Make-A-Wish Hawaii Fall/Winter 2020 Newsletter

Fall/Winter 2020

Wish in Progress: Skylar’s Corner • Jingle Rock Ride—a socially distant spin on our annual holiday event • Welcome, new leadership members!

WishfulThinking • Note from Trini

Aloha Wish ‘Ohana, As you know, imagination is key to our mission. It is present from the very first moment a child is asked to dream about a wish come true, and it persists long after a wish is granted—into the newfound strength to envision life beyond illness and brighter days ahead. And in the midst of adapting to our new normal, we too are harnessing this power of imagination to fulfill our mission in partnership with valued supporters like you.

ON THE COVER Mano’s Mustang makeover wish was an inspiring example of how our community is still coming together safely to show love and aloha for wish families in Hawaii.

Learn more inside!

Photo: Abe McAulton

B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S Jeff Higashi - Board Chair Erik DeRyke – Vice Chair Cal Chipchase - Secretary Manoj Samaranayake - Treasurer Todd Apo Rachel Bradley Tom Calame Julianne Erickson Rick Fried Scott Higashi Michelle Ho Charles Hunter Todd lacovelli Joe Medwetz Brenda Mitchell Katie Pickman Mike Rompel Keri Shepherd Andrew Shimabukuro Tiffany Vara Brian Wong Dr. Greg Yim

Over the past few months, you have shown wish keiki that—with enough imagination— anything is possible. From decorating signs and rallying behind wish kid Mano at our first socially distant wish parade to leading creative virtual fundraisers of your own, your imagination and dedication to making a difference has never wavered. It is because of you that children across our islands are still experiencing the life-changing impact of a wish. Their gratitude, and ours, is immeasurable.

My team and I have the privilege every day of interacting with wish families across the state who express how much your support means, and we hope that in these pages you will feel the impact of your partnership as well.

In the spirit of imagination, we are looking forward to more safe ways of connecting with you soon, including at this year’s reimagined holiday fundraiser, Jingle Rock Ride!

Learn more in this issue and register now at jinglerockride.com to help give the gift of a wish and spread joy this holiday season.

Mahalo nui loa for your continued support and for harnessing the power of imagination with us. Together, nothing can stop our ‘ohana from changing lives, one wish at a time.

Warm Wishes,

Trini Kaopuiki Clark President and CEO

CONNECT WITH US @ M A K E AW I S H H AWA I I Pictured: Our staff and volunteer wish 'ohana have been meeting with wish families virtually, and there's been no shortage of wish magic and memories made!

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Newsletter | Fall/Winter 2020

Photos: Abe McAulton

I wish to have a Mustang makeover Mano, 17, Kapolei brain tumor

WISH GRANTED!

M A N O ’ S M U S TA N G M A K E O V E R Mahalo to First American Title and all who came together to grant 17-year-old Kapolei wish kid Mano’s wish to have a car makeover for his family heirloom vehicle, a 1992 Ford Mustang GT 5.0.

After an unexpected diagnosis with an invasive brain tumor two years ago, Mano and his father Manuel III began working on the Mustang together as a way to cope. Manuel III had purchased the vehicle when he was just out of school 27 years ago and went on to pass the car down to his elder son and finally to Mano. Mano viewed his wish to have a Mustang makeover, complete with a fresh coat of ruby red paint and new sound system, as a sign of hope for brighter days ahead and a return to life beyond illness.

When his wish day arrived, Mano and his family followed a custom map with links to messages from his wish granting volunteers and from Patsy Saiki, Hawaii State Manager for First American Title, announcing his car was ready for pickup. After receiving the keys, Mano got back behind the wheel for a test drive before returning home for the drive-by parade of supporters led by two officers from the Honolulu Police Department, District 8, Second Watch.

Mahalo to First American Title for sponsoring this wish, as well as Jspec Kustumz LLC, Drag Tech Racing, SCCA Hawaii Region, Super Cars of Hawaii, the Honolulu Police Department, and the many community supporters and volunteers who made it possible.

Nearly 50 vehicles, including show cars from local car clubs and those of volunteers and community supporters, followed the police escort and drove past Mano’s Kapolei home to celebrate.

“It’s overwhelming—it’s so much excitement and joy. It’s going to change my life for the better.

