FY25 Annual Report by makeawishmidatlanticregion

“I wish to ride a unicorn on the beach.”

Ava, 8 Bristow, Virginia respiratory disorder

Leadership & Staff

Board Officers

Jason Pappas Tower Partners, Board Chair

Laura Fuentes Hilton, Vice Chair

David Goldberg Serco North America, Secretary

Perry Hollowell CFI Partners, Treasurer

Board Members

Ed Barry Capital Bank

Mark Cabrey NT Concepts

Augie Chiasera M&T Bank

Ellen Connors InterAmerican Development Bank

Laird Creighton McCormick & Co

Adam Dumey World Wide Technology

Susan Fiorella Kaiser Permanente

David Hess Chess Consulting

Victoria Lion Monroe VLM Consulting

Joel Niamien Walton Enterprises

Katherine Kallinis Berman Georgetown Cupcake

Pritpal Kalsi SC&H Group

Sophie LaMontagne Georgetown Cupcake

Jyothi Raghavan

Kristen Salmon KPMG

Stacy Schwartz RingCentral

Jon Spaeth Trust Law, PLLC

Ben Wu

Staff Members

Lesli Creedon CEO & President

Sherry Hewitt COO & CFO

Melissa Prather CRO

Mary Antonucci Senior Director of Wish Granting

Maggie Ballantyne

Darla Brown

Melanie Brown

Brooke Ewing

Sarah-Rose Galucki

Amanda Gottlieb

Raylene Grant

Ebony Henderson

Kaylan King

Susan Lucas

Rebecca McNally

Kate Mitchell

Bradley Norwood

Anna Salomon Pasapera

Cheyenne Raber

Andrea Ramirez

Rachel Schacht

Kristen Straub

Jarrett Thompson

Dianna Wissink

We are thrilled to announce that Make-A-Wish has once again been recognized as the #1 Most Trusted Nonprofit Operating Locally Across 50 States We are proud to uphold this mark of quality and excellence, based on the 2025 Morning Consult data.

Stay up to date on upcoming events and activities at Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and be inspired by the courageous and moving stories about our wish kids!

FY25 in Review

Dear Friends,

It is with immense pride and gratitude that we share the Annual Report for fiscal year 2025. Within these pages, you will see the remarkable impact we have made together on behalf of children battling critical illnesses. Every accomplishment we celebrated this year was only possible because of you our generous and passionate community of wishmakers. Thank you for being the driving force behind each story of hope

This past year, we were honored to grant 315 life-changing wishes to children across Washington, D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia. Children met their heroes, embarked on unforgettable adventures, watched their imaginations unfold, and experienced joy that will never be forgotten Each wish granted was a reminder of the extraordinary power of community and the incredible difference we can make when we come together for children and families in need.

Together, we also celebrated record-breaking events, from the Wish Ball to the Women Inspiring Strength and Hope Luncheon to our Golf Classics, that raised critical support and united thousands in our mission These incredible moments of generosity and celebration underscored the strength of our community and the deep belief in bringing joy to children when they need it most.

Thank you, Jason

As you reflect on these stories, we hope you feel the love, generosity, and spirit of connection that flow through every wish The successes of FY25 remind us of the boundless possibilities for joy, healing, and transformation and of the incredible impact we can make when we come together as a community.

As we look ahead, our hearts remain centered on the children their joy, their resilience, and the memories a wish creates for their families Every single wish has the power to transform a moment in time into something unforgettable. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in the magic of a wish, and for ensuring that children continue to experience hope, happiness, and the wonder of childhood.

With thanks, Lesli and Jason

Lesli Creedon

Jason Pappas President & CEO Board Chair

wish mom

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Jason Pappas, who completed his tenure as Board President in August. Jason guided this organization with vision, steadiness, and heart. His thoughtful leadership strengthened us, inspired our team, and helped make countless wishes possible.

