2022 Year in Wishes

I wish to have a playset

Caroline, 5 genetic disorder

Pinehurst, NC page 6

Transform Lives, One Wish at a Time

OUR YEAR IN WISHES

SEPTEMBER 2021 - AUGUST 2022

I wish to go to Gatlinburg, TN Waylon, 5 Connelly Springs, NC

I wish to go to Boca Raton

Jaime, 12 rare disease Mount Holly, NC page 13

Together, we granted 280 for children with critical

JOSEPH SAMIR

MADISON

95%

MAX

*2022 Wish Impact Survey

of wish alumni felt more hopeful for their future after their wish.*

Kathy Jetton President and Chief Executive Officer

While we never stopped creating hope for wish kids and their families, we did undergo two challenging years of uncertainty. However, 2022 was the year that we got the green light and officially declared that we were 100% back in business. We resumed full operations by granting all four wish types and did so at an incredible pace. And I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge your pivotal role in our triumphant comeback. Without your overwhelming support, our work each day wouldn’t be possible, and we wouldn’t have been able to change the lives of nearly 300 local children with critical illnesses in 2022. That’s why hope begins with us — not just our chapter, but our volunteers, our wish granters, our donors, our supporters — ALL of us. While we come from all walks of life, we’re one giant team committed to one incredible mission: Granting life-changing wishes for local children with critical illnesses who need it most.

Going forward into 2023, we hope to continue on with your support as we work to reach more funding sources and return to pre-pandemic levels of wish granting. We are well on our way to achieving these goals, but we still need your help more than ever. For many reasons, the cost of an average wish has grown to approximately $7,500. While we are granting wishes at an exceptional level, it’s still an uphill climb as we continue to process the backlog of wishes that resulted from the pandemic.

When children’s wishes are dreamed of, planned, and then granted, it provides them with the strength they need to fight their critical illness and all of the anxiety and pain that comes with it. They replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope.

With your help, we can give even more hope to our wish kids and their families at a time when they need it most. But we can’t do it without you. Because, after all, hope begins with all of us.

Kathy

MAKE-A-WISH ® MISSION

L ooking back on 2022, I can’t help but marvel at how far we’ve come. Coming out of two years spent tackling a global pandemic — and granting fewer wishes than normal due to stalled travel — our chapter roared back in 2022, granting nearly 300 wishes.

From the Board Chair

W hile the world has endured many challenges over the last several years, at Make-A-Wish, we continue to exemplify undeniable passion and dedication for what we do best. We are incredibly proud to share that, during 2022, we resumed wish granting for all four wish types. Now, we are heading into 2023 full

speed ahead, granting wishes at a ferocious pace.

Our focus this year is to return to pre-pandemic levels of giving and wishgranting, and we will do everything we can to reach this impactful goal. This includes asking for your support. To continue to make wishes come true for local wish kids, that now cost an average $7,500 due to inflation, we need your help now more than ever. As individuals, we can achieve amazing things, but together our power is unmatched. Now, let’s work together to harness that power and prove that hope can endure for our wish kids, at a time when they need hope and resiliency most.

Board of Directors

Terri Zandhuis

Board Chair

Chief People Officer

Krispy Kreme

Steve Baruch

Vice Chair

Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer

MSC Industrial

Glenn Tynan

Treasurer

Retired VP & Chief Financial Officer

Curtiss Wright

Wendy Barnes

Secretary CEO

RxBenefits

Peter Smul

Governance Chair

Chief Operating Officer Varda Partners

Christine M. Bolen, MD

Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health

Hemby Children’s Hospital

Karl Doerre President Doerre Construction

Trent Haston President and CEO The Roby Family of Companies

Vanessa Heiskell

Assistant Vice President Children’s Service Line Atrium Health

Timitra Hildebrand-Jones Albemarle Corporation

Matt Johnson Division Executive Private Wealth Management Executive Vice President

SunTrust Bank

George Jurch, III General Counsel The Americas Continental North America

Will Manning Senior Vice President North Carolina Market Executive Private Bank

Abhishek (AJ) Ratani Angel Investor/Advisor/ Mentor

Carolyn Roach VP, Global Team Management Jeld-Wen, Inc.

Jeff Ross CFO

BNI (Business Networking International)

Leigha Smith Market President/Senior Vice President Encore Bank

Amanda Stophel CEO Service Pros

Whitney Trout Director, Compensation & Benefits Harris Teeter, Inc.

Terri Zandhuis Board Chair

Caroline, 5 genetic disorder Pinehurst,

“OH - MY -

Goodness!

Wish kid Caroline began having seizures when she was just six months old. Shortly after, Caroline was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis, which causes tumors to shrink and grow inside of her brain. Caroline and her parents’ days now revolve around constant doctors’ appointments and MRIs, monitoring the progress of her condition. For someone with her diagnosis, Caroline gets along very well, with almost no motor function issues. She does, however, have trouble speaking, and until a year ago, she did not speak or understand many words at all. When Caroline’s mom realized her daughter might qualify for a wish, she jumped on the opportunity to create some joy for her daughter.

