2020 Year in Wishes

It’s better than anything I could have ever imagined!

I wish to have my Jeep remodeled Drew, 17

cystic fibrosis

Credit : Ernest Moren Photography

FO R CH ILD RE N WITH CRITI C A L I LLN E SS E S ,

Hope is Essential

The world has dramatically changed in 2020. COVID-19 required Make-AWish® to postpone all wish travel, as well as wish kid participation in activities and events that involve large gatherings. Right now, there are over 500 local kids and counting who are waiting for their wishes.

This year has reminded us that now more than ever, hope is essential.

Our commitment to bringing hope to children with critical illnesses remains. In fact, at Make-A-Wish, we are even more committed than ever to ensuring that no child waits even one unnecessary day to experience the hope and joy that a wish brings.

Since 1985, Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina has brought transformational wishes to more than 5,200 local children, 238 this year alone. But we’re not done yet as we continue to envision a world where every eligible child’s wish is granted.

In order to achieve that vision, we are innovating rapidly and evolving our wish-granting efforts in smart and strategic ways. And we are preparing now to grant the wishes that have been waiting due to COVID-19 delays as soon as it is safe to do so.

As we reimagine our future, I am proud and excited to be entering this new role as President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina. I look forward to getting to know YOU, our wish granters, donors, medical professionals, and corporate partners who make our mission possible.

Thank you for your continued support to help make every wish come true.

Together, we can be a light of hope for today and beyond.

Kathy Jetton President and Chief Executive Officer

A Note from our Board Chair

In this Issue

I first joined the Make-A-Wish® organization 17 years ago as a wish granter, volunteer and I’ve now served on the board of two different chapters. Having been part of this amazing organization dating back to 2004, I’ve seen it evolve tremendously. During these unprecedented times, I am excited to work with our new CEO Kathy Jetton. Kathy’s energy and drive to adapt and innovate will be remarkable assets as she guides our organization to new heights.

Fiscal year 2020 was a challenging one for our chapter. There are more wishes waiting now than ever before in our organization’s history. As we reimagine our future, it is an opportunity to get creative, do things differently, and focus on how we can continue to fulfill our mission.

In this edition of Year in Wishes, you’ll read incredible stories of how we’ve begun to innovate. You’ll also read about the of hope, resilience, and community support required to make wishes come true for kids like Drew, Tre’Mars, Macie, and many others. But for every wish granted, there are another two kids who are waiting.

We hope that in these pages you’re reminded how important you are to our wish kids both past and present. Our mission is made possible because of you … it is only with your support that we can achieve our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. Thank you.

Mick Slattery Board Chair

Board of Directors Mick Slattery Board Chair CEO Compucom Terri Zandhuis Vice Chair Chief People Officer Krispy Kreme Jeff Ross Treasurer VP of Finance & Accounting Red Ventures Matt Johnson Previous Vice Chair Division Executive, Private Wealth Management Executive Vice President SunTrust Bank Stephanie Alger Managing Director; Global Head of Equities Platform Bank of America

Wendy Barnes President Express Scripts Pharmacy

George Jurch, III General Counsel – The Americas Continental North America

Steve Baruch Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer MSC Industrial

Sherry Latten President Latten & Associates, Inc

Christine M. Bolen, MD Pediatric Hematology/Oncology St. Jude Affiliate Clinic Hemby Children’s Hospital Novant Health Karl Doerre President Doerre Construction Trent Haston President & CEO Andrew Roby, Inc. Dusty Holcomb SVP - Strategy, Technology, Marketing, Car Care AAA Carolinas

Carolyn Roach VP, Global Team Management Jeld-Wen, Inc. Peter Smul Partner Varda Partners Amanda Stophel CEO Service Pros Whitney Trout Director, Compensation & Benefits Harris Teeter, Inc. Glenn Tynan VP & Chief Financial Officer Curtiss Wright

Granting Wishes 238 wishes granted Adapting to grant wishes Tre’Mars’ wish

Medical Impact Referral information

Volunteering Ways to volunteer Macie’s wish

Donor Impact Changes to fundraising Financial reporting Ways to give

Dekota

•

Ashley

•

Issis

•

Levi

•

Blake

•

Cheyenne

• Keith

•

Abel

•

Johnathan

Jedaiah • Jesus • Nancy • Ryder • Angel • Candido • Flora • Allie • Pablo • Zachary Abigail • Lakendra • Nicholas • Sydney • Juliana • MACIE • Uzayda • Jacob • Logan Yoselyn