From all of us at Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic

$7,641,974 $1,454,062

RESTRICTED CASH RESERVE

$1,258,251

$544,450 $701,179 $12,622 $485,890

About our Financials

As Treasurer, I am pleased to report that Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) was another strong financial year for Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. We finished the year ahead of budget, meeting - and in many areas surpassing - our goals. We closed the fiscal year with a net surplus of $110,000, against a budgeted deficit of ($930K). This outcome reflects both revenue exceeding projections and disciplined expense management. Our focus remained on driving sustainable revenue growth and managing expenses with care, all in service of our mission to grant the wish of every eligible wish child at the moment they need it most.

Our FY25 financial results demonstrate the impact of this strategic focus. Total Public Support and Revenue exceeded budget, fueled by the continued success of our signature events, new and renewed corporate partnerships, strong grant support, investment income, and generous in-kind contributions. As a result, we granted wishes to 315 children in the Mid-Atlantic this year – giving them the hope, strength, and joy that only a wish can provide.

On behalf of the Audit and Finance Committee and Board of Directors, thank you for your unwavering support of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. Together, we are creating life-changing experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Sincerely,

Perry Perry Hollowell Treasurer Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic

Jane & Chris Martens

Founding Leaders, Lifelong Champions of

Hope

The origins of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic weren’t planned They were serendipitous a convergence of compassion, iming, and community members who refused to ignore what hey saw happening around them. Among them were Jane and Chris Martens.

n 1980, Jane was a full-time high school teacher She had watched a beloved student fight a second battle with childhood cancer and felt the heartbreaking helplessness that comes with wanting to do more Around that same time, she saw a news story that would change everything: the story of Chris Greicius, a young boy whose dream of becoming a police officer became the very first wish granted by Make-AWish in Arizona.

Jane and Chris knew there were children right here in the Mid-Atlantic who needed that same spark of hope Together with fellow founding community members Debbie Camalier Walker, Harry Martens, Paulette and Larry Walker, and Barbara Appleby, they began granting wishes and helped establish what would become Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. In that first year, they transformed the lives of three children.

Today, more than 40 years later, the Mid-Atlantic chapter has granted over 12,000 life-changing wishes

The Martens don’t take credit for that scale They believe the strength of this organization lies in the volunteers, medical partners, donors, and families who show up year after year to ensure children are supported through their most challenging moments. They themselves remained deeply engaged in that growth, offering leadership within the chapter and the broader Make-A-Wish community, and providing philanthropic support that has strengthened services, expanded reach, and reinforced the promise made to every family we serve What remains vivid for them are the children themselves:

They remember a little girl their first year, who wished to see the ocean What sounded like a simple request became a moment of calm and beauty during a period when those things felt out of reach

They remember a young girl in D.C. who wished to meet a storybook princess. To make it happen, the team recruited a local acting student and worked with a costume designer to create the character the child adored. The visit took place in her hospital room, a space long dominated by fear But that day was different She smiled for the first time in weeks She asked the princess if they would meet again one day And from that moment on, her mother explained that this little girl no longer felt fear

For the Martens, these moments capture the essence of Make-A-Wish: the undeniable connection between mind and body, and the critical role that hope plays for children fighting their hardest battles. They show what happens when communities refuse to look away

When asked about their own wish for the future, the answer comes instantly:

“That one day, there are no more wishes to grant because children’s cancer and critical illness have been wiped out.” Until that day comes, Jane and Chris hold fast to the mission they helped ignite:

That we will reach every eligible child That we will never turn a child away because of resources That hope will always be within reach Together with so many others, they helped build a community that ensures hope is always part of the treatment plan

Whether it’s providing resources, creating experiences, or simply showing up with compassion, these collaborations make a lasting impact We have a huge opportunity to build on that momentum and continue to create truly meaningful wish experiences, because when people unite around bringing joy, hope, and healing to children and families when they need it most, it truly creates magic

Finally, we need to be committed to supporting each other, both as a board and in partnership with our staff. Our board should be strategic, inclusive, and results-driven, while also being an engaged partner that fosters a culture where our staff feels supported, inspired, and empowered to do their best work.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth in our mission and impact?