Mahalo to everyone who’s been with me on my journey.”

-Wish Kid Mano

Watch Mano's Wish!

Fall/Winter 2020 | Newsletter

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WishfulThinking • Wishes in Progress & Partnerships

WISHES IN PROGRESS Mahalo for making wishes like these possible!

In addition to Mano’s Mustang makeover, our wish team has been at work on other local wishes that will make a lasting impact at home—like Nawai’s wish to have a backyard sanctuary and CJ’s wish to have an art studio. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring wishes like these to life with your support!

I wish to have an art studio CJ, 7, Keaau heart condition

I wish to have my own videography equipment Pua, 15, Wailuku cancer

Ph

ot o:

An

na K

im Photography

Nawai’s wish to have an outdoor sanctuary Nawai, 5, Keaau nervous system disorder

RECENT PA R T N E R S H I P S M A H A LO F O R YO U R SUPPORT!

To help us grant wishes like these, our community continues to come together in numerous ways. Thank you to these local partners for giving back and changing lives over the past few months!

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Newsletter | Fall/Winter 2020

“Finding out CJ was eligible for a wish gave me hope that he can have at least one of his dreams come true. It would make him so happy and proud of what he creates and would give him even more enthusiasm about it. For us as parents, it would give us peace of mind knowing that he is able to express himself through his art and that he has a hobby that won’t ever be a trigger for his heart condition.”

-WISH MOM KATIE

“With what these kids go through medically [and the] challenges that they have in life, to be accepted into Make-A-Wish, I mean, it’s unimaginable. I only know because I’m blessed enough to have Skylar as my child.”

-WISH MOM YUKO

I wish to have a therapy room Skylar, 3, Pearl City genetic disorder Ph oto :K eit hU she

r

Watch Skylar’s journey!

WISH IN PROGRESS

Grant Waiting Wishes

Like Skylar’s

Three-year-old Skylar embodies his Japanese middle name, Kiseki—or “miracle”—in countless ways. Described by wish mom Yuko as her “tiny, mighty, feisty warrior,” Skylar has been through more in the past three years than many people in a lifetime. Through it all, he’s been a fighter, staying strong for his family and inspiring everyone he meets.

Doctors told Yuko and wish dad Brydon that Skylar would most likely not see his first birthday, which was devastating to the new parents. Yuko remembers, “You have a baby. That should be the happiest time of your life, and you’re being told ‘your baby is not going to make it to see one.’ I just broke down. He was only 13 days old. I didn’t sleep, and literally every single day I thought, ‘I’m going to lose him tomorrow, I’m going to lose him tomorrow.’”

Since then, Skylar has continued to defy the odds, though his journey has been far from easy. A normal day in Skylar’s life now consists of six different kinds of medications at the start of his morning, feedings four times a day, and play time with 5-year-old big brother Kainalu.

When Skylar was first referred to Make-A-Wish Hawaii, the family knew that a dedicated therapy room in the house just for Baby Sky—one tailored to his unique needs—would be the perfect wish. Yuko hopes that a room just for him will not only make him happier and more comfortable but that it will also aid in his medical journey.

Make your gift to grant wishes like Skylar’s at hawaii.wish.org.

Mahalo for your support.

Fall/Winter 2020 | •Newsletter hawaii.wish.org 808-537-3118

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WishfulThinking • Events

H OW TO

#RIDETHEWISH: STEP 1: REGISTER NOW

DECEMBER 13, 2020 5:30 - 8:00PM

The entire family is invited to join in from the safety of your car. Register as an individual vehicle, join an existing team, or create a team made up of your friends, family and colleagues.

$50 per vehicle registration includes a car magnet, keepsake Christmas ornament, and official holiday lights map!

STEP 2: START DRIVING

Photos: Abe McAulton

DONATIONS TO YOUR FUNDRAISING GOAL

Share why you choose to support Make-A-Wish Hawaii this holiday season and how you have been touched by a wish.

Ho Ho Holo Holo!

TUNE IN TO

Join us for Jingle Rock Ride, a new spin on our annual family-friendly holiday event, Jingle Rock Run! Share in the life-changing power of a wish by taking a drive to see the best holiday lights on Oahu! While this year’s celebration has been re-imagined, its purpose is the same: to show support for local keiki with critical illnesses and raise essential funds to grant their wishes.