•

Jordan

•

Alondra

Aaliyah

• Ashton

•

Emma

•

Elisha

• Astrid

•

•

Kaelynn

Robert

•

• Audra Eden

•

Mollie

• Desmond

•

Ryan

• Aarius

• •

Erika Bryson

238

THANK S TO YOUR SUPPORT, WE G R ANTE D

Jordan

• John

Lauren

•

•

Deymi

Aiyanna

•

•

Samahjae •

Ella

•

Jhilary

Erik •

• Theodore Cole

•

•

Courtney • Jan

Alisha

•

CJ

•

•

Mya

Ronaldo •

Caleb

Jorrian • Zoie • Hughes • Sophie • Khloe • Jacob • Jack • Yossley • Davion • Ian Carlos

•

Alondra

Creed •

• Aaliyah

Diamond

•

•

Prince

Samuel

•

• Tanner • Lucille

Josie

•

TRE’MARS

• •

Olivia

•

Jocelyn

Nariah

•

• Jancarlos

Colton

•

Lawyer

Katie • Ezera • Amanda • Micheal • Shacarla • Indianna • George • Crews • Ezra Alannah • Ryan • Zion

•

Jadyn

•

David • Hayley • Deacon • Rihana • Collier • Briceida • Josiah Peyton

•

Jackson

•

Liam

•

Armando

•

Issac

•

Gavin

•

Kaitlin

Jackson

•

Hazel

Ayobamidele

•

•

Rowan

Genesis

•

•

Everett

Natalie

•

•

Kaleb

Jacob •

•

Jesus

•

Myasia •

Valerie

Analicia

•

•

Luz

•

Emily •

Matthew Annabelle

Quazaivier • Jacob • Oscar • Micheal • Keith • Annalee • Micheal • Colin • Hannah Joel

•

Tripp

Bishop

•

•

Cobra

•

Lilith

•

Patience

Nestor • Owen • Braylen

•

DREW

•

Nolan •

Eli

• •

Valentia Natalia

•

Nevaeh

• Jacob

•

•

David

Christopher

wishes DURING OUR 2 02 0 FISC AL YE AR

Kierre • Elizabeth • Emmett • Caleb • Aubrey • Dallas • Maddox • Glenda • Reagan Ashton

•

Leah

•

Kyrstin

•

Braxton

•

Zalak

•

Jaeden

•

William

•

Octavia

Ridley • Landon • Ethan • Jesse • Nicholas • Aliyah • Elijah • Zoe

• Cuauhtemoc

Lizzy

Audrey • Aiden

•

Karsyn

•

Karter

•

Devri

•

Malachi

•

Mason

•

Madilyn

•

Ruby • Christian • Anthony • Gabriella • Dominick • Jared • Cale • Jackson • Caitlynn Sean

•

Asher

Malikiah

•

Tracy

Joseph

•

SOPHIA

•

Chaylyn •

•

•

Tranh

Ashlynn

•

Mia •

•

Nazzayah

Isabella

Landon

•

•

•

Phillip

G’Narius

Zoe

•

•

Rachel

• Anthony • Marbely •

•

Madison

Jackson •

Kambree •

Bailey

• •

Kyla Kody Levi

Together, we provided the life-changing impact of a wish to 238 local kids in FY20.

4%

I wish to meet ...

Before COVID-19, 73% of wishes granted were travel based.

Since the start of COVID-19, 97% of wishes have involved items.

With the increase in our item wishes, we have a higher need for in-kind donations.

Popular wish needs include: Computers Campers Puppies Electronics Construction

40%

I wish to have ...

55% I wish to go ...

1%

I wish to be ...

COV E R S TO RY

Credit : Ernest Moren Photography

I wish to have my Jeep remodeled by Turn5 and Extreme Terrain Drew, 17 cystic fibrosis

Drew in the driver’s seat For many high school seniors, COVID-19 replaced typical experiences with virtual classes and drive-thru graduation ceremonies. Fortunately for 17-year-old Drew, the pandemic didn’t stop his wish from being granted.