Caroline is a fun-loving young girl who loves to play outside. She adores going to the playground and playing on the slides. Her favorite activity at the park is to swing as high as she can on the swing set. For her wish, Caroline wanted to have her own playset so that she could swing and play in her own backyard. Caroline was so happy after her wish was granted. She couldn’t stop giggling as she went down the slide and ran around her new playground.

I wish to have a playset

NC

Goodness!

Said Caroline’s mom, “Seeing Caroline’s wish come true was such a sweet moment for our family. When we pulled up and she saw her play set, she was so excited and just kept saying, ‘Oh My Goodness’… I was so thrilled as a mom to see my girl so happy, and she was loving all the attention on her!”

Caroline’s wish provided her with a chance to be a child again and to play in a carefree way. After her wish was granted, her parents shared what the wish meant to them.

“Make-A-Wish® truly did impact our family on Caroline’s Wish Day. We were so thrilled to see her happy. When you have a child with health problems and developmental delays, you live for the good days, and we had the best day thanks to Make-A-Wish.”

“Make-A-Wish truly did impact our family on Caroline’s Wish Day. We were so thrilled to see her happy. When you have a child with health problems and developmental delays you live for the good days, and we had the best day thanks to Make-A-Wish.”

— TARA,

Caroline’s wish would not have been possible without the support of donors like you. When asked what she would like to say to MakeA-Wish donors, Caroline’s mom

shared, “We will always have this wonderful, happy memory thanks to your donations. We could never thank you enough for giving our family this gift!”

Medical Impact of a Wish*

99% of medical providers say that a wish improves a child’s emotional well-being

90% of wish kids say that their wish made them feel more joyful and confident

90% of wish parents say that a wish relieved their family of traumatic stress

* 2022 Wish Impact Study

CAROLINE’S MOM

Caroline with her mom and dad

”

Wishes

Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina has granted more than 5,500 wishes since its inception in 1985. We seek to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. The lifechanging experiences of Cutter, Hannah, and Johanna show us just how powerful a wish can be.

I wish to have my

Meet Wish Kid Cutter

Cutter loves all things to do with mechanics and the outdoors. For his wish, Cutter wanted to trick out his 2014 Toyota Tundra so that he can cruise around with his friends after school.

Cutter could not believe his eyes when he saw his truck. It looked like a completely different vehicle with a new bumper, tires, and a lift kit. Cutter enjoyed meeting all of the mechanics who worked on his vehicle and couldn’t put into words what this experience meant to him.

95% of wish parents said their wish improved theirwell-beingfamily’s .*

*2022 Wish Impact Survey

truck remodeled

Cutter, 17 lymphoma Webster, NC

Meet Wish Kid Johanna

Wish kid Johanna’s smile is contagious. It’s impossible to be sad around her friendly and kind personality. Johanna was diagnosed with epilepsy from a young age. Due to her disability, Johanna often misses out on the simple joys of childhood. For her wish, she wanted to spend time with family and explore someplace new. She wished to go to Sevierville, TN and stay in a cabin.

Johanna loved the carefree time away with her family. Her whole family enjoyed visiting the waterpark, aquarium, and museum, and they especially enjoyed going on all of the rides together.

Meet Wish Kid Hannah

After being diagnosed with Leukemia, Hannah and her family felt like their world had ended. Their days quickly started to revolve around constant doctors’ appointments and chemo treatments.

While being treated at Brenner Children’s Hospital, Hannah and her family learned that Hannah qualified for a wish.

Hannah is a very outgoing 10-year-old girl who loves to dance and perform. Her favorite musical is the smash hit Hamilton. Hannah decided that the perfect wish would be to go to New York to see Hamilton on Broadway and enjoy the city at Christmas time. An amazing time and unforgettable experience was had by all!

Lincolnto

Greensboro

I wish to go to Sevierville, TN

Johanna, 8 nervous system disorder Dallas, NC

I wish to go see Hamilton on Broadway

Hannah, 10 leukemia Greensboro, NC

Wish Inspires a Career in Cancer Research

Meet wish kid Savanna, a recent college graduate and future doctor. Her wish to have a horse was granted in 2015. Now, she dreams of becoming a doctor to help design new cancer treatments that can help kids like herself. We were lucky enough to have the chance to interview Savanna about what her wish meant to her.

Looking back on your wish, what did it mean to you to have your wish come true? My wish gave me the hope to continue fighting. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience that I looked forward to before it was granted, and looked back on when treatment was difficult.

What was the lasting impact that your wish had on your life?

I credit my wish with my full recovery. My horse Ollie, was my shoulder to cry on, my physical therapy, and my motivation for the future. Without him, I wouldn’t have had the drive to keep pushing myself to get stronger.

Tell us about why you wanted to personally give back and help kids with cancer. Kids with cancer and other chronic illnesses are the most resilient and awe-inspiring people on earth. They deserve the best the world can offer. I am pursuing a PhD in biomedicine with a concentration in pharmacology and toxicology. This degree will allow me to design new treatments for cancer and other chronic illnesses.

Why do you think it is important to support Make-A-Wish?