I see tremendous opportunity in expanding our reach through deeper community partnerships and storytelling The power of a wish is transformative, not just for the child, but for everyone involved By leveraging various platforms, channels, and digital innovation, we can amplify awareness and inspire broader support

We will continue to connect with families across the Mid-Atlantic region and ensure that these children has access to the lifechanging experience of a wish. By making our mission more visible and accessible, and by engaging new supporters, we can continue our impact in meaningful and lasting ways.

What has been the most rewarding part of serving on the board so far?

The most rewarding part of serving on the board has been witnessing the direct impact of a wish on a child and their family There is something incredibly powerful about seeing hope take shape in

real time. It reminds me why this work matters and why we must continue to rally support around it.

What excites you most about leading during this next chapter for Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic?

What excites me most about leading during this next chapter for Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic is the opportunity to build on a legacy of hope while embracing bold new possibilities We’re entering a time where innovation, collaboration, and community engagement can elevate our mission in ways we’ve never seen before.

I’m inspired by the resilience of our wish families, the generosity of our supporters, and the passion of our team. Together, we have the opportunity to deepen our impact through intentional collaboration that will enable us to continue to grant wishes and create experiences that truly transform lives It’s not just about leading one organization, it’s about creating a movement of kindness, imagination, and purpose.

How would you like the community from corporate partners to individual donors to get more involved in supporting wishes?

I would love to see the community embrace wish-granting as a shared mission Corporate partners have a unique opportunity to integrate support into their culture, whether through employee volunteer programs, fundraising campaigns, or matching gifts These efforts not only make a tangible impact but also foster a sense of purpose and pride within their organizations

Individual donors play an equally important role. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring joy and hope to children who need it most Beyond financial support, sharing stories, attending events, and encouraging others to get

involved are powerful ways to build momentum. When the community comes together with intention and heart, we can ensure that every eligible child experiences the magic of a wish

Wish kid Isabella on her wish in Mexico at her Hilton stay

Amentum Honors Military Families with Legacy of Hope

With more than a third of its workforce being veterans, Amentum’s partnership with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and Operation Dream Maker is both personal and profoundly impactful Since launching the program in 2022, Amentum has helped bring hope and joy to dozens of military children and their families during some of life’s most challenging times The company’s leadership as a foundational sponsor reflects a deep commitment to honoring those who serve both on the front lines and at home

Beyond generous financial support, Amentum employees have connected personally with wish kids and families, embodying the compassion that makes wishes so transformative Most recently, the company welcomed wish alumni Isaiah and Aurora, both from military families, to help reopen the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D C a powerful day of celebration made even more special by the presence of Amentum leaders standing proudly alongside wish families

Through this commitment, Amentum has built a lasting legacy of service, turning moments of hardship into cherished memories and inspiring hope for years to come

Boeing’s Commitment Shines at 12,000th Wish Celebration

The Boeing Company (Boeing) has been a champion of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, making it possible for children with critical illnesses to experience the power of a wish. The company’s support has helped grant wishes for kids like Collin, who played with the U.S. Army Band, and Grant, who wished to be a roboticist, along with countless others across the region bringing joy and hope to families when it is needed most.

Boeing is committed to innovation and community impact, and that commitment extends to local wish kids. Most recently, the company hosted a special celebration for Ben, a wish kid from Chantilly, Virginia, who marked a milestone as the chapter’s 12,000th wish granted. In late August, Boeing employees, Make-AWish Mid-Atlantic staff, and members of the Board came together to welcome Ben and his family home from his Caribbean cruise wish an unforgettable moment made even more meaningful through Boeing’s generosity

“I

wish to go to Hawaii.”

