OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MAKE-A-WISH® ORANGE COUNTY AND THE INLAND EMPIRE
I wish to be a police officer Abdul, 6 acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Photo: Brett Padelford
Letter From the CEO and Board Chair
A NEW CHAPTER Hello Make-A-Wish Community, We would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year! As friends of Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire we wish you the very best in 2020. We are honored to be the new leaders of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire as we move into a new decade of providing inspiring hope! Together, we will work to grant the wish of every medically-eligible child in our community. It’s because of partners like you that we have created, as of today, more than 7,211 wish experiences since our inception in 1983. You have made this a reality, thank you.
Gloria Jetter Crockett President & CEO
As you may know, each year we grant more than 300 wishes, yet we still have a lot of work to do to reach the nearly 500 children in our region that qualify for a wish. Our goal for the coming year is to grow our chapter and position ourselves to grant more wishes, raise additional funds and increase awareness in our community. We will do this by focusing on four important pillars which include: Increase our revenue Grant more wishes Inspire our people Enhance our capabilities These four pillars align with our national organization and will help us to achieve our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child living in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. As representatives of the Board of Directors and the staff team, we would love to hear more from you – including your ideas and your Make-A-Wish story. We invite you in to join us for a tour of the Wish House so we can get to know you! We also hope to see you this year at one of our upcoming events! March 8 - Table for Ten April 19 - It’s in the Bag May 16 - Make-A-Wish Softball Tournament June 5-7 - Trailblaze Challenge
Komron Tarkeshian FY20 Board Chair
November 14 - Make-A-Wish Gala Learn more about our events at ocie.wish.org. Thank you for your time, talents, treasure and testimonial in support of our mission, our wish children and their families. Wishes come true because of YOU! Granting wishes together.
Volunteer Spotlight:
SUSANA JAUREGUI TINAJERO
Volunteers help our wish world go ‘round. Some in particular, like Susana Jauregui Tinajero, graciously offer their time and talents in dedication to our mission through as many avenues as they can!
Since 2017, Susana has continually gone above and beyond for our wish kids, both as a wish granter and as an in-office volunteer supporting our wish coordinators. As described by the wish team, “Susana has a very uplifting, positive presence. She greets everyone with a smile and is eager to help out in any way.” We are incredibly grateful to have Susana on our volunteer team and are excited to spotlight such a dedicated, positive individual! Here are a few of Susana’s words about her involvement with Make-A-Wish: “I found this volunteering opportunity online at a time when I had more free time than I wished I had, after relocating from Mexico with my husband. My background is pediatric oncology, so I am used to being around families whose kids are facing lifethreatening conditions. I cannot stress enough how
important this opportunity has been; it has been sort of therapeutic for me, in that it has helped me keep my mind busy and feel part of something bigger during a phase of my life where my options to contribute to society are rather limited.” “Always keep in mind that your actions, as small or inconsequential as you may think they are, have a great and positive impact in the life of wish kids and their families, even if you never get to meet them. More often than you would think, a kind act has an enormous impact and can become a catalyst to turn around a situation. By volunteering with an organization like Make-A-Wish you will touch and change other people’s lives for good.”
Susana with wish child Miranda.
Photo: Brett Padelford
I wish to be a police officer Abdul, 6 acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Photo: Behind the Badge
CALLING OFFICER ABDUL! Abdul is your typical 5-year-old boy who enjoys spending time outside, watching movies and playing video games. At the age of 4, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and his previous hobby of fighting crime in video games was replaced with fighting his illness. When Make-A-Wish volunteers asked Abdul about his most heartfelt wish, they were excited to learn that he wanted to continue his passion to fight crime – he wished to be a police officer. With the help of our community partners, Abdul’s wish was more than he could have dreamed of. His day began with a swearing-in ceremony at the Anaheim Police Department, where he was declared an honorary officer and received his very own uniform. His task was to capture the infamous “Toon Bandit” and his henchmen who were causing havoc across the city! Officer Abdul was dispatched to
Knott’s Berry Farm to help recover Linus’ missing blanket. When he arrived, he swiftly took out the rowdy bandits with his sillystring blaster and recovered Linus’ beloved blanket. Shortly after, Officer Abdul was called to action to rescue IncrediBear from the Toon Bandit’s henchman. Upon arrival at John’s Incredible Pizza, Officer Abdul used bumper cars to “bump” the bad guys and rescue IncrediBear from his chains. He was then dispatched to Angel Stadium, where the Toon Bandit was spotted happily dancing around home plate. Officer Abdul and his fellow partners chased the Toon Bandit out of the stadium and a police pursuit was initiated. After racing through the city, Officer Abdul finally found the Toon Bandit at the Honda Center where Wild Wing from the Anaheim Ducks was being held hostage on the Zamboni. After a foam hockey
puck battle ensued, Officer Abdul arrested the Toon Bandit and his henchmen and saved the day! Officer Abdul ended his day with a hero’s welcome and celebration ceremony at the police department. Those who helped with Abdul’s wish reflected on the unique experience that unfolded that day. “The opportunity to provide Abdul with a special day where he was able to forget the challenges he has faced - to see him smile and just be a kid - was a truly rewarding and remarkable experience. It is a day I will never forget,” said Sergeant Jacob Gallacher. Abdul’s wish to be a police officer touched the hearts of many and inspired those in law enforcement.