It isn’t just about the wish. It’s about making kids feel like there is something worth fighting for and giving them a profoundly positive experience to hold onto. Make-A-Wish gives a voice to those with very little control over the world around them. They’re an incredible force of good in the world.

What would you say to someone who currently supports Make-A-Wish?

I would sincerely thank them for the difference they have made in countless children’s lives.

Q&A WITH WISH ALUMNI SAVANNA

I wish to have a horse

Savanna, 15 cancer

Summerfield, NC

95%of wish alumni felt more hopeful for their future after their wish.*

*2022 Wish Impact Survey

Dr. Douglas Scothorn, MD, PhD Chairman of National Make-A-Wish® Medical Advisory Council, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Mission Health, Asheville, NC

Q&A with Dr. Douglas Scothorn

How long have you been involved with Make-A-Wish? Can you share a little bit about your history?

I started with Make-A-Wish in the North Texas chapter in 2004. In that chapter, I was an ex-officio Board Member (Vice Chair for Program Services), sort of a precursor to a Chapter Medical Advisor. I moved to Asheville, NC, in 2006 and immediately connected with our chapter here, serving one term on the Board. I was only peripherally involved (primarily as a referring physician) for the next few years until I ran into Make-A-Wish staff at a wish reveal in Asheville in 2014, and by 2015 I had begun serving as a Chapter Medical Advisor. I joined the National Medical Advisory Council in 2017. I have served as Vice Chair of the NMAC for the past year, and I began a two-year term as Chair of the National Medical Advisory Council this past November. I am also currently the Make-A-Wish America liaison to Make-A-Wish International, as well as one of four physician members of the MAWA Medical Steering Committee to help guide our emergence from COVID.

Why do you think wishes are an essential part of treatment for kids with critical illnesses?

One of the most important things that I have learned as a physician taking care of children with life-threatening and critical illnesses is that medicine is not enough to make life better for them. While medical treatments are important in treating their illnesses, the hope and joy created through wishes is vital for their emotional well-being and resiliency. We know that the mind, body and spirit all must work together for healing and, in my experience, there is nothing better at healing the mind and spirit than a wish. How are chapters and Make-A-Wish America making changes to reach wish kids in underserved areas?

As a physician working in a predominantly rural area, the challenge of caring for children in underserved areas is one that I face on a daily basis. This challenge has been exacerbated tremendously by the COVID pandemic: both with respect to staffing issues within Make-A-Wish, and restrictions on gatherings and community events due to public health concerns.

Addressing these challenges requires creativity and a willingness to try new approaches. One approach, which has been very successfully used in this

“One of the most important things that I have learned as a physician taking care of children with life-threatening and critical illnesses is that medicine is not enough to make life better for them.”

chapter, has been to coordinate wish visits with medical visits, to both place less burden on the wish volunteers and staff, and to allay potential medical concerns with the families regarding “strangers” in their homes.

Make-A-Wish, both at the national and chapter level, recognizes the importance of our wish granters, volunteers and staff being representative of the children whom we serve, with respect to issues including language, ethnicity, gender identity and geographic diversity. For Make-A-Wish, diversity and inclusiveness is not just talk; it is an intrinsic and vital piece of our mission.

In addition, engaging former wish kids in the organization provides a unique insight into the challenges which our wish kids face, that cannot be easily understood by those of us who have been fortunate enough not to have faced living with a critical illness.

Talk to us about travel reemergence and what that means for our chapter/ nationally for Make-A-Wish.

The COVID pandemic turned the world upside down, and Make-A-Wish has certainly been dramatically affected by it. From the beginning of the pandemic, Make-A-Wish has followed the best available medical and public health guidance in order to ensure the safety and well-being of our wish kids and their families. Now that effective vaccinations and medical treatments are widely available to treat COVID, we have taken an evidencebased approach to emergence from the travel limitations and restrictions, which were put in place during the early days of the pandemic.

So far, our emergence plan has been successful, but we recognize that ongoing vigilance will be required to ensure the we can continue to provide the best and safest wishes to all of our kids.

MEET WISH KID JAIME

12-year-old Jaime wished to go to Boca Raton, FL. She loves marine life and going to the beach. On her wish trip, Jaime and her family were able to spend lots of time relaxing at the beach, snorkeling, and exploring the Palm Beach Zoo. She even got to pet a sea turtle!

When wish kids are granted a wish, they gain more than just a great experience for a day, two days, or a week. They create memories and moments of joy that they can look back on when things get tough.

93% of medical providers said thewishstrengthensexperience theirrelationshipwith theirpatients.* *2022 Wish Impact Survey

Our Year in Review

The Fiscal Year 2022 Report represents all the progress and strategic initiatives that we have worked on this past year to positively impact lives. We worked tirelessly every day to create opportunities for children and their families to experience the impossible.

Most Popular Wishes

Based on data from August 31, 2022

With your help, last year we created 280

100% of medical providers said thewish experienceimproves a child’semotional well-being.* *2022 Wish Impact Survey

Wishes Granted by Region

Wishes Granted County

Each wish requires an incredible amount of brainpower, creativity, time and generosity. As the cost of a wish rises, we have a tremendous need for resources to help us close the gap between the number of wishes we are currently able to grant and the number of wishes we need to grant to achieve our mission to grant the wish of every qualified child in our territory.