Carson, 9 Baltimore, Maryland congenital heart disease

Thank you, Bethesda Softworks

Bethesda Softworks is known worldwide for building immersive worlds and unforgettable characters places where players can “play their way,” crafting their own stories of escape, empowerment, and imagination That same spirit comes to life when wishes bring joy to children and families, offering freedom, wonder, and hope

For Bethesda Softworks, hosting wishes has meant more than opening studio doors Families are welcomed behind the curtain to see the magic of gamemaking firsthand an experience that inspires both wish kids and the development teams One highlight this year was the Elder Scrolls auction item at the Wish Ball, which offered the chance to appear as a non-playable character The community response was overwhelming, and for the Bethesda Softworks teams, it was deeply meaningful to create such a rare, lasting impact

Storytelling is at the heart of everything Bethesda Softworks does, and the partnership with Make-A-Wish extends that story beyond the screen Knowing that a child’s wish includes Bethesda is considered a profound honor it reignites the studio’s passion to create worlds where anyone can feel free, empowered, and full of hope

Looking ahead, Bethesda Softworks is excited for every opportunity to connect its creativity with the imagination of wish kids Just as the games invite players to “play their way,” the studio looks forward to building unique experiences that bring joy, inspiration, and lasting memories

McCormick & Company: Bringing Joy and Hope to Baltimore

rmick & Company has been a proud partner of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic for many helping grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. What has been meaningful about this partnership for the company is witnessing the joy, hope, and memories that wishes bring to children and their families during such challenging Knowing that their support plays a role in these powerful moments is deeply ding.

gh initiatives like the Baltimore Wish Fund, McCormick has made a direct impact in the ommunity, ensuring that children in and around Baltimore experience the magic of a This effort is strengthened by employees who live out the company’s Purpose-led mance values through programs such as Board Volunteer leadership, giving their time xpertise to causes that enhance health and well-being where they live and work

ore than 80 years, McCormick has upheld a tradition of giving that reflects an enduring itment to community Generosity is woven into the company’s culture, celebrated at level, and carried forward by generations of employees Its investment in Make-A-Wish dies this spirit demonstrating that business success and social responsibility go hand in hand Together, McCormick and Make-A-Wish are creating moments of joy and resilience that last a lifetime

Wish kid Seth, age 7, from Baltimore on his wish trip in Hawaii

Bethesda Softworks Executive Director

Todd Howard and Lynda Carter

“I wish to have a power wheelchair.”

Faith, 10 Glen Burnie, Maryland neuromuscular disorder

Mateo Becomes a Hero for the Day!

Mateo is a spirited 5-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland, and radiates joy and resilience. He faces challenges most children his age never has to, but that doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves. Mateo fills his days with play, laughter, and creativity—whether he’s racing around outside or bringing his imagination to life with crayons and markers.

One of Mateo’s greatest wishes was to become a superhero for a day and thanks to the generosity of his community, that dream came true in an extraordinary way. His heartfelt request was to meet his real-life heroes: firefighters and police officers. The Metro DC Police Department and DC Fire and EMS joined forces to turn that dream into a day he’ll never forget.

From riding in a firetruck and trying on a firefighter’s helmet to proudly wearing a police badge, Mateo spent the day alongside the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping others safe.

The joy on his face said it all— this was more than just a wish come true; it was a memory to treasure forever.

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic is grateful to The Kahlert Foundation for supporting wish kids as the anchor partner for the Baltimore Wish Fund Their gift kickstarted this dedicated fund and laid the groundwork of support for other partners to join A long-time supporter of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, The Kahlert Foundation has given more than $1,000,000 to support local wishes since 2014

Wish Kid to Child Life Specialist

Shortly after her 16th birthday, Olivia was diagnosed with lymphoma. At a time in life when teenagers are navigating their sense of identity and relying on school and friends, the emotional impact was hard on her.

Olivia wished to go to Turks and Caicos with her family, where they could relax and enjoy time together. That trip, in many ways, provided the reset that she and her family desperately needed.