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Newsletter | Fall/Winter 2020

Register now at jinglerockride.com

JRR S POT L I G H T:

Debbie Furuya and Team Reece’s Pieces

S

ix years ago, Debbie and husband Glenn were first touched by the Make-A-Wish Hawaii mission at our 2nd

Annual Jingle Rock Run, when a chance encounter set

STEP 3: FOLLOW THE MAP Join us on event day! We’ll provide a map of different must-see neighborhoods on Oahu, and you’ll be able to vote for your favorites. As you drive, tune in to 105.9 The Wave to sing along to holiday music and hear from our wish keiki and their ‘ohana throughout the evening.

off a chain of events that would forever change their lives and the lives of local wish children. The couple had met a wish child named Reece, who told them all about his wish to go to Walt Disney World® and the impact it had on his life.

Debbie and Glenn made a sizable donation to Make-A-Wish Hawaii in his name shortly thereafter, beginning a lasting friendship with Reece and a longstanding partnership in transforming the lives of more local children fighting critical

STEP 4: ENJOY

EVEN MORE FESTIVE FUN

Swing by our Make-A-Wish Hawaii stop at Ward Village for even more festive fun, delicious holiday snacks for the kids (while supplies last), and a chance to win some great prizes! We’ll be looking for winners in the following categories:

illnesses through their company, Leadership Works, and a JRR team each year in Reece’s name.

“It was quite shocking to me to think that the encounter of two people one evening could morph into 150 people gathered around the same cause.”

- D E B B I E F U R U YA

• Top Fundraising Individual • Most Festive Ride • Best Dressed Family

STEP 5: SHARE YOUR

JOURNEY

Document your evening with selfies and photos at our selfie station and along the way. Don’t forget to share and use #RideTheWish!

Supporting from afar? Please consider making a donation or helping a team reach their fundraising goal. Mahalo for your continued partnership in changing lives!

Fall/Winter 2020 | •Newsletter hawaii.wish.org 808-537-3118

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WishfulThinking • New Leaders

Mahalo to our Leadership Team BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeff Higashi - Board Chair First Hawaiian Bank Erik DeRyke – Vice Chair ProService Hawaii Cal Chipchase - Secretary Cades Schutte LLP Manoj Samaranayake - Treasurer Accuity LLP Todd Apo Community Volunteer Rachel Bradley Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawaii Realty Tom Calame Sheraton Waikiki Julianne Erickson Community Volunteer Rick Fried Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks Scott Higashi Pyramid Insurance Centre, Ltd. Michelle Ho Community Volunteer Charles Hunter Kobayashi Sugita & Goda, LLP Todd lacovelli UBS Joe Medwetz Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Brenda Mitchell Bank of Hawaii Katie Pickman Hawaii News Now Mike Rompel Domino’s Hawaii Keri Shepherd HomeBridge Financial Services Andrew Shimabukuro Dave & Busters Hawaii Tiffany Vara Community Volunteer Brian Wong MW Group, Ltd. Dr. Greg Yim Gregory K. Yim, M.D. LLC Windward Pediatrics, Inc.

We were pleased to welcome Tiffany Vara, Mike Rompel, and Dr. Greg Yim to our board of directors earlier this fall! As part of our 22-person volunteer board, these new leaders will guide us in advocacy, philanthropy, and community awareness efforts to support our vision of granting life-changing wishes to every eligible child in the state of Hawaii fighting a critical illness. Six additional local community leaders were also welcomed to our Young Leaders Board. We are so grateful for our entire leadership team and the sincere heart and passion they bring to our organization.

Welcome, new leaders!

Board of Directors

Young Leaders Board

TI FFA N Y VA R A Community Volunteer “My daughter and my family lived the isolation, emotional strain, and worry that come with a complex medical condition. The enduring power of a wish—not just the actual experience or item—but the entire process, including the memories created, can lift a child and an entire family to a different, more hopeful, resilient and connected way of being...which changes everything. The mission of Make-A-Wish Hawaii gives me, us and our community the privilege of sharing the one thing that always heals: love.”