95% of wish alumni said their wish improved their overall quality of life.*

*2022 Wish Impact Survey

The average cost of a wish has increased from $6,000 to $7,500

$6,000 FY 2021

$7,500

FY 2022

Children with critical illnesses need your help today.

MAKE-A-WISH CENTRAL & WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Financials

Total Revenue

Year ended August 31, 2022 (Unaudited Financials)

Cash Revenue Breakdown

Wishes Waiting by Region

We need to do more. We will do more. But we need your help.

Triad Region 148

Western Region 77 Charlotte Region 301

Events

Working with local sponsors on events is a wonderful opportunity for strong brands to come together to impact local communities. Together, we can engage with the public and highlight how corporate support transforms lives.

WISH BALL $1,400,000 raised. 187 wishes granted.

The Wish Ball is our annual signature ‘blue tie’ gala. The event brings donors, volunteers, and wish families together for an awe-inspiring evening of making wishes come true for children with critical illnesses in Central & Western North Carolina. Wish Ball guests can expect a memorable night with silent and live auctions, raffles, Fund-A-Wish opportunities, and dinner, drinks, and dancing. Of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without a few special wishes being shared, too. For the first time since 2019, we were able to welcome our guests back in-person and shared the magic with those at home via a live stream of our program. This year, we made chapter history by raising $1.4 million for local wish families. The impact generated by our generous supporters guarantees that 187 children will experience the healing power that a wish experience provides. We look forward to the 2023 event, where we will celebrate our 20th anniversary of the Wish Ball! Learn more at ncwishball.org.

TRAILBLAZE CHALLENGE

$462,732

KENTUCKY DERBY CLASSIC

$358,000

The Kentucky Derby Classic is a memorable and inspiring afternoon that encompasses all things Derby, while raising funds to make life-changing wishes possible! The event includes a live and silent auction, Sports Book style bidding on your favorite horse, inspiring stories from local wish families, wine & spirits pull, best hat and attire prizes, and watching the Kentucky Derby live-streamed during the event. This year, we raised $358,000 at Derby! That means 48 wish kids who are currently waiting will be able to experience the power of a wish in the upcoming year. The highlight of the afternoon was watching 3-year-old wish kid Luca’s wish come true — he was granted the wish of a mini goldendoodle puppy: his new best friend, Bear! Learn more about the 2023 event at kentuckyderbyclassic.org

Over the course of two hike weekends, we had 166 hikers complete 28.3 miles in ONE life changing day — raising $464,732 for our Make-A-Wish chapter! These funds will assist in granting 62 wishes for local children with critical illnesses. The challenge in Trailblaze Challenge is two-fold: physical and philanthropic. While hikers train to take on the full 28.3 miles, they are also tasked with raising vital funds to help us create life changing experiences for children in Central and Western North Carolina. At the 2022 event, we had the pleasure of hosting our Title Sponsor, DLP Capital, for their first Trailblaze Challenge experience, and we look forward to working with them in the future! Are you ready to take on the Challenge? Visit trailblazechallenge. org for more information.

raised. 62 wishes granted.

raised. 48 wishes granted.

2021-2022

Events

Every year on April 29th, we remember the wish that inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish. In 2022, our chapter celebrated in a big way, with an adventure-filled event at Carowinds, Make-A-Wish® Blue Milkshakes & Doughnuts, and a $20,000 match from a generous longtime donor.

WORLD WISH DAY CELEBRATION AT CAROWINDS

Thank you to all the wish families and volunteers who joined us at our World Wish Day Celebration at Carowinds on April 30. It was a wonderful day celebrating hope and joy with you all! Shout out to Vital Signs Accapella from Elon University for their wonderful performance.

CAROWINDS BLUE MILKSHAKE

A huge thanks to our longtime partner, Carowinds, for creating a Blue Unicorn Shake in honor of World Wish Day this year. The shake was sold throughout the whole month of April at Carowinds and raised over $5,000 dollars.

IN THE NEWS

Thank you to all of the amazing media partners who helped us promote World Wish Day. In partnership with our PR Agency, Peggy Brookehouse Group, we were able to secure media spots with Queen City News, WCCB, and a very special edition of WBTV live from Carowinds!

NEW KRISPY KREME PARTNERSHIP

On World Wish Day, Charlotte area Krispy Kreme locations celebrated with us by offering blue Make-A-Wish Doughnuts and Make-A-Wish Dozens. 100% of the proceeds went to granting wishes in the Charlotte area.

MEET WISH KID WAYLON

5-year-old Waylon from Connelly Springs, NC loves the outdoors. During his cancer treatments, Waylon and his family would often go on outdoor adventures when things got hard.

For his wish, Waylon wished to go to Gatlinburg, TN to enjoy the mountains and visit Dollywood. His family loved mining for gold, relaxing in the outdoors, and spending time together away from doctors’ appointments and treatments.