Today, she works as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) on the Heart & Kidney Unit at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

In her role, she uses her knowledge of child development and coping strategies to help pediatric patients, and their families navigate the challenges of illness and hospitalization. Many of the children she works with are chronically ill, and Olivia is passionate about helping them process their healthcare journeys, find meaning, and cope in positive ways.

Thank you to our Alumni

Amanda Cabe, mom of wish alum Brooks, ‘18

Amy Shields, mom of wish alum Sully, ‘15*

Ashwani Jain, wish alum ‘05

Carol Ellickson, mom of wish alum Elizabeth, ‘98

Committee

Jyothi Raghavan, mom of wish alum Nitin, ‘15

Lisa Schmidt, mom of wish alum Amelia, ‘15

Maura Kilner, mom of wish alum Meaghan, ‘19

Pranav Saha, wish alum ‘97

*In loving memory of Sully

Janiah’s Inspiring Wish to Become a Nurse

Eighteen-year-old Janiah from La Plata, Maryland, is a kind, determined, and inspiring young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Despite facing the challenges of lymphoma, Janiah continues to pursue the activities she loves most playing lacrosse and soccer, running track, and swimming. Her strength and positivity shine through in everything she does, both on and off the field.

When Janiah learned that she qualified for a wish through Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, she didn’t h that reflects her selfless n long-term goals: tuition a

Her dream is to become a so she can help others jus she has been helped thro her journey. Her compass resilience, and drive to m difference in the world ar remarkable.

We are so excited and ho to help make Janiah’s wis true. Her future is bright, can’t wait to see all that s accomplish as she follows dream

Operation Dream Maker gives hope and joy to the children of our nation’s heroes. This special fund provides wishes to kids with critical illnesses whose parents are guardians serve, or have served, in the military. The Operation Dream Maker fund recognizes the inspirational power of military leaders by supporting the military-related wishes of all families

“I

wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort.”

Dustin, 5 Glen Burnie, Maryland leukemia

Wish Granting Volunteers

Wish Granting Volunteers are at the heart of every wish.

Wish Granters seamlessly adopted new "lead roles" - including scheduling and submitting paperwork or delivering monthly wish boosts and planning celebrations.

In addition to joining local wishes such as shopping sprees, our Wish Granting Volunteers attended trainings to ensure they are up to date with policies and are ready to support wish families of every background.

We would like to thank Jerry and Karen Greenberg for their years of service volunteering with Make-A-Wish MidAtlantic! Jerry has been volunteering with Make-A-Wish for over 17 years and Karen for 10 years! Their favorite part of

Kendric’s Wish Sendoff

Kendric is a true superhero in every sense of the word. Living with a blood disorder, he has faced more challenges in his young life than many do in a lifetime but he’s done so with incredible courage, resilience, and a heart full of hope. His journey has inspired everyone around him.

Sheehy Toyota of Laurel hosted an extraordinary send-off party for his wish to go to the Florida Theme parks. Kendric was the star of the day, escorted by the Laurel Police Department in a specially wrapped SUV.

Over 120 employees, customers, friends, and family came together to cheer Kendric on. What made the day truly special was the love and care that Sheehy Toyota of Laurel poured into every detail. Their generosity and dedication turned Kendric’s wish into a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can come true and that heroes like Kendric deserve to be celebrated in the biggest, brightest way possible.

Wish kid Kendric, his family, and the Sheehy of Toyota Laurel team

Community Fundraisers Making Wishes Come True

Community partnerships played a vital role in advancing our mission this year, with several external fundraisers helping to raise both awareness and critical funds for Make-A-Wish.

Brewing for Wishes, a World Wish Month campaign, invited local breweries to raise awareness and donate a portion of proceeds to Make-A-Wish. In its first year, the effort raised over $2,400 to help grant lifechanging wishes.

MGM National Harbor hosted its first charity poker tournament in support of Make-A-Wish and, with a winter tournament already in the works, is committed to helping bring more wishes to life for local children.