In Drew’s free time, he loves working on his Jeep and watching YouTube videos of remodels from his favorite auto retail company Extreme Terrain and their parent company Turn5. Make-A-Wish enlisted their help to grant his wish to have his Jeep remodeled. When his Jeep was ready, volunteers, donors, and supporters hosted a parade leading up to the big reveal. The final car in the parade was the AAA Carolinas Make-A-Wish tow-truck carrying extra-special cargo. When Drew and his family saw his Jeep for the first time they broke into tears of joy. Drew’s wish came true just in time for his drive-thru graduation ceremony, which took place the following day.

Credit : Brittany Randolph

TR E ’ M A R S’ WI S H FO R A S H O PPI N G S PR E E

A wish brings joy to a community

I wish to have an online shopping spree Tre’Mars, 7

nervous system disorder

Spiderman, the color blue, eating pizza, and playing with LEGOs these are just a few of Tre’Mars favorite things. Although these items might be considered typical activities for a young boy, Tre’Mars is not like most 7-year-olds. When he was only a year old, he experienced his first seizure. Caused by a nervous system disorder, Tre’Mars’ diagnosis has led to frequent hospital visits, treatments, and medications. His seizures led his social worker to refer him to Make-A-Wish. During his Wish Discovery Visit at The Wishing Place, he imagined all the amazing things he could do with his wish. He also discovered one more thing he loved: the video game NBA2K that he played on the PS4 in the Wish Room.

At home, Tre’Mars couldn’t stop talking about the NBA2K video game and how much fun it was to play. Instead of waiting until it was safe to go on a trip or meet his favorite celebrity for his wish, Tre’Mars decided he wanted to have a shopping spree so he could get a PS4 and his beloved video game. Although he wasn’t able to go shopping in malls or toy stores, his Make-A-Wish team ensured that COVID-19 wouldn’t delay his wish from being granted.

On the day that Tre’Mars’ wish was granted, his volunteer wish granter prepared the perfect outdoor celebration, complete with plenty of balloons, signs, and of course, all of his shopping spree items wrapped up in blue and red wrapping paper. As a special surprise, he even received his very own Spiderman costume!

“I just love seeing him enjoy himself. This is one he will remember.”

- Tre’Mars’ Mom As Tre’Mars opened his presents, the streets flooded with the sounds of a dozen fire trucks and emergency vehicles honking their way to his house. In between tearing open gifts, Tre’Mars waved to the first responders, some of them even dressed up as his favorite hero, Spiderman. They took photos, showed off their superhero t-shirts and shared their support for Tre’Mars and his family. “It means a lot to me, to us, that Make-A-Wish would do this, and all these people would take the time out to come by,” Tre’Mars’ mom said.

When there was only one present left to open, he tore the paper to reveal what he had been most looking forward to: his new PS4 with his favorite video game! “Oh man, oh man,” Tre’Mars said grinning.

“This is it right here.”

Tearing open all of his packages only took Tre’Mars a few minutes, but the memories from his big day and the gifts he received will be cherished for a lifetime.

Local firefighters and first responders made Tre’Mars’ wish day extra special stopping by for a parade and dressing up as his favorite character Spiderman.

EVERY WISH EXPERIENCE BEGINS WITH A REFERRAL

Research shows a wish can give kids the strength to fight against—and even overcome— a critical illness.

Referrals by Medical Discipline 155

Oncology

85

Neurology

25

Cardiology Genetic Nephrology Transplant

12 Dr. Scothorn with wish kid Cainan

7 14 3

Rheumatology

36

Endocrinology & Pulmonology Hematology

17

Gastroenterology

4

Other

14

Referrals by Hospital or Treatment Center 100

Levine Children’s Hospital

28

Mission Children’s Hospital

79

Brenner Children’s Hospital St. Jude (Affiliate Clinic and Main Hospital) Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute

16 14 30

UNC Children’s Hospital* Duke Children’s Hospital* Novant Health Clinics

17 9

Carolina’s Pediatric Neurology Care Other

51 28

*Hospitals outside of chapter territory

“COVID-19 has turned our world upside down, but the impact on our wish kids has been especially challenging. Even though they cannot go to Disney World or swim with dolphins, kids are still being diagnosed every day with critical and life-threatening illnesses. Hundreds of children in our area (and thousands around the country) are waiting to have their wishes granted, and more are being added every day.