When wish kids are granted a wish, they gain more than just a great experience for a day, two days, or a week. Waylon’s wish will bring him and his family joy for years to come.

I wish to go to Gatlinburg, TN Waylon, 5 cancer Connelly Springs, NC

The Power of a Wish

Over the years, Gail worked to make Make-A-Wish a part of the company’s culture. Employees would often ask, ‘When are we going to donate a wish this year? What will it be?’ In response, she would tell them, “We’re able to do this because of you.”

Gail has four daughters: Christine, Jennifer, Brittany, and Ashley. “I have four healthy children, and I am aware and blessed by that,” says Gail. “I just can’t imagine how anyone could see a sick child and not want to help them. I can’t imagine.”

Gail continues, “To see the parents and wish child so happy, it makes it all worthwhile. It’s really a nobrainer to bring this level of joy to a child, family, community and my workplace.”

Gail says Make-A-Wish is just as important to her husband, Greg. They’ve been business partners since 2004 and recently got married two years ago.

In 2011 , some of the staff from Shamrock Environmental, the company that Gail Buchanan Kiser founded in 1994, met with a team member from Make-A-Wish at a restaurant in Clarksburg, WV. That was the meeting that really sealed the deal for Gail, jump starting her relationship with Make-A-Wish. “Once you hear one story or see the impact a wish makes on one child, how can somebody not want to help?”

Gail remembers one particularly meaningful wish that was revealed

at her farm. The wish kid loved Gail’s poodle and played with her the entire day. The young girl’s wish was to go to Disney World, and Gail and the Make-A-Wish team invited Disney princesses to the farm to reveal that her wish was being granted.

For years, Gail would host a company party at her farm, and the highlight would be a surprise wish reveal for a local child. Wish kids would come to the farm and ride in Gail’s Gator, pet the animals, and enjoy the festivities of the day alongside Shamrock employees.

“Make-A-Wish is my favorite nonprofit”, says Gail.

The average cost of a wish is $7,500, and it is estimated that Gail has granted hundreds of wishes through her donations and time spent fundraising on the Kentucky Derby Classic committee. However, what Gail has given Make-A-Wish and local wish kids goes beyond that: The impact from the amount of hope and joy she has created is truly immeasurable.

Sometimes, giving back transforms our lives in ways we never imagined. Long-time donor and volunteer Gail Buchanan Kiser shares her story of how hope and joy can not only impact a wish child and their family — but a whole community.

Gail Buchanan Kiser

Volunteer BECOME A

Your time and talents are critical to bringing strength and hope to wish kids.

Make-A-Wish volunteers consider their work impactful and meaningful. By helping us get closer to granting the wish of every eligible child, our volunteers are at the heart of every wish experience. Volunteers even have the freedom to choose when and how they would like to transform lives in their communities.

WISH GRANTER

Wish Granters partner with a Make-A-Wish staff member to meet with the family and determine a child’s wish.

WISH BOOSTER

Wish Boosters help increase the anticipation and excitement of the wish by creating meaningful experiences such as countdown calenders, a car parades, special gifts, signs, etc.

SPANISH-SPEAKING VOLUNTEER

Bilingual volunteers help us ensure that we are reaching all qualifying families within our region and that we are able to grant as many wishes as possible.

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER

Special Events Volunteers help with our signature events throughout the year. Event volunteers help day-of, help solicit auction items and help increase event participation.

FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER

Fundraising Volunteers help Make-A-Wish make connections with companies, individuals, foundations, and the community.

SKILL-BASED VOLUNTEER

Skill-Based Volunteers use their professional skills to help grant wishes. Skills like photography, videography, landscaping, interior design, and more.

Scan to learn more about volunteering for Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina.

www.wish.org/nc/volunteer

Going forward in 2023 , one of our chapter's main goals is to find new and non-traditional referral sources and to continue providing education on the referral process as part of our efforts to reach every eligible child, regardless of geography, socioeconomic status, race, or illness. While our referrals for wishes generally decreased during the pandemic, our goal remains to find every eligible child, especially those who might have been missed during COVID. We hope to further our reach outside the hospital settings and expand to educate medical providers in clinics and more remote medical offices, so that we can connect with every child who has a critical or life-threatening illness. We have added to our team a Medical Outreach and Intake Manager, whose role is to educate the medical community throughout our territory on current national eligibility criteria. This position will also oversee the referral intake process in an effort to help solidify relationships with local medical providers, ultimately increasing and diversifying our referral sources. Our ultimate goal in 2023 is to ensure equitability in wish granting in its entirety, from the initial referral to the completion of the wish. We remain focused and dedicated to our mission to grant a wish to EVERY eligible child within our community.

MEET WISH KID LANGLEY

Before Langley’s cancer diagnosis, her family was supposed to go to visit her aunt and uncle in Cincinnati. This trip was postponed thanks to chemo treatments, the pandemic, and Langley’s compromised immune system.

When Langley found out she was being granted a wish, all she wanted to do was to travel and visit her aunt and uncle again.

Langley loves being outside and animals, so while in Cincinnati, her family explored the Cincinnati Zoo, as well as the aquarium. Langley loved seeing all of the animals and the interactive exhibits.