The Blondie Cup, a cornhole tournament hosted by SWBC Mortgage and The Trott Family, brought the community together for a day of fun and purpose. The event raised over $22,000 to grant life-changing wishes.

Big Truck Farm Brewery brought the Baltimore community together for a spirited day of giving, donating a portion of proceeds to Make-A-Wish and helping turn dreams into reality for local children.

These fundraisers exemplify the power of community. By transforming everyday activities into opportunities for giving, our partners helped ensure that more children facing critical illnesses can experience the hope and joy of a wish.

Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company

Blondie Cup cornhole fundraiser

Markel Meets Jayden Daniels

Five-year-old Markel is full of energy and a superstar in the making. Hailing from Indian Head, Maryland, this little athlete is living with congenital heart disease but that hasn’t slowed him down one bit. His biggest love? Football. His favorite team? The Washington Commanders. His ultimate hero? Quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Markel wished to meet Jayden Daniels! And thanks to an incredible day filled with family, football, and pure excitement, that dream came true.

Markel kicked things off with an exclusive tour of Georgetown Prep’s football facilities, where the team welcomed him like a champ. He practiced tackles, nailed field goals, and even scored touchdowns proving he’s got serious game. To top it all off, he was surprised with a Commanders swag bag that made him feel like part of the team.

But the best moment of all? A live FaceTime call with Jayden Daniels himself. Markel and his family got to chat with the Commanders star, and the look on ppiness.

When a child's health takes an unexpected turn, it is our shared responsibility to infuse those moments with light, joy, and the power of possibility. The Rush Wish Fund is a beacon of hope that illuminates the path for children facing unforeseen health challenges and their families.

G LF

On October 14, 2024, we hosted our annual Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic Golf Classic, and it was such a wonderful day. Everyone shared how thrilled they were to be part of such a meaningful event.

We raised a record-breaking $234,018 an astounding $69,155 more than last year! This incredible growth is a testament to the commitment and passion of our supporters.

On behalf of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and the wish kids whose lives will be forever impacted by your support, we thank you.

Special thanks to our Golf Classic Host Committee:

Chair BJ Radhe, Oracle

Chair Steve Bulcavage, Buch Construction

Julianne Ryan, Hologic, Inc.

Kiki Oosterwijk, SC&H

Patrick Reid, MCB Real Estate

Julieanne Ryan, Danny Ryan, Jamal Winkler, and Hillary Winkler

Anthony Agliata, Nic Flickinger, Colin Dove, Patrick Hall

Presenting Sponsor Buch Construction

Closest to the Pin Sponsors

Wish dad, Melissa Prather, Raylene Grant, Lesli Creedon, Ben Wu

Steve Bulcavage

Thank you to our 2024 Golf

Classic

Hole Sponsors

Afnan Development LLC

Bozzuto

Chesapeake Contracting Group

Ci Design

F45

Harkins Builders

IHG Hotels & Resorts

John Evans Recruiting

Marsh McLennan

McGriff

The Oosterwijk Family

Rylea Homes, Inc.

United Bank

The W Home Group

WishBall

This year’s Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlan was an overwhelming success, brin 765 guests in support of granting wishes for children battling crit across Maryland, D.C. and northern

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, we’re thri to share that the 2025 Wish Ball raise record-setting $1,651,088.

With the support of nearly 70 sponsors led Georgetown Cupcake as our Presenting Spon and key partners including Hilton, Boe Bethesda Softworks, and The J. Willard Alice S. Marriott Foundation, the event surpassed expectations.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedica chairs, Katherine and Ben Berman, and and Stephen LaMontagne, along wi outstanding Host Committee, for invaluable contributions in making this event truly unforgettable.