As a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, I see these kids and their families at some of their lowest points, but I also have seen the light and sparkle in their eyes when they tell me of their wish. I firmly believe that the hope that comes from a wish is a vital part of the healing process (both physical and emotional). I cannot imagine trying to care for critically ill children without being able to offer some light in the darkness, in the form of a wish.”

- Dr. Scothorn Mission Children’s Hospital Make-A-Wish National Medical Advisory Committee

Join a caring community of volunteers who transform lives Your time and unique talents are critical to bringing strength and hope to wish kids when they need it the most.

Our volunteers are at the heart of every wish experience.

Wish Granters ...

Wish Boosters ...

Event Committees ...

work with a Wish Specialist (Make-A-Wish Staff Member) to meet with wish kids and their families to help determine their heartfelt wishes.

increase the excitement of wishes by creating meaningful experiences that boost the wish journey. This can include delivering or mailing care-packages, tasty treats, gifts and more.

help expand the reach and impact of fundraising events. Committee members cultivate new partnerships and secure sponsorships, auction items, and event participation.

Talia Wish Ambassador at Pitchin’ for Wishes

Mission Ambassadors ... help share the story and impact of Make-A-Wish with the community. For example, after Talia’s wish to go to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa was granted in 2019, she continues to support Make-A-Wish by sharing her story at events and participating in video projects.

At the Roby Family of Companies’ 2019 Pitchin’ for Wishes Cornhole Tournament, Talia shared how her wish impacted her and her entire family.

“Being able to go on a Make-A-Wish trip made me feel like I was a normal kid again.”

Spanish Speaking Volunteers ... are more critical now than ever. With an increasing Spanish-speaking population across the region, bilingual volunteers are critical to assist with wish visits and other communications to help ensure we’re able to reach all qualifying families from all backgrounds. Bilingual volunteers are needed for assisting with wish visits and phone calls.

“Very often, the best medicine doesn’t come in a pill or a bottle, it is to bring a little happiness into someone’s life. Being a bilingual wish granter and working with Hispanic and Latin families gives me the unique opportunity to connect with people that speak the same language I speak and that look like me. This instant familiarity is magical for me because our paths become linked and a special bond of trust is formed.”

Giselle Wish Granting Volunteer since 2014

View all volunteer roles and requirements at wish.org/nc/volunteer

I wish to have a pink unicorn treehouse Macie, 4 congenital heart disease

Macie’s Pink Unicorn Treehouse

Credit : Kristen Maudlin

MACIE ’ S WI S H FO R A TRE E H OUS E

A Community Brought Together By Hope In 2004, John Speight was inspired by Hope’s wish to grant all the wishes of other children with critical illnesses. Over the past 16 years, he has felt called to support Make-A-Wish and continue what Hope set out to do: grant every eligible wish. He spent years searching for the time, resources, and opportunities to continue Hope’s legacy. Although he wasn’t sure how he could support the organization, one day the phone rang. Make-A-Wish needed his help, Macie needed his help.

Macie is a 4-year-old girl who was born with a heart disease and loves the color pink, playing with dolls, and being outside. When she was referred to Make-A-Wish, she knew immediately that she wanted a pink treehouse with unicorns. When John heard Macie’s wish, he knew it was the opportunity he had been waiting for.

John eagerly began drawing up blueprints, selecting the color palette, and preparing for Macie’s wish to come true. He worked with his team to secure a vendor who donated the necessary lumber and connected with a colleague who created a custom unicorn themed bookshelf.

Longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer Sherré DeMao also helped get local support from the North Carolina Women in Construction who painted and donated a unicorn mural.

Everyone who heard about Macie’s wish wanted to be part of it.

Six months into the build of Macie’s treehouse, COVID-19 turned the world upside down. Production slowed as John and his team tried to remain socially distant; however, he was determined to make Macie’s wish come true as soon as possible.