Langley’s favorite part? Hugging and kissing her aunt and uncle again.

I wish to go to Cincinnati to see family Langley, 4 leukemia Weaverville, NC

Our ultimate goal in 2023 is to ensure equitability in wish granting in its entirety, from the initial referral to the completion of the wish.

2023 EVENTS

Mark Your Calendar!

WISH BALL

February 24, 2023

The Westin

601 S College St, Charlotte

The Wish Ball is Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina’s signature blue-tie gala, where we celebrate the life-changing impact of a wish. This year, Make-AWish supporters will have the ability to support the Wish Ball in-person at The Westin in Charlotte by purchasing a sponsorship or choosing the opportunity to participate from home.

The night will include:

• Silent and live auctions

• Raffle and Wine Pull

• Inspiring stories from our local wish families

• Seated dinner and dancing at The Westin

• Opportunities to make life-changing wishes possible

Save the date for our 2023 event on February 24 at 7:30 PM, and visit ncwishball.org or contact events@nc.wish.org to learn more.

CHOOSE JOY! GOLF TOURNAMENT

APRIL 13, 2023

The Valley Golf Course

1005 Indian Valley Dr., Burlington

We invite you to be a partner in our mission by becoming a Choose Joy! Golf Tournament sponsor. Please look through our sponsorship benefits to learn more about how you can align your business with one of the nation’s top charitable brands and make an impact on children right here in the community. Email jlawson@nc.wish.org or visit https://bit.ly/ choosejoygolf for more information about becoming a sponsor of this event.

KENTUCKY DERBY CLASSIC

May 6, 2023

Summerfield Farms

3203 Pleasant Ridge Road, Summerfield

Our chapter’s signature fundraising event in the Triad, the Kentucky Derby Classic, traditionally brings together over 400 guests from across Greensboro and surrounding communities to celebrate the Power of a Wish®.

A memorable and inspiring afternoon, the event encompasses all things Kentucky Derby, complete with live and silent auctions, “betting” at the Sportsbook, delicious tasting stations and a bourbon bar featuring classic mint juleps by GIA: Drink. Eat. Listen., a riveting hat contest, live stream of the Run for the Roses, and unique wish surprises!

More information about our 2023 event to come! Please contact jlawson@nc.wish.org if you’re interested in getting involved.

TRAILBLAZE CHALLENGE

MAY 19 - JUNE 11, 2023

The Trailblaze Challenge is an endurance event where participants tackle 28.3 miles of the Foothills Trail in one life-changing day! This is a hike, not a race, and it caters to all levels, from novice to advanced outdoor enthusiasts.

Along with being an extraordinary physical test, the true challenge is to raise much needed funds to grant the wishes of children in Central & Western North Carolina with critical illnesses.

The 2023 Spring Hikes will take place May 19-21 & June 9-11. The Fall Hike is October 13-15.

Each Trailblazer will be asked to raise funds to cover their expenses and to help Make-A-Wish continue its mission of granting wishes of children who are diagnosed with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish staff will be there every step of the way to help with fundraising.

If you are interested in an upcoming hike, contact Emily Gibson at events@nc.wish.org or call 704.469.4663.