Ellen Connors, Laura Fuentes, Will Meyer, Ed Barry, and Virginia Barry

Sekou Mitchell, Luana Dean-Barber, and Randy Barber

Guests enjoying the dance floor

Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, wish kid Lailah, and Katherine Kallinis Berman

swoman Nicole Malliotakis, Jess Browne, Lynda Carter, and Todd Howard

Wish mom Shannon Feaster

Chi Omega members volunteering at Wish Ball

Tommy McFly

Teryl and Vlad Gladchovski

Chris Bryant, Jennifer Butler, April and Jose Valdesuso

Thank you to our 2025 Wish Ball sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Georgetown Cupcake

Wish Sponsors

Hilton

Bethesda Softworks

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation

Strength Sponsors

Anesthesia Dynamics

BakerHostetler

Blue Sky Innovative Solutions

Asfa & Zahid Butt

Capital Bank

Capital Group

CareFirst

Client Solution Architects

CW Capital

ECS

EmpowerAi

Erich Cabe Team

Fiserv

Laura Fuentes & Will Meyer

Betsy & Jim Gorgei

The Hollowell Family

Kaiser Permanente

Kate Koffman & Sid Banerjee

KPMG

Kramer Levin

Latham & Watkins

McCarter & English

NT Concepts

Ourisman Automotive of Virginia

The Pedas Family Foundation

Provintel

ProMD Health

The Ramachandran/ Raghavan Family

SC&H

Smiles of Chevy Chase

Tower Partners

World Wide Technology, Inc.

Thank you to our 2025 Wish Ball sponsors

Magic Sponsors

Aon

Assured Partners

BMC Properties

Brownstein Hyatt

Farber Schreck, LLP

Chess Consulting LLC

Children’s National

Hospital

Jillian & Scott Copeland

Crowell & Moring LLP

EagleBank

Janet & Everett Eissenstat

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

FFO Real Estate Advisors

GDIT

Glassman Wealth Services

Kilpatrick Townsend

Marnie Custom Homes

Marsh McLennan

M&T Bank

Perkins Coie

Sheehy Auto Stores

Tayman Lane Chaverri LLP

Tucker Family Law PLLC

Live Auction Donors

Argos Hotel Nahita Restaurant

C3LLAR Wine Society

King Street Oyster Bar

LuxGive

Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Susan Gage Caterers PaperWhite Floral Design

Turkish Airlines Peninsula Hotel Istanbul

Lesli Creedon and Kiki Oosterwijk

Mike Manatos, Katherine Kallinis Berman, Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, and Laura Evans

Wish alum Nitin Ramachandran

Wish kid Lailah and her parents on the dance floor

Lucy Black Entertainment

Celeste Carter and Marnie Oursler

lThis year’s WISH Luncheon united 350 community members in support of child critical illnesses across Maryland, W g , D.C., and Northern Virginia—raising a recordbreaking $146,739 to help grant transformative wishes!

Attendees were moved by the powerful stories of former wish kids Jessica, Addy, and Lyndzi, and we were honored to welcome keynote speaker Michelle Freeman, whose inspiring words left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.

We are deeply grateful to our incredible Co-Chairs, Hillary Hamm and Leighanne Scott, and to our generous sponsors especially our Strength Sponsors: Cherry Bekaert, Flex Professionals, Hilton, and the Carol & Gene Ludwig Family Foundation whose support made this event possible.

On behalf of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and the children whose lives will be forever changed, thank you for your unwavering generosity and compassion.

