Issuu

W

l n W

March 28, 2025

The Salamander DC

Building a community of caring—together.

When companies team up for the greater good, incredible things can happen. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic are partnering to build stronger, healthier communities.

Dear Friends,

We are honored to co-chair this year’s WISH Luncheon, a celebration of the collective power we hold as female leaders, the meaningful relationships we build, and the incredible impact we can make when we come together. As you take your seat, know that you are stepping into a space filled with inspiration, connection, and purpose all in support of making life-changing wishes come true.

While today is about building meaningful connections, it’s also about something even greater the children and families whose lives are forever changed by a wish. This year, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic is on track to grant 344 wishes, bringing hope, strength, and joy to children facing critical illnesses. But a wish is more than just a special day. It’s a turning point. It’s the strength to keep going, the courage to believe in better days, and a spark of joy that lifts an entire family.

Your presence here today helps make that possible. Together, we have the power to create hope, to inspire change, and to transform lives. As you experience the stories of the wish journey, we hope you feel the impact of what we can accomplish side by side. We also hope you leave today with new connections, renewed inspiration, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you are helping make wishes come true.

Thank you for being part of this special day and for helping us bring joy and hope to children who need it most.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Hillary Hamm & Leighanne Scott WISH Luncheon Co-Chairs

Lesli Creedon, President and CEO

WishAlumnaePanel

Jessica Finster, ‘92

Addy Flint, ‘14

Teonna Woolford, ‘10

Lyndzi Young, ‘22

Break

Lunch is served

Co-ChairWelcome

Hillary Hamm and Leighanne Scott

KeynoteAddress

Michelle Freeman

ClosingRemarks

Turning wishes into dream stays

“I wish to meet TJ Oshie from the Washington Capitals.”

Kalen, 16 cancer

KalenScoresBigwiththeCapitals

Sixteen-year-old Kalen has an undeniable passion for hockey. Whether she’s playing on the ice or competing in NHL games on her Xbox, hockey is at the core of who she is. She’s not just a fan- she is an exceptionally skilled player.

Kalen's favorite team, the Washington Capitals, holds a special place in her heart, and her admiration for the team’s star player, TJ Oshie, knows no bounds. She’s such a huge fan of his that she even named her pet corgi “Oshie” after him! Kalen’s dedication to both the game and to Oshie is a big part of who she is.

When Kalen learned she qualified for a wish, she immediately knew what she wanted: to meet TJ Oshie. The Washington Capitals made that dream come true in the most incredible way. Kalen traveled to Washington, D C , where she had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet her hero The experience was nothing short of amazing Not only did she meet TJ Oshie, but she also had the chance to sign a contract with the team, something many hockey fans only dream of

As if that wasn’t enough, Kalen was chosen to participate in the ceremonial first puck drop alongside Oshie an unforgettable moment for any hockey fan But the excitement didn’t stop there Kalen got an exclusive tour of the Capitals’ locker room, met other players, and even had the chance to step onto the ice during practice and play as a goalie For someone who’s given so much to the game, this opportunity was the perfect way for Kalen to reconnect with her love of hockey.

Kalen’s experience with the Washington Capitals is something she will cherish forever, and it’s a testament to the power of community and the impact sports can have on people’s lives. A huge thank you goes to the Washington Capitals for making this unforgettable experience possible for Kalen. You’ve given her something truly special that will stay with her throughout her journey.

Inspiring Strength and H

ABOUT MICHELLE FREEMAN

2025 WISH Luncheon Keynote Speaker

Michelle DiFebo Freeman is the owner and CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies, a Real Estate company established in 1947, that specializes in land acquisition, land planning, development and redevelopment, and the management of awardwinning, amenity-rich residential communities, neighborhood shopping centers and commercial properties Carl M Freeman Companies also owns and operates two golf courses including, Bayside, an 18-hole, award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Fenwick Island, DE. Michelle is president and chairman of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, which has been giving grants to organizations where her employees live, work and play since 1960

She is the founding Chair of the Joshua M Freeman Foundation, which honors her late husband Joshua Freeman by providing arts and arts education to create opportunities to elevate the human spirit She was the visionary of the Foundation’s first program: The Freeman Arts Pavilion, a venue that provides diverse arts performances as well as arts access programs for local schools and the community at large which celebrated its 0ne millionth audience member in 2024

She has co-produced four documen the 2022 Don’t Make Me Over, the Warwick’s life and career. Among t awards for business and philanthropic leadership, Michelle received the 2024 Gordon & Llura Gund Lifetime Hero Award from the Athletes for Hope foundation Michelle is a James Beard Foundation Trustee and sits on the Georgetown University Entrepreneurship Advisory Group at McDonough School of Business

Freeman is a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment, which owns Capital One Arena and the Washington Capitals, Stanley Cup champions, as well as the Washington Wizards and the 2019 WNBA champions, the Washington Mystics Freeman is also an investor in the Washington Spirit Soccer Team She was a founding member of WE Capital, a group of female investors that invest in women-led businesses and initiatives. Freeman is most proud of her three children, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters.

AlumnaePanelists

Iwish...

TO MEET PRINCESS

Jessica Finster, ’92 cancer

Addy Flint, ‘14 cancer

DIANA

Jessica is the Senior Director of Community at Bethesda Softworks, a leading video game publisher known for The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Starfield and more. In 1992, Jess was granted her wish to meet Princess Dianna, where the two shared a magical moment together.