YUMI A DAC H I

V I K TO R I JA A N I U LY T E

ADDISON BONNER

GR ANT CHANG

SPENCER DUNG

S A N DY N A RVA E Z

M I K E RO M PE L Franchisee, Domino’s Hawaii “If you could, wouldn’t you change the world for a wish kid, even for just a moment?”

D R . G R EG Y I M Physician Gregory K. Yim, M.D. LLC Windward Pediatrics, Inc. “I have worked the past 25 years of my career as a pediatric neurologist teaching hope to my patients and their parents to manage their neurologic illnesses. The Make-A-Wish mission allows me to combine HOPE with the JOY, HAPPINESS and SMILES that the magical wish can bring to a family.”

YOUNG LEADERS BOARD Cayenne Pe‘a, Executive Committee Alaka‘i Development

BOARD SP OTLIGH T:

Todd Iacovelli

Ryan Tsuji, Executive Committee RKT Media Hawaii Corey Campbell, Executive Committee Akamai Training & Consulting LLC

Todd Iacovelli has been

Yumi Adachi Aichi Fukkou Co., Ltd.

instrumental in changing the lives of Hawaii children

Viktorija Aniulyte Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Pacific

with critical illnesses since he first became involved with our organization in 2013.

Addison Bonner Hosoda & Bonner

Since then, he has served in various leadership roles, first

Kellan Briones Premier Barbershop and Medispa

on our Young Leaders Board and now on our Board of Directors, as

Grant Chang Lowney Architecture

well as on our Development Committee.

Throughout this service, Todd’s efforts—

Ryan Chavoustie Island Energy Services, LLC

including helping to establish Jingle Rock Run and the Young Leaders Board, making generous personal donations, and volunteering as a wish granter and wish ambassador—have inspired our team and the community. Todd also recently received Honorable Mention in the 14th Annual Invest in Others Awards for his contributions! Mahalo, Todd!

Kristin Chong Kowa Pharmaceuticals Spencer Dung WestPac Wealth Partners Marisa Guerrero Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Michelle Hee ‘Iolani School Keslie Hui Monarch Properties

YO UN G L E A DE R S B OA R D S POT L I G H T:

Ryan Tsuji Mahalo to Executive Committee member Ryan Tsuji for consistently going above and beyond in his role on the Young Leaders Board. Over the years, Ryan has been an invaluable part of our team, hosting and planning our annual WISH! gala (virtually this year!), producing high quality videos and content to communicate our mission, and working closely with our team to execute memorable events.

With regular meetings and close communication, Ryan’s dedication and innovative ideas continually inspire us and take our organization further.

Mahalo for all you do, Ryan!

Jacob Johnson Hale Partners LLC James Ka Edward Jones Phil Leroy NMG Network Trevor Luke Zippy’s Ashley Nagaoka Hawaii News Now Sandy Narvaez The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach Crystal Pancipanci Panci Style Brianne Randle RKT Media Hawaii Geoff Sogi Tamashiro Sogi, ALC Derek Turbin Gilson Daub Malia Zannoni International Market Place

WishfulThinking • Waiting Wishes

EXTENDING A LO H A

TO WA I T I N G W I S H KIDS AROUND THE WORLD I wish to visit an Aloha shirt factory in Hawaii Reed, 12, Virginia cancer

A (Coco)Note from Director of Wish Assist Janelle Sanqui

Aloha Wish ‘Ohana, Make-A-Wish Hawaii Wish Assist eagerly awaits the safe travel and visit of wish kids and their families from around the world. We are rooted in hospitality and the aloha spirit and have been fostering a sense of connection and anticipation for safe travel to our islands.

Wish travel is on hold, but our mission is not—we are still granting lifechanging local wishes here at home and extending the aloha spirit to waiting wish kids in new, unique ways. Please join us in sending warm wishes to waiting wish kids like Reed, Morgan, and Talia.

Best wishes,

Janelle Sanqui Director of Wish Assist

Waiting Wishes to Visit Hawaii

Reed, a 12-year-old Aloha shirt connoisseur from Virginia, wears Aloha shirts to every chemotherapy treatment. Jams World generously gifted him Aloha shirts and a bit of Hawaiiana to add to his collection as he awaits his wish! Mahalo Jams World for reminding Reed that even though travel is on hold, the Aloha Spirit isn’t!