Thank You, Donors

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

Erica and Brandon Adcock

Lisa and Marc Allen

Randi Anderson

Sherry and Gary Babcock

Carol Lindsey and Jason Baker

Robin and Quint Barefoot

Tammie and Robert Beatty

Nancy and Charles Beemer

Amy and Frank Foster Bell

Lisa and Jay Biehl

Jennifer and Nate Boozer

Shannon and Ron Bradford

Sharon Britt

Tracy and Jason Britt

Michelle and Bob Bruggeworth

Jennifer and Richard Bruning

Christina and Billy Buchanan

Lauren Buchanan

Lynn and Randy Buchanan

Cory Boyte

Paul Buehler

Bronwyn Burleson

Christopher Cady

Ted Campbell

Mike and Rita Carlet

Sherlon Coiner

Amy and Phil Colaco

Tony Collins

Scott Cottrill

Sharon Coy

Lesley and Ken Crabb

Vani and Tim Craven

Ashley and Eric Creviston

Rose and Bill Cummings

April and Patrick Daly

Jon Daly

Rachel Daly

Ann and Hao Dang

Catherine Daubek

Tammy and Matt DeBoer

Courtney Decker

Donna and Al deMolina

Bruce Dick

Ben Dobson

Adele Dowlin

Kathryn and Richard Dunn

Terri Engle

John Evans

Alex Fink

Linda Fogleman

Susan Franklin

Jennifer and Mike Freno

Grace Gaddis

Jacqueline Gibson

Selena and Rick Giovannelli

James Godfrey

Kellie and Richard Goldsborough

Warren Grill

Michelle Haaf-Seifert

Amanda and Robert Hagaman

Elizabeth and Bram Hall

Meredith and Jay Harris

Terri Harris

Susan and Jeff Hartman

Ragan and Trent Haston

David Haufler

Kim Henderson

Brad Hicks

Chelsea Hockaday

Julie Hogan

Kristina and Tom Hoops

Kelly Hughes

Michelle and Duane Inskeep

Steven Israel

Dean Jackson

Kathy Jetton

Mary Johnson

Melissa and Matthew Johnson

Casey and Trenton Johnston

Gina and George Jurch

Michelle Keenan

Bruce Kibbey

Kevin Kiernan

Nelson Kincaid

Gail Buchanan Kiser and Greg Kiser

Amy and Jerry Kurtz

Dave Lingafelt

Vickie and Ron Livingston

Joshua Lyerly

Buddy Lyons

Leslie and Joseph Marus

Emily Massey

Nancy and Brad Matthews

Joe Maus

Kelly and Mark McDonald

Susan and Earl McFerrin

Geary McMinn

Michael McVicker

Alison Miller

Mike Modlin

David Morgan

LaJean Morrow-Smith, DDS

Lori and Christopher Nelson

Kathy Niven

Brookelyn Norman

Jr and Summer Nunn

John Olmstead

Lane Ostrow

Meredith and Robert Parfet

Reena and Chirag Patel

Lynn Patsolic

Josh Patt

Paula Payne

Haynes Peery

Belinda Pike

Kathleen Pikering

Patty Potter

Jimmy Powell

Sean Quinn

Jennifer Reichert

Robert Rhinehart

Mary Rice

Donna Richardson

Mason Roberts

Angela and Brad Roche

Rick and Britt Ruby

Danielle and Chris Russo

Robin and Jack Salzman

Betsy and Henry Santos

Erin Santos

Caroline and Jerry Schroeder

Greg Seifert

Jay Selle

Lawrence Shaheen

Cynthia and Jeff Shock

Ron Simon

Kristen and Mick Slattery

Craig and Holly Smith

Justin Smith

Debra and Peter Smul

Amanda Stophel

Edward Sullivan

Don Swaim

Chris Swanger

Marcia and Joe Takacs

Michael Terry

Dwight Thomas

Mary Ann Thurber

Michelle Titus

Karen Jensen-Tynan and Glenn Tynan

John Underwood

William Van Meter

Brad Wahl

Shasta and Craig Webber

Sybil West

INDIVIDUAL DONORS, continued

Tara and Mark Wheelihan

Sayfonh Whitfield

Sandra and Barry Winslow

Danielle and Jeff Witherspoon

Carly Wrenn

Darcy Wright

Brion Yarnell

Janine Yass

Court and Andy Young

Deborah and Garry Zage

Terri and Hans Zandhuis

Whitney and Doug Zeh

Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram was the Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 Annual Wish Ball. Not only did owners Jack Salzman and Robin Smith-Salzman sit on the Wish Ball Committee, but they also pledged and added $50,000 to fund more local wishes. Through contacts and vendors of their own, they helped raise an additional $120,000 for the event, impacting the lives of over 200 wish kids and their families.

FOUNDATIONS

Brian and Janie Mahoney Fund

Albemarle Foundation

AmazonSmile Foundation

Anderson Giving Fund

Baruch Family Charitable Fund

Beatty Charitable Fund

Broyhill Family Foundation, Inc.

Carroll Family Foundation, Inc.

Darren and Kathryn Ash Foundation

David and Nicole Tepper Charitable Foundation

Dekelboum Family Foundation

Duncan Charitable Giving Fund

Flay and Glenda Anthony Charitable Fund

Foundation for the Carolinas

Gail Buchanan Kiser and Family Fund

Gambrell Family Foundation

Hall Foundation, Inc.

Highway 55 Charitable Foundation, Inc

Hunter Hometown Foundation

James A. Turner, Jr. Family Endowment Fund

Lebda Family Donor Advised Fund

Lee Chou Family Foundation

Longleaf Fund

Louis DeJoy and Aldona Z. Wos Family Foundation

Lowrance Family Foundation

Mansfield Family Fund

Mick & Kristin Slattery Charitable Gift Fund

Family Foundation, Inc

National Christian Foundation Piedmont

Noelke Giving Fund

Olivia Strong Foundation

Once Upon A Child

Phillip Family Donor Advised Fund

Sheetz Family Charities

Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation

Templeman Estate

The Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation

The Brent and LeighAnn Lewis Fund

The Chidsey Family Charitable Fund

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, Inc.

The Dale Jr. Foundation

The David E. Maguire Foundation Inc.

The Estate of Ronald Melton

The Isabella Santos Foundation

The Jack Runnion Foundation

The Jay and Maxann Collins Fund

The Kevin Lipton Family Foundation

The Leon Levine Foundation

The Lyon Foundation, Inc.

The Mary E. Carnrick Foundation

The Peninsula Community Foundation

The Tynan Family Charitable Fund

True Homes Foundation

CORPORATE DONORS

AA Hardwood

AAA Self Storage

ABC Supply

ABS Insulating Co., Inc.

ADP TotalSource, Inc.