Evonne Thomas and Deborah Bentham

Guests enjoying the WISH Luncheon themed photo booth

Stacey and Addy Flint

Michelle Freeman

Melanie Fried, Meredith Gillick, Meaghan Messina, and Ashley Ollberding

2025 WISH Luncheon sponsors

Wish Sponsor

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Strength Sponsors

Cherry Bekaert

FlexProfessionals

Hillary Hamm and Leighanne Scott

Hilton

Carol & Gene Ludwig Family Foundation

Hope Sponsors

AstraZeneca

Boeing

Capital One

Cigna Healthcare

CLA

Ellen Connors

CoStar Group

Corcoran Caterers

DC Area Moms

Forbes Tate Partners

The Howard Family

Jennifer Jenson

Kaiser Permanente

L Street Partners

Marsh

Marsh McLennan

In-Kind Sponsors

Élan Artists

Hillary Hamm

Monumental Sports & Entertainment

TeamPeople

Tuckernuck

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Foundation

Something Vintage

Sweet Gifts

Stacey Lynn

The DC Pop-Up

Chief Revenue Officer Melissa Prather

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic GOLF CLASSIC

On June 9, 2025, we hosted our inaugural Make A-Wish Mid-Atlantic Golf Classic at the River Ben Club, directly benefiting Operation Dream Make a fund that supports military wish kids and the families. Thanks to your incredible generosity, w raised an astounding $190,280!

We are deeply honored to hear from Dr. Jeremy Edwards and wish alum Aurora, both of whom shared powerful stories that brought our mission to life. Their words were a heartfelt reminder of the real impact your support makes.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the course and helped make this day not only fun but deeply meaningful.

Special thanks to our Golf Classic Host Committee:

Chair Paul Gorgei, iHeartMedia

Chair David Hess, Chess Consulting LLC

Kevin Cook

Mike Corkery

Dana Fisher

Brendan Giuseppe

Chris Jones

Kim Kim

Eric Norvell

Doug Traxler

Andrew Townend, Eric Ramberg, Jake Butin, and Tim Mulieri

Jim Rittinger, Pamela Rothka, Jennifer Sample, and Paul Harrington

Kevin Reynolds, Stacey Reynolds, Jackie Lutz, and Doug Traxler

Longest Drive Sponsors

Chris Bailey and Rick Allison

King Street Oyster Bar

Jorge Fernandez, Jon Bartlett, Steve Laskin, and Jack Mencia

Brendan Giuseppe and Sopa Keo

Blake Hartzel, James Mendelsohn, Mallory Pappas, and Joe Lawrence

Jeff Hand, Paul Gorgei, and Brett Pomykala

Rich Harkey, Dave Dishmon, Jim Check, and David Hess

Dan Jackson, Scott Wick, Patel Dhwanil, and Dwayne Jackson

Thank you to our 2025

Make-A-Wish Golf Classic sponsors

Hole Sponsors

Acuity International

Alpha Financial Advisors

Aon

Avison Young

Bank of Clarke County

ButcherJoseph & Co

Creative Planning

CleanOffice / PorterPlus +

Constellis

Deltek

JAMIS Software

King Street Oyster Bar

Northwind Partners

Proximo Capital

Rembert Pendleton Jackson

RSM

Seale & Associates

United Bank

The Power of Sports Teams in our Community

In the Mid-Atlantic, sports are more than just games they are a source of pride, passion, and unity. For our wish families, they are also a source of joy, hope, and unforgettable experiences, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our region’s professional teams.

In fiscal year 2025, our community witnessed the magic of wishes come to life through unforgettable moments—children meeting Lamar Jackson of the Ravens, Jayden Daniels of the Commanders, and T.J. Oshie of the Capitals. These experiences were nothing short of extraordinary, creating memories that families will carry with them forever. At the same time, the Orioles, Nationals, Wizards, Mystics, Spirit, D.C. United, and Old Glory D.C. Rugby stood beside us in powerful ways offering tickets, welcoming families to games and events, and amplifying our mission across their communities of players, staff, and fans.

Together, these organizations remind us that leadership off the field can be just as impactful as victories on it. From the magic of a child stepping into their favorite stadium to the roar of the crowd embracing our cause, our sports partners bring hope and joy to life in unforgettable ways.

“As inspiring as sports can be on the field, what our local teams do for wish families is even more powerful,” said Melissa Prather, Chief Revenue Officer. “They show up, they give back, and they transform lives. That’s what true champions look like.”

We are deeply grateful for these partners who remind us, time and again, that the real victories are the smiles, hope, and memories created for children when a community comes together to make wishes come true.