John was so impacted by Hope’s wish, he wanted to grant wishes for kids like Macie.

During the long, tireless nights painting, building and making Macie’s wish possible, John shared that Hope was always there with him. Although he was isolated due to the concern and limitations of COVID-19, he was never alone with Hope watching over him. She was the encouragement he needed to keep moving.

When Macie’s treehouse was finally ready for installation, it took three days to put together in the family’s backyard.

John and his limited crew installed the deck, the pink cottage, and swing-set underneath the tree’s canopy. On the day of the reveal, everyone who had been part of Macie’s wish gathered together to celebrate. Macie received a grand entrance of friends and family along with Make-A-Wish supporters, volunteers, and donors cheering all the way to her new treehouse.

“It’s so rewarding to go from raising money to granting wishes. It’s a whole new level of wow!”

- Sherré DeMao, Wish Granter

The first time Macie climbed the ladder and saw the inside of her treehouse she was speechless. She loved exploring her space, the balcony, flower boxes, and all the fun toys that were left as a surprise from her volunteer wish granter.

When asked what her favorite part of the treehouse was, Macie pointed up to the ceiling at the rainbow rafters that John had painstakingly made possible. John choked up at the fact that something he had spent so much time on was so meaningful to her.

After seeing how happy Macie was to have her wish granted her dad said, “It means so much to our family and I know it’s going to mean a lot to Macie for years.”

Wishes like Macie’s need YOUR help!

Volunteer Sherré DeMao is no stranger to making wishes happen. She first got involved in fundraising through the Trailblaze Challenge before becoming a wish granting volunteer. When Sherré found out that many of wishes involve construction such as treehouses, playsets, pools, and even ninja warrior courses, she was quick to jump in and make these wishes possible. As a board member with the North Carolina Women in

Construction, Sherré connects Make-A-Wish to people willing to help grant construction wishes as quickly as possible.

Due to the high cost of construction and installation wishes, in-kind support to help kids like Macie is needed now more than ever.

Without the power of supporters like Sherré and John, these life-changing wishes couldn’t happen.

If you or your company can give back, please contact us at corporategiving@nc.wish.org.

There are more playset and pool wishes than ever before. Our chapter is always in need of donated wood, concrete, and labor to grant wishes like Macie’s.

A CH A LLE N G I N G Y E A R FO R E V E NTS

Adopting new ways to fundraise now and into the future Fiscal year 2020 was a challenging year for events. In February 2020, our annual Wish Ball made history when supporters helped us raise an unprecedented amount. Soon after, though, COVID-19 forced the rest of our annual signature events to be canceled or rescheduled.

This meant that critical wish granting revenue was delayed. However, through the generosity of supporters and corporate partners, we were able to continue to bring hope to children with critical illnesses during this unprecedented time.

PRE COVID-19 Wish Ball On Friday, February 21, 2020, our chapter hosted the 17th annual Wish Ball at The Westin Charlotte. Thanks to amazing supporters, our signature blue-tie gala raised a record-breaking $700,000, helping grant nearly 120 wishes for children in our community battling critical illnesses. At the event, we recognized Symmetry Financial Group as the 2020 recipient of the Dale Jr. Indomitable Spirit Award, which honors a corporation or individual that embodies Make-A-Wish’s desire to Share the Power of a Wish, through persistence, compassion, integrity, and dedication, making a lasting impression on the community.

POST COVID-19 40 Days of Wishes On April 29, 2020, Make-A-Wish celebrated its 40th anniversary of granting wishes.

Supporters like you helped us celebrate in a big way by raising crucial funds and awareness during the pandemic. During our 40 Days of Wishes campaign, supporters engaged in family-friendly virtual opportunities such as themed trivia, cupcake decorating with The Sweet Spot Studio CLT, and a virtual cooking class with wish dad and private chef, The Bearded Homecook. Thanks to the generosity of supporters and corporate partners, we were able to raise over $118,000 to help grant 19 life-changing wishes for kids like Mia (pictured here).

Thank you to our friends at Volvo Financial Services who stepped up to be a generous corporate sponsor of our 40 Days of Wishes campaign.

