Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana FY 2022 Annual Report

20 22 a wish transforms ...

I wish to have an adaptive tricycle

Akhi, 7 nervous system disorder

Thank you for supporting Make-A-Wish

2022-23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KRISTIN PALMER, Chair

University of Houston

THOMAS HATFIELD, Chair-Elect

PwC

JULIE LUECHT, Immediate Past Chair

KPMG

ED RAZIM, Treasurer

Locke Lord LLP

MICHAEL BONO, Secretary

Corporate Care Holdings, LLC

BONNIE HOUSTON, Development Chair

NOV, Inc.

CURTIS FESSLER

Sageworth

JOHN HANTAK

Northern Trust

HEATHER HRAP

ConocoPhillips

JASON JENNARO

Select Water

JASON KOHLL

Professional Sports Partners

KIRSTY MCCORMACK

bp

LESLIE MONSON

Ballard Brands

DR. DANIEL PENNY

Texas Children’s Hospital

JENNIFER RAYBURN

KPMG

THOMAS SELLERS

ExxonMobil

CAYLIN WIEBE

Del Papa Distributing

Wishes are powerful. They transform the lives of wish kids, their families, donors, and volunteers. Your support brings hope, strength, and joy to local kids every day.

Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana experienced many incredible milestones this past year, including 572 wishes granted—a new record for the organization. As part of this historic number, Make-A-Wish celebrated the 10,000 th wish granted since our inception in 1984.

Throughout this report, you will read the stories of some of the 572 kids whose lives have been transformed by the power of their wish. We are proud to share their stories with you, and we hope that you will reflect thoughtfully on the impact you helped make.

At Make-A-Wish, we are committed to providing every eligible child with a life-changing wish experience. It is an exciting time for Make-A-Wish, and our future is bright. Thank you for your dedication to our wish kids and continued support of Make-A-Wish.

History of Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish traces its inspiration to 7-year-old Chris Greicius, a child with leukemia who wished to be a police officer. In 1980, a group of caring individuals came together and made his wish come true. The impact of Chris’ wish was felt throughout his community, becoming the inspiration for what is now the Make-A-Wish Foundation. No one could have known that his wish would create a movement to transform millions of lives.

As the largest wish granting organization, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 500,000 wishes worldwide to children battling critical illnesses.

Wishes replace a child’s fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. Wishes give children renewed energy and strength, bring families closer together, and unite communities.

Our Mission: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

CORE VALUES

Child Focus: We always put wish children first.

Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and respectful.

Impact: We deliver life-changing work.

Innovation: We are bold, imaginative, and creative.

Our Vision:

To grant the wish of every eligible child.

Community: We are a diverse group of people working together towards a common goal.

OUR IMPACT

Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana is dedicated to influencing the healing journey of children through the magic and joy of a wish experience that unites and transforms communities.

We serve 47 counties in the Texas Gulf Coast and all 64 parishes in Louisiana.

I wish to be a police officer

Chris Greicius, 7 leukemia

Our Year in Review

This year was one of incredible growth for the organization. Working with donors and community partners, we expanded our impact throughout our territory, sharing the power of wishes with more people than ever before! Here are some of the biggest highlights:

572 wishes granted—a new record for the chapter and making us the second-highest wish-granting chapter in the country!

We celebrated granting our 10,000 th wish at Minute Maid Park alongside the Houston Astros. Volunteers are crucial to serving our wish families, and we recruited 185 new volunteers this year, bringing our total volunteer base to 563 dedicated individuals. Our stories were shared in 135 media features, capturing more than 434 million media impressions.

We added 24 new corporate sponsors, and, together, we hosted many unique wish reveals engaging employees and entire communities.

We dedicated the Houston home of Make-A-Wish to Teresa Andrepont, who served as President and CEO of our chapter for 29 years

In June 2022, domestic travel wishes resumed for the first time in two years. In three months, we granted 95 travel wishes to Disney World, Hawaii, New York, and everywhere in between! We launched our inaugural Alumni Program , engaging wish kids with a desire to “wish it forward” by raising funds to grant future wishes. For World Wish Day, they raised more than $38,000!

572 WISHES GRANTED THIS

Building Dedication

Make-A-Wish is built upon the transformational power of wishes to change lives. Everyone involved with a wish is forever impacted by the experience.

Teresa “Teri” Andrepont dedicated her life to the mission of the organization during her 29-year tenure as President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Through tenacity, determination, and sincere love for the kids whose wishes were granted, she laid the foundation upon which the organization continues to build for the future.

As President and CEO from August 5, 1991, to August 25, 2020, Teri oversaw the granting of more than 8,200 wishes to local children, including 250 that she personally granted with her husband, Jim. Additionally, as the organization grew, she was instrumental in moving it from an office building to “the Cottage” on Bissonnet to its current home in Stafford, Texas, which now bears her name.

Make-A-Wish today looks very different than it did in 1991. In another 29 years, it will look different still. However, what will never change—what will be the lasting legacy of this organization—is the commitment to humbly serve every wish kid and grant life-changing wishes to children to deliver hope, strength, and joy when they need it most.

Teresa and Jim Andrepont Granted 250 wishes together

Our Funding Sources

Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana is funded through community support from caring individuals, family foundations, corporate friends, and other donors. Our organization does not receive state or federal funding to grant wishes

2%

3%

10% 85%

Individual & Corporate Contributions

Special Events

Other Foundation Grants

2022 Finances

TOTAL PUBLIC SUPPORT $5,544,611

TOTAL EXPENSES $7,295,047

On April 21, 2021, the Board of Directors embarked on a strategic plan to reach as