I wish to go to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Talia, 9, Minnesota genetic condition

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Newsletter | Fall/Winter 2020

Wish kid Morgan finished her treatment at the end of April and is anxiously awaiting her wish to visit Hawaii, a wish that her mom says bring a spark to her eye every time she thinks about it.

Morgan was inspired to visit Hawaii after her nurse, a wish mom who had visited Hawaii with her own child, brought back a photo for Morgan’s hospital room. Morgan still looks at the picture, now on her bookshelf, every day. “It is in her heart to go, and I love the deep connection that she feels toward it,” says her mother.

I wish to go to Hawaii Morgan, 12, Indiana leukemia

Wish kid Talia from Minnesota loves all things Hawaii and even decorated her desk at home in a Hawaiian theme! She looks forward to visiting Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa as soon as it’s safe to do so. A kind-hearted Hawaii volunteer sent Aloha her way in the meantime with a few special items, including a koa wood postcard and Disney photo holder—check them out!

Ways to Wish:

Make a Lasting Impact with a Donor-Advised Fund

By Chief Development Officer Madalyn Kenney

What is a donor-advised fund?

F

rom becoming a monthly donor to including Make-AWish Hawaii in your estate plans, there are numerous ways to give back and support Hawaii children with critical illnesses. We want to help you find the avenue that’s right for you!

One easy, tax-advantageous way of giving you may consider is establishing a donor-advised fund.

This avenue is especially beneficial as we approach the year’s end. And since we’ve received questions from our community about donor-advised funds, we wanted to provide you with a little more information.

With a donor-advised fund, you can donate cash, stocks, and some additional assets into a professionally managed fund. You’ll receive an immediate tax deduction in the year you make the contribution. You can determine the size and frequency of donations to the charity of your choice, including Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

As the funds in your donor-advised fund may grow over time, so will your impact. Your onetime action of establishing the fund can change the lives of local wish children like 9-year-old Kaneohe wish kid Cheyleia well into the future.

Example: One of our donors saw the value of a stock they owned grow significantly in value. In an effort to maximize their impact, they connected us to their financial advisor and CPA. We coordinated a plan to contribute this stock to a donor-advised Fund. Had they sold the stock, they would have paid taxes on the gain, lowering the amount they could donate to the charity of their choice. However, since they contributed it to a donor-advised fund, they avoided paying extra tax and actually received a large tax deduction. This also allowed for a larger donation to MakeA-Wish Hawaii from their donoradvised fund.

exsisting donor-advised fund, your support will positively impact keiki with critical illnesses now and in the future. I’m currently working to grant Cheyleia’s wish to have a dedicated room where she can do crafts and work on science experiments. In her fight with brain cancer, this wish come true will give Chey much-needed strength and hope—and the ability to focus not on her illness, but on being a kid and making memories with her family.

What should I do next?

If you’d like to learn more about establishing a donor-advised fund or other ways to support children like Chey, please contact me directly at mkenney@hawaii.wish.org. We are happy to coordinate with your existing financial advisor and CPA to get the fund set up quickly and easily. You can also learn more about the organization and other ways to get involved at hawaii.wish.org.

Mahalo nui loa for your partnership! Together, we can change lives one wish at a time.

How will it benefit local keiki?

Make-A-Wish Hawaii does not receive state or federal funding, so all life-changing wishes are granted in partnership with community supporters like you. By establishing a fund, or giving from your Fall/Winter 2020 | Newsletter

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Make-A-WishÂŽ Hawaii 223 South King Street, Suite 100 Honolulu, HI 96813 www.hawaii.wish.org

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Photo: Abe McAulton

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Wishes are waiting, but you can help!

Here are 5 easy ways you can make a difference this holiday season: 1. Participate in Jingle Rock Ride!

Join or donate to a team at jinglerockride.com.

2. Donate airline miles for future travel wishes at hawaii.wish.org/miles.

3. Start a Facebook fundraiser in honor of Giving Tuesday on December 1.

4. Donate a vehicle to Wheels for Wishes!

Learn more at wheelsforwishes.com.

5. Become a monthly donor at $15 or more at hawaii.wish.org. Enroll by December 31 and be entered to win two round trip tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines (expires 6/30/21).

Check out our NEW website at hawaii.wish.org!

DECEMBER 13, 2020 5:30 - 8:00PM