Blaze Your Own Trail Launched in 2013, the Trailblaze Challenge has grown from a group of 60 fundraising hikers to an alumni network of nearly 1,800 hikers across the region. Through the incredible commitment of the Trailblaze community, the Blaze Your Own Trail virtual challenge was launched in June 2020. Blaze Your Own Trail was created to allow flexibility for participants to complete the 28.3-mile endurance challenge at their own convenience while still making a difference. In total, 247 participants took the challenge and helped raise over $150,000 to grant life-changing wishes for 23 local children.

2020 marked the third year in a row that UnitedHealthcare has sponsored our Trailblaze Challenge at the silver level (donating $6,000 each year). This has allowed us to grant three life-changing wishes.

A team of employees and friends of American Retirement Counselors, led by President Bill Van Meter, President of ARC, upped the ante when Blaze Your Own Trail launched. They collectively raised more than $20,000 and hiked 44 miles across four states.

O LI V I A’ S M A S K FU N D R A I S E R

Three generations making wishes possible Eight-year-old Olivia has developed a passion for giving back and fundraising through her mom Christie and grandma Karen. Both ladies have been involved in the W.I.S.H. Society helping raise vital funds to grant life-changing wishes. They were inspired to support Make-A-Wish after Olivia’s wish to go to Walt Disney World was granted in June 2019. The family spent a week in Orlando, Florida visiting all the theme parks including Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld, and Animal Kingdom. During her wish, Olivia loved meeting all of her favorite princesses, especially Ariel. “The pure joy of seeing [my daughters’] eyes light up filled my heart,” Olivia’s mom Christie shared during their trip.

I

When the pandemic hit, Olivia was devastated to hear that wishes like hers to go to Disney were postponed. She was inspired to continue the family tradition of raising funds to grant wishes and started her own mask fundraiser to benefit Make-A-Wish and the community. For every $10 donation to Make-A-Wish, Olivia and her family made a mask that was donated to first responders, hospital staff, and hospice workers.

They made over 700 masks and raised over $6,000, enough to fully fund another child’s wish!

“Olivia’s sweet spirit has never stopped her from wanting to give back; She has always been inspired to do things for other people. She has embraced Make-A-Wish as much as her mom and me.” – Karen

Olivia and her family made over 700 masks

“Make-A-Wish has had a life-changing

Olivia is no stranger to giving back to

and raised over $6,000, enough to fully fund

impact on Olivia and her entire family. Her

Make-A-Wish. At the 2020 Wish Ball, she

another child’s wish!

wish has brought so much joy amidst the

shared a beautiful piece of personal artwork

darkest of days when she was the sickest.

for the live auction, which raised $11,000 to

We will always be grateful.”

grant wishes.

CLOSING THE GAP

Critical funding is needed to grant waiting wishes 519 -bঞm] 417 -bঞm]

4M 3.5M

517 -bঞm]

389 granted 238 granted

3M

553 -bঞm]

In FY20 & FY21 ...

535 -bঞm]

450 projected 325 projected

400 projected

2.5M

Travel wishes have been put on hold, causing more wishes to be waiting than ever before.

We are granting as many local wishes as safely possible with the support of donors and our reserve funding. However, the gap between critical funding to grant wishes continues to grow due to the rapidly increasing costs of these wishes and our expanding wish pipeline.

By the end of FY21 ...

2M

We hope that many travel wishes will resume safely. Critical revenue is needed to ensure the waiting wishes can be granted as quickly as possible. But the longer wishes are waiting, the larger the gap will continue to grow.

1.5M 1M 500k 0

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

PROJECTIONS

Wishes Waiting

Wishes Granted

Individuals

Peer to Peer & Events

Corporate

Bequests & Other

Charlotte In FY20, we saw a 29% increase in charitable giving through individuals like Frank Johnson. Frank has been involved with Make-A-Wish since 2014, funding local wishes and contributing to The Wishing Place Capital Campaign.

Butler High School’s Student Government Association along with Butler staff, clubs, and families raised $10,000. To celebrate, they hosted a send-off party in Dec. 2019 for wish kid Sophia. Post COVID-19, peer-to-peer fundraising remains an important revenue generator.

