and it really did help his attitude in the daily struggles of cancer treatment,” Jean said. “This part of the Make-A-Wish journey was just as much a blessing as the trip itself was!” While in Yellowstone, Braydan and his family enjoyed a raft trip down the infamous Snake River where they were surrounded by the Teton Mountains and saw many wild animals including bald eagles, moose, beavers and deer. They were even able to see two black bear cubs
and bison that roamed only a short distance from the outside of their car during their guided tour. The precious time together as a family provided a respite in the midst of a challenging time and allowed them to create memories that they will never forget. “The trip to Yellowstone for our family was literally like coming up out of the water and taking that first deep breath,” Jean said. I wish to go to Yellowstone National Park Brayden, 11
SIGNATURE EVENT
Hikers take on Trailblaze Challenge Nearly 40 hikers went 21 miles through the beautiful Manistee River Trail/North Country Trail Loop on Sept. 7, to raise funds for Make-A-Wish® Michigan in the third annual Trailblaze Challenge. Because of the hard work and determination of these hikers, more than $128,000 was raised to help Michigan children battling critical illnesses experience the transformational power of a wish. A special section of the hike included the Wish Mile that featured star necklaces with a photo of a wish kid. As hikers reached the Wish Mile, they selected a wish kid’s star to help propel them through the final mile of the hike. Hikers also had the opportunity to meet wish kid Liam on the hike and learn about his wish to go to his favorite Florida theme park.
Wish kid Chloe’s family hiked in the 2019 Trailblaze Challenger in her honor
You can help make transformational wishes come true for Michigan children by joining us for Trailblaze Challenge next fall. For more information, please visit TrailblazeChallengeMI.org. Stay tuned for NEW Trailblaze changes to come in 2020!
Honor someone with a special gift in their name Establish a memorial or tribute gift as a meaningful way to honor your loved one or celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday, while supporting our mission. Your memorial or tribute gift will be a lasting tribute to your loved one and make a difference in the lives of children we serve. To make a commemorative gift, visit michigan.wish.org/donate and check “Donate in Honor or Memory.” You will have the option to select an e-card, paper card or a printable certificate to share your gift with the honoree or member of their family. Winter 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 9
Volunteer Spotlight “I volunteer at Make-A-Wish because of the impact the organization has on the lives of the wish children and families. This organization makes me feel a part of something much bigger than I could’ve ever imagined.” – KA ITLYN PA TR I C K
“My favorite experience with Make-A-Wish was when I worked with about 10 Make-A-Wish alumni to be part of the wish granting of another wish kid. It was amazing to see a bunch of Make-A-Wish alumni share their joy and hope with another young child that needed it. They were just surrounded by love and joy and hope.” - CAMERON HE S S E L I N K
“Dennis & I volunteer for Make-A-Wish because our grandson was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. His cancer has no cure, so he was granted a wish. He chose Walt Disney World® Resort, and they stayed at Give The Kids The World. We were able to go on the trip with them at our own expense. It was such a wonderful experience that we felt we should give back. We love meeting with the families and hosting the going away parties. There is no better reward than seeing the smiles on their faces.”
SIGNATURE EVENT
Wish kid Chloe stars in music video premiere at Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan Nearly 600 guests witnessed wish kid Chloe’s celebrity entrance complete with paparazzi and adoring fans prior to the premiere of her music video at Wish Ball – Southeast Michigan on Oct. 12. Wish Ball, with presenting sponsor TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants and lead sponsor Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, celebrated 35 years of granting wishes in Metro Detroit. Thanks to the generous support of co-chairs Chris and Jennifer Granger, corporate partners and event attendees, $500,000 was raised to help grant life-changing wishes to Michigan children like Chloe. Emceed by award-winning journalist Sandra Ali of WDIV-TV, the program included performances by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and artist David Garibaldi. The 2019 Leaders in Joy—Scott and Dorothy Cornell, Planet Fitness and Barb Smith—were recognized for their tremendous support of our wish kids and mission. To view Chloe’s music video, visit michigan.wish.org/chloe
PRESENTING SPONSOR
LEAD SPONSOR
- TERESA W A R R E N TEAM Schostack Family Restaurants
“While my initial motivation for joining the team was to be a giver, because of the rewarding nature of what we do, I often find myself being a receiver as well. We all have been given talents, connections or financial resources to be a positive influence in the lives of others and by partnering together through Make-A-Wish, we are making a difference and creating turning points in kids' lives!” - JA SO N MI TC HE L L
“When you grant your first wish, it’s a feeling you will never forget. A feeling that you will want to have over and over again.”
Wish kid Chloe makes her entrance to Wish Ball.
- TRISTA KI MB E R
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of children with critical illnesses in your community? Make-A-Wish Michigan is actively seeking volunteers throughout the state. To learn more about becoming a volunteer and when the next volunteer training will be in your area, please email volunteer@michigan.wish.org or call 800.622.9474. 10 With Our Best Wishes | Winter 2019
Wish Ball co-chairs Chris and Jennifer Granger pose with performance artist David Garibaldi and wish kid Marietta.
Ride To Grant Wishes REGISTER NOW
Regardless of which ride you choose, the Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour is an incredible experience that brings together more than a thousand riders and volunteers who believe in the life-changing power of a wish.
WAM 300 July 23-26
Traverse City to Marshall, MI
Three-day, 300-mile, fully supported tour through Michigan countryside.
WAM 50 July 26
Marshall, MI
One-day, 50-mile tour starting and ending at EATON Proving Grounds.
www.wishamile.org
WAM JR. July 26
Marshall, MI
Half-mile kids' ride for children ages 5-13 at EATON Proving Grounds.
A tax-saving way to help Make-A-Wish® Did you know that you can designate the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of your IRA? It's simple, just requiring that you contact your IRA administrator for a change-of-beneficiary form or download a form from your provider’s website. If you’re at least 59½ years old, you can take a distribution and then make a gift from your IRA without penalty. If you itemize your deductions, you can take a charitable deduction for the amount of your gift. A Special Opportunity for Those 70½ Years Old or Older You can take advantage of a simple way to benefit Make-A-Wish and receive tax benefits in return. You can give any amount up to $100,000 annually from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as Make-A-Wish without having to pay income taxes on the money.
Why Consider This Gift? • Your gift will be put to good use today, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making. • You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions. • If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year, your IRA gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement. If you would like more information, contact Julie Pendell at jpendell@michigan.wish.org or 810.522.6519.
Winter 2019 | With Our Best Wishes 11
Join Us! May 2, 2020 Walk For Wishes® – Southeast Michigan Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak May 8, 2020 Wish Ball - West Michigan DeVos Place, Grand Rapids
Headquarters 7600 Grand River Ave. Suite 175 Brighton, MI 48114 800.622.9474 michigan.wish.org
June 13, 2020 Walk For Wishes® – Northern Michigan Grand Traverse Pavilions Traverse City July 23–26, 2020 Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour Statewide September 11–13, 2020 Trailblaze Challenge Northern Michigan October 2020 Wish Ball - Southeast Michigan Detroit Visit michigan.wish.org/events for more details on other events.
F O L LO W U S @ M A K E AW I S H M I
YOUR ADVENTURE
GRANTS WISHES Challenge yourself while making wishes come true for Michigan children.
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
wishamile.org