Ally Financial, Inc

American Retirement Counselors

American Water Damage Triad

Ameriprise Financial

Andrew Roby Family of Companies

Applebee’s

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc

Barefoot and Company

BB&T Now Truist

Beacon Insurance

Blackhawk Hardware

Capital One Services, LLC

Carolina Concrete

Carolina Panthers

Carowinds

Carruthers & Roth, PA

Central Carolina Concrete

Certified General Contractors

Charlotte FC

Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission

Chick-Fil-A

City Electric Supply Co.

Cone Health Foundation

Continental Tire

Copper Innovations, Inc.

Corning Incorporated

Cypress Networks

Darnall Sikes Wealth Partners, LLC

Dave and Buster’s

Davis Site Works

Delicato Vineyards

Denard Enterprises, Inc.

DoTerra

Drypro Basement Systems

Duke Energy Business Services, LLC

Edwards, Church & Muse, Inc.

EmergeOrtho - Triad

Encompass Advertising Agency, LLC

Envision Millwork

Express Scripts

Fifth Generation, Inc.

First Citizens Bank and Trust Company

First Horizon

Foothills Marine, Inc.

Fox Rothchild

GameStop

GCPB LLC

GIA: Drink. Eat. Listen

Great Wolf Lodge

Green Post Irrigation & Landscaping

Happytail Puppies

Harkey Tile & Stone, LLC

Harrah’s Cherokee

Harris Teeter Inc.

Heritage Auctions

Highways & Skyways of NC, Inc

Home Technology Solutions

Hunter Automotive Group

ICON EV, LLC

Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina

ITC Millwork, LLC

JA Ventures LLC

Jeld-Wen, Inc

Jersey Mikes Subs

Joe Maus Auto

Johnson Brothers Liquor Company

Karis Management Group, LLC

Keller North America

Kingdom Demolition

Krispy Kreme

Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge

Jeep Ram

Lake Norman Transportation Services, Inc.

LeoTerra Development

LePage Johnson Group Exp Realty

Lift Waste Management

LPL Financial Foundation

Macy’s

Matthews Specialty Vehicles

McGriff Insurance Services

McIntosh Law Frim

Merrill Lynch

Michael Waltrip Racing

The Quility team always puts clients and community first. Following up on a historic online fundraising campaign in 2021, the Asheville-based insurance company stepped up to the plate again for their 2022 IMPACT event. With nearly 1,200 virtual attendees, Quility pushed the limits of their online platform in route to raising over $200,000 for our chapter, granting over 26 local wishes in the process!

Midrex Technologies, Inc.

Mint Hill Cabinet Shoppe

Miranda Ann Holdings, LLC

Morgan Stanley

MSC Industrial Supply

NFP

Novant Health

Pacific Broadcasting Group

Parks Automotive Group

Party City

Pepsico

Phillip’s Collection

Piedmont Natural Gas

Pinnacle Plumbing Solutions, Inc

Pinnacle Roofing

Poyner Spruill, LLP

Premier Dental Greensboro

Publix

Pure Barre

Queen City Lumber & Supply Co.

Quility

Ralph Lauren Corporation

Raymond James Global Account

RBC Utilities

Remedics Restoration

Renewal by Andersen of the Carolinas

Rice Toyota

Schiffman Jewelers

Smart Products USA

Smokey Joe’s Cafe

Snappy App

Southern Valley

Spectrum Builders

Star Hagen Aerospace

Steele’s Mechanical

Subaru

Swing King

The Trust Company of the South

The Core Training

Thermo King Central Carolinas

Thumbs Up

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

TopGolf

Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise

Truist

Universal Distribution Group

UPM Raflatac

UPS East Region/South

Atlantic District

Vann’s Welding & Ornamental Works, Inc

Verigent

Volvo Finanical Services

Wheels for Wishes

Williams Holding Corp

Wolfe Homes

Womble Bond Dickinson

WXLY, LLC

In February, Charlotte-area residents purchased heart-shaped trays from local Chick-fil-A restaurants for their loved ones to enjoy. They might not have realized that their purchase also helped grant wishes for local children with critical illnesses. Local Chick-fil-A Operators presented a check for $128,104.25 to Make-AWish of Central and Western Carolina, helping the organization grant over 16 wishes to local children. Thirteen-year-old Harper, whose wish to go to Disney’s Aulani was granted, attended with her family and spoke about the impact of a wish.

“We are so grateful to Make-A-Wish for giving Lucia and so many other kids that hope, confidence, and sense of possibility when it is needed most!”

— LAUREL, LUCIA’S MOM

I wish to go to Disney World

THERE ARE SO MANY

Ways to Give

DONATE

When you donate, you’re giving children a renewed strength to fight their illnesses. We accept gifts: online, by check, by credit card, and through donor-advised funds. You can also make a stock gift. wish.org/nc/give

MONTHLY GIVING

By en rolling 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/monthly

PLANNED GIVING

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

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

W.I.S.H. SOCIETY

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

WISH YOUR WAY

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

www.wish.org/nc/give

GIFT CARD DRIVE

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

DONATE STOCK

A gift of appreciated stock can benefit you in two ways: you receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value, and at the same time, avoid capital gains taxes. wish.org/nc/donate-stock

Scan and donate to help us give more children the confidence, strength and hope that comes with a wish.