In February 2020, 48 Charlotte area Chick-fil-A locations teamed up for the 2nd annual Share the Love campaign to grant wishes for kids like Lexi. The restaurants sold select items with 15% of every purchase benefiting our chapter and raised $50,000!

WAYS TO GIVE

Now more than ever, we need YOUR help to keep granting wishes and bringing hope to local children with critical illnesses.

DONATE:

MONTHLY GIVING:

PLANNED GIVING:

When you donate, you're giving children a renewed strength to fight their illnesses, bringing families and communities closer together. We accept gifts in multiple ways: online, by check, and through donor advised funds. You can also make a stock gift. wish.org/nc/give

By enrolling in monthly giving, you can become a Wishmaker and provide hope and joy for wish kids every month of the year. You can conveniently enroll online or by mail. wish.org/nc/donate

Planned giving ensures your legacy lives on through wishes. By including a gift to Make-A-Wish in your estate plan, you help bring hope, strength, and joy to future generations of children with criticial illnesses. giving@nc.wish.org

CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT:

W.I.S.H. SOCIETY:

WISH YOUR WAY:

Your company can grant wishes through innovative campaigns, cause marketing programs, customized sponsorship opportunities, generous financial contributions, and in-kind support. corporategiving@nc.wish.org

Join an elite group of women transforming the lives of local kids battling critical illnesses. As a W.I.S.H. Society Member you can donate, volunteer, and network with other women who are passionate about our mission year-round. ncwishsociety@nc.wish.org

Each year people raise thousands of dollars through fundraisers that match their passions. We provide the website and tools to help you succeed. site.wish.org/yourway047

GIFT CARD DRIVE:

AMAZON SMILE:

WHEELS FOR WISHES:

We are always in need of gift cards to boost the wish experience and help offset wish costs. corporategiving@nc.wish.org

While you’re shopping on Amazon, you can also make wishes possible!

Get the same great Amazon products and prices, but with AmazonSmile, 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products will be donated to Make-A-Wish. wish.org/nc/amazon

By donating your vehicle, you can help make wishes come true for local kids with critical illnesses. Wheels for Wishes will arrange to have your vehicle picked up, repaired, and resold, with all proceeds benefiting our local chapter. wheelsforwishes.org/charlotte

13

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

We are 100% local

We serve 51 counties in NC

Since 1985, more than 5,200 wishes have been granted.

The average cost of a wish is $6,000.

Our service area includes four major medical centers:

Levine Children’s Hospital, Hemby Children’s Hospital, Mission Children’s Hospital & Brenner Children’s Hospital.

Why a wish?

A wish is empowering and life-affirming.

A wish provides strength and motivation to keep fighting.

A wish transforms the lives of children, their families, and entire communities.

You can make an impact!

MAKE A GIFT Give the gift of a wish by donating one-time, making monthly contributions, or providing goods and services.

ENGAGE YOUR COMPANY Our generous local corporate partners help grant life-changing wishes through innovative and customized sponsorship programs.

VOLUNTEER Assist with fundraising and share your time and talents as a volunteer to transform a child’s life.

REFER A CHILD Refer a child facing a critical illness to help provide the hope, strength, and joy that a wish delivers during treatment. wish.org/refer-a-child

GET YOUR SCHOOL INVOLVED Kids of all ages can host their own fundraisers and grant wishes through Kids For Wish Kids, Wishmakers on Campus, and the Youth Leadership Council.

ATTEND A SIGNATURE EVENT Several events are hosted throughout the year including galas, endurance events, and more.

WISH IT FORWARD® Wish families can continue to engage with our chapter after their child's wish was granted by sharing their story and fundraising.

Chapter Headquarters 217 E. Tremont Ave. Charlotte, NC 28203

Triad Office 7025 Albert Pick Rd. | Suite 104 Greensboro, NC 27409

The Wish Ball “Blue Tie” annual gala February | Charlotte ncwishball.org

Kentucky Derby Classic Derby themed annual gala Spring | Greensboro kentuckyderbyclassic.org

Trailblaze Challenge® 1 day | 28.3 mile hike Spring & Fall trailblazechallenge.org

World Wish Day Founding of Make-A-Wish April

nc.wish.org

@ncwish

info@nc.wish.org

@makeawish_cwnc

704.339.0334

@makeawish_cwnc