Watch Abdul’s Wish Unfold at ocie.wish.org/Abdul
Congratulations to the 43 hikers who participated in our first Trailblaze Challenge! These individuals trekked 28+ miles in one day along the Pacific Crest Trail in Big Bear to support wish children! Together they raised nearly $138k, that’s 19 Wishes Granted! Join us June 5-7, 2020 for an incredible event! ocie.wish.org/trailblaze
CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT Thank you to our corporate partners who helped us grant wishes this year!
Thank you to Cox Charities who planned an amazing Wish Reveal for wish kid, Jane. Cox’s support helped us grant Jane’s wish to visit the Walt Disney World® Resort.
We are incredibly thankful for the 17-year relationship with the Kimberly-Clark Corporation Fullerton Mill. Since the start of our partnership, the kind folks at the mill have donated more than $345,000. We will miss our friends at KimberlyWe are so grateful for everyone at Legacy Logistics in Riverside, California, for their amazing generosity in helping us grant more wishes. This past summer, they
Clark as they prepare to close their mill but will always remember the wishes they have helped grant!
were able to adopt their first wish for Peter, whose wish was to have a play structure.
Get your company involved today! Contact getinvolved@ocie.wish.org
WISH GRANTED Zach’s wish to meet Mike Trout
Zach was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2018 and has endured surgery and numerous treatments as he continues to battle the disease. Although he has been through a lot for a 12-year-old, he doesn’t let that stop him from doing what he loves most, watching baseball. Zach’s wish to meet Mike Trout was a dream come true. The day began with a VIP limo ride to the stadium. Upon arrival, Zach and his family were given a tour of the venue including the press box, dugout and field. Then, the moment came when he was able to meet Mike Trout in the underground tunnel leading to the locker room. Standing in front of his idol, Zach kept his cool and pulled out a list of questions to ask his favorite player. Mike happily answered all his questions as he signed some of Zach’s gear including a baseball and custom jersey. After his meet and greet, Zach and his family were able to watch the game and relish in the memories that will surely last a lifetime.
Alyssa’s wish to go to Disneyland®
Alyssa is your typical 4-year-old girl. She loves the color pink, playing outside and dressing up as her favorite Disney Princesses. Nearly two years ago, Alyssa began to feel ill and lethargic. After a visit to the doctor’s office, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This diagnosis took Alyssa out of her normal routine and into one that involved chemotherapy and time spent away from family and friends. During treatment the anticipation of her wish to visit Disneyland® kept her spirits high. Alyssa’s wish gave her the opportunity to meet all her favorite Disney characters, go on rides and dress up like a princess as she explored the park. She also made sure mom and dad were there to take pictures of the entire trip so she would have memories to look back on.
Gavin’s wish to go to Hawaii
Gavin is an adventurous 8-year-old who loves spending time outside with his friends. One day in 2017, Gavin became weak and started having a major headache. The symptoms became constant and a trip to the hospital turned into unfortunate news. Gavin was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Time spent riding his scooter quickly turned into rides to the hospital for treatment. When approached by Make-A-Wish volunteers, Gavin wished to go an island paradise to swim with sea animals and spend time on the beach. His wish to go to Hawaii gave him the opportunity to create memories with his family. Gavin was able to do all of his favorite things, from swimming with dolphins to scouring the beach for sand crabs. Gavin’s wish gave him an incredible experience and most importantly, allowed him to enjoy just being a kid with his family.
Michael’s wish for flight lessons
Michael is a dedicated and passionate teen with hopes to one day be a pilot and join the Army. At the age of 17, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia which sidelined his dream. He spent years enduring numerous medical tests and treatments which also meant time away from loved ones and the things he loves doing most. To keep his hopes up, Michael kept his sights set on the future and what would come after treatment, a granted wish. This meant flying lessons to bring him one step closer to accomplishing his dream of becoming a pilot. For his wish, Michael received 27 hours of flight training. After learning the basics, he took to the skies and instantly fell in love with flying. Michael is excited to embark on his future career and is grateful to all those who made his wish become a reality.
DID YOU KNOW?
Last year our chapter created 360 life-changing wish experiences for children battling critical illnesses.
WISH ASSIST SPOTLIGHT
Each year, our chapter welcomes hundreds of children from around the world to have their wishes granted in our own backyard. These wishes are in addition to the wishes granted for children who live in Orange County and the Inland Empire.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have been longtime supporters of Make-A-Wish. Year after year they continue to help grant wishes for wish kids from all over the world. This past September, they welcomed Matthew to Angel Stadium where he met Mike Trout and the Angels!
I wish to meet Mike Trout Matthew, 11
Make-A-WishÂŽ Illinois
Stephanie Davidson stands with students from Newport Coast Elementary.
OR ANGE COUNT Y AND THE INL AND EMPIRE
NEWPORT COAST E L E M E N TA R Y
Over the last 11 years, Newport Coast Elementary (NCE) School has graciously donated more than $30,000 to Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. Through the leadership of 5th-grade teacher, Stephanie Davidson, and the many young students that have gone through her classroom doors, NCE has raised funds through food sales, school plays, holiday fundraisers and more. Their enthusiasm and dedication to our mission are what drives their campaigns year-in and year-out. “Through the years, [Newport Coast Elementary] students have learned the importance of helping others and how powerful just a little hope can be,� said Davidson. This school year, Davidson and NCE plan to continue fundraising through a series of events including a student/parent dance.
Interested in getting your school involved with Make-A-Wish? Contact us today at getinvolved@ocie.wish.org
Photo: Alejandra Sone Alfaro
DIAMONDS & ICE GALA
Our Generous Sponsors
This November, we hosted our Diamonds & Ice Gala at the Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach.
Strength
The evening was filled with extraordinary moments including musical performances from wish alumni and future wish children. Guests were also treated to a performance of the hit song “Summer” by Olaf from Disney’s Frozen, all leading up to a surprise wish reveal for 5-year-old Emma who wished to go on the Disney Cruise Line®.
Joy
More than 365 guests joined in to help raise $506,455 to help grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses.
Shari Simmons
Wish alumni stand with Emma after she learned her wish would soon be granted. Photo: Alejandra Sone Alfaro
Gala Co-Chairs Anthony Ferry and Carie Jernquist-Ferry stand with Gloria Jetter Crockett, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire along with Chairman of the Board, Komron Tarkeshian. Photo: Matt Jong
THE ROBB REPORT
Auction item generously donated by Lugano Diamonds.
Thank you to Ken Kladouris for his incredible winning bid on our Robb Report experience. Ken was able to test drive more than 10 luxury cars at the Napa event and be an editor for Robb Report Magazine for the day! “I’m grateful to be in a position to help Make-A-Wish advance their mission, making an invaluable difference in the lives of others. The Gala’s signature auction item - The Robb Report event in Napa donated by Lugano Diamonds – was a dream event for me, with the best part about it being that
Joseph C. Hensley, Market President of Orange County Commercial Banking sits with his wife Lauren at the event. Photo: Alejandra Sone Alfaro
the funds helped other families see their wishes granted.” - Ken
1.
EVENT SPOTLIGHT Thank you to our corporate and community partners who chose Make-A-Wish as the beneficiary of their events!
Cheryl Osborn and the team at Casco Contractors hosted their 5th Annual Chili-Cookoff at their Irvine Headquarters. This year’s event raised a recordbreaking $33,000+ for Make-A-Wish and Catarina’s Club. Wish alum, Hailee was onsite to say “thank you” to the team for adopting her wish to go to the Walt Disney World® Resort in 2016.
The Norris Group hosted its 13th I Survived Real Estate, an annual black-tie gala that benefits Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Since 2012, The Norris Group has raised nearly $400,000. In 2019, they were able to adopt the wish of Elijah, who wished to meet his favorite entrepreneur. As a partner for 24 years, Tax and Financial has raised more than $1 million to help grant wishes in our community. This year their annual golf tournament raised $88,000.
Interested in hosting an event to support Make-A-Wish? Contact getinvolved@ocie.wish.org
OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
We extend our deepest appreciation to those that have given donations to help fulfill the dreams of our wish children. The following list represents contributors who gave $2,500 or more between May 2019 and November 2019. We apologize if we inadvertently left anyone off the list.
CORPORATE DONOR AAA Roofing by Gene, Inc. Alexander’s Mobility Services Anaheim Ducks Anaheim Regional Medical Center Beauty 21 Cosmetics, Inc. Brooks Brothers Build-A-Bear C.H. Robinson Cain Group, Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty California Credit Union CHOC Children’s Neuroscience Institute Claire’s Comerica Bank Dave & Buster’s DCH Subaru of Riverside Disney Disneyland Distribution Center Ontario Disneyland® Resort Empower Retirement Flooring Sales, Inc Grand Legacy At The Park/The FIFTH Great Wolf Lodge Impact Assets Invest West Financial Corp Irvine Company James David Custom Homes Jewelers For Children John Hancock Investments Kimberly-Clark Corporation Legacy Logistics USA Los Angeles Chargers Maggiano’s Little Italy Neuintel, LLC dba Price Spider Party City Roth Staffing Companies, L.P San Diego Creative Investors Association, Inc. Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning Small Business Growth Alliance The Whittier Trust Company Trusted Choice UnitedHealth Group Upshoot US Bank- Newport Beach Watertree Health FOUNDATIONS & GRANTS: Bank of America Charitable
Foundation Beall Family Foundation Charles Schwab Corporation Foundation Chisick Family Foundation Confidence Foundation Eichenberg-Larson Charitable Foundation Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Greater Houston Golf Charity Joe MacPherson Foundation Maggie and Earl Russell Charitable Foundation Michael Sweig Foundation National Christian Foundation OneOC Orange County Community Foundation RCS Family Foundation Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation The Walt Disney Company Foundation Tyler Gilbert Heart Transplant Survivor’s Foundation Walmart Foundation EVENTS: Anaheim Ducks - 35th Anniversary Celebration Casco Contractors, Inc. - 5th Annual Chili Cookoff Keller Williams - Huntington Beach - Surf City Charity Golf Tournament Kiwanis Club of Uptown Riverside - Riverside’s Got Talent Lobsterfest at Newport Beach PSQ Productions, LLC Winterfest Tax & Financial Group - We Care for Kids Golf Tournament The Norris Group - I Survived Real Estate VOLKS USA - Dolls Party 2019 IN-KIND DONORS: Anthony and Carie JernquistFerry Aulani®, A Disney Resort & Spa Avis Car Rental Brandon Architechs Chief’s Luau Classique Limousines Disneyland® Resort Enterprise Holding
Facility Services Farmers & Merchants Bank Give Kids The World Grand Hyatt - New York Great Wolf Lodge Hilton Garden Inn - Garden Grove Homewood Suites Image 2000 Jeffrey D. Ishmael Knott’s Berry Farm/ Soak City USA Komron and Elisa Tarkeshian Kristie Yonemura Kumo Le Caprice Legoland California Leis of Hawaii Magic Coach Transportation Mark Pomerantz Marriott- Kauai Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Pacific Historic Parks Paradise Pier Hotel Royal Caribbean Cruise Line National Partnership Sea Life Park Sheraton - Waikiki Southwest Airlines The Walt Disney Company Universal Studios Hollywood Villa Sassolini Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES: Bonita Canyon Elementary School Edison High School Omega Chi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta - Chapman University INDIVIDUALS: Ann L. Shapiro Anthony and Carie JernquistFerry Aric and Stacy Evatt Barbara De La Pena Bing and Deanna Crosby Brad Herold Brian Golie Brian O’Neill Charlene F. Savage Chris Caves Cornelia Haag-Molkenteller Darren and Laurie Aitken
David and Joy Justus David Soss Donnie and Joanie Hill Gary and Paty Whitener Gary Carmell Gordon Clemons Janine Lombardi Jason and Lisa Lantgen Joffre and Windy Olaya John and Lauren Ott John and Tatum Cain John and Tracy Rosenbaum Jon McClintock Jose and Maria Romero Justin and Robyn Purpero Karen Brisacher and Jon Pfortmiller Ken Herold Ken Kladouris Kevin Martin Kimber Peek-Jovanovich Kimberly Worsnop Komron and Elisa Tarkeshian Kris Theiler Kristie Yonemura Lourdes Ahn and Lars Peterson Marichelle Stoppenhagen Mark and Harriet Lehman Mark and Melinda Murtaugh Mark and Noreen Lerner Mary Murfey Matthew Van Zelst Michael and Jacqueline LaFever Michael Veracka Rachel Barajas Richard and Barbara Shapiro Richard and Kathy Luciano Richard and Lisa Riva Richard and Tracie McCloskey RJ and Rhonda Mayer Robert and Becky Ford Robert B. Stelmar Ron and Melinda Smith Russ and Stephanie McCormick Sean and Jade Cao Shari A. Simmons Sheral Burke Stacy Jones Steve and Susan Wan-Ross Steve and Torrey Mellgren Taryn Holt
ocie.wish.org I wish to go to Alaska Josephine, 14 muscular dystrophy
Photo: Sean Kurdziolek