Iwish... TO BE A POP STAR

Abby is a student, multi-media artist, and a two-time cancer survivor. But her creativity and passion for art are what define her. Using her knowledge of the healing power of art, Abby created Raendrop Art to help lift the spirits of teens who are undergoing medical treatment.

AlumnaePanelists

Iwish...

Lyndzi Young, ‘22 kidney transplant

HostCommittee

Co-Chairs

Hillary Hamm, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Leighanne Scott, PwC

Imani Bentham

Jen Carson

Ellen Connors

Sandy Davis

Abritee Dhal

Susan Fiorella

Dana Fisher

Erin Flior

Jaime Hirschfield

Caroline Quat

Kristen Salmon

Stacy Schwartz

ThankYou WishSponsor

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

StrengthSponsors

Cherry Bekaert

Flex Professionals

Hillary Hamm and Leighanne Scott

Hilton

Carol & Gene Ludwig Family Foundation

MagicSponsors

AstraZeneca

Boeing

Capital One

Cigna Healthcare

CLA

Ellen Connors

CoStar Group

Forbes Tate Partners

The Howard Family

Jennifer Jensen

Kaiser Permanente

L Street Partners

Marsh

Marsh McLennan

Monumental Sports

& Entertainment

TeamPeople

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

In-KindSponsors

Corcoran Caterers

DC Area Moms

Elan Artists

Hillary Hamm

Revolution Event

Design & Production

Something Vintage

Sweet Gifts

ThankYou

Sipn’ShopVendors

Carland Collections

The DC Pop-Up

Fig & Fire

Marigold and Grey

Patina Polished Living

ShopLissaGail

WishDrawingDonors

Barre3 DC (Union Station Location)

Corcoran Caterers

Forever Adorned Jewelry

Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner

IMP

Lauren Fox

Macerich

Maria Pinto

Mayflower Inn & Spa

Shady Grove Candles

Stockton Inn

Tysons Corner Center

Veronica Beard

EntertheWishDrawingHere

“I

wish to go to California and meet Spirit the Horse.”

McKenzie’sSpiritHasBeenLifted!

Six-year-old McKenzie from Ridgley, Maryland, loves pink, Frozen, and all things horses. During her time in the hospital when she was first diagnosed with cancer three years ago, McKenzie watched the movie Spirit on repeat and fell in love with the majestic creatures while undergoing treatment.

So, it is no surprise that when the opportunity of being granted a wish with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic presented itself, McKenzie chose to meet the real-life Spirit the Horse inperson. Upon arriving in California with her parents and brother, McKenzie’s wish trip was a whirlwind of excitement!

When the family arrived at the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary, a haven for 400 wild horses and 29 burros, McKenzie was invited to join a celebratory luncheon for Spirit’s birthday. She eagerly brushed the horse, led him around the barnyard, and even fed him a special birthday meal of apples.

McKenzie and her younger brother were also treated to a three-hour horse experience, which included learning about horse communication and behavior, decorating a horse’s mane and tail with flowers and hair ribbons, and riding several horses around the sanctuary.

Her instant connection with the tall and fearless Kiger Mustang made the trip a lifechanging experience for McKenzie. Her time at the sanctuary will no doubt serve as motivation on her recovery journey and inspire a lifetime pursuit of horseback riding and appreciation for the beautiful animals.

McKenzie, 6 Ridgely, Maryland cancer

is proud to support joy, WISH, and the leadership of Leighanne Scott.

“I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort.”

Nyla, 10 Waldorf, MD cancer

PrincessNyla’sWish

Meet Nyla, a lively and courageous young girl from Waldorf, Maryland, whose love of Disney princesses has kept her spirits high throughout her journey with cancer Despite receiving such a devastating diagnosis, nothing could keep the pink-loving 10-year-old from doing the things she loves the most When Nyla is not busy reading The Baby-Sitters Club, singing along to Bruno Mars, and playing jump rope, she is watching her favorite Disney movies Most of all, her adoration of the talented and humble Princess Tiana and the confident and adventurous Princess Jasmine has inspired her to stay strong and hopeful.

Nyla wished to go to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Accompanied by her parents and two brothers, her trip to the theme park lasted five full days, creating memories that would last a lifetime for the entire family.

Nyla’s highlight from her wish trip was getting to dress up as one of her favorite characters and meet the real-life Princess Jasmine. During the park parade, Princess Jasmine spotted Nyla in her wheelchair enthusiastically wearing her costume and stopped to pose with her alongside Genie and Aladdin, making her feel truly seen and special. In this moment, she saw herself in the heroine, both defying the odds and embracing her own inner strength.

Ultimately, seeing one of her heroes in person gave her the motivation to continue forward on her path to recovery On top of that, Nyla celebrated her tenth birthday at the park, a milestone surrounded by the enchanting magic of Disney and the love of her family

Nyla recalls her wish trip saying, “Going to Disney and Give Kids the World Village with Make-AWish was amazing! It was like going to a magical land where I forgot about being sick Meeting all the characters and going on rides made me so happy! I had the best day of my life at Magic Kingdom on my 10th birthday meeting Princess Jasmine and Aladdin I didn't feel like a sick kid there I just felt like a regular kid having fun It made me feel strong and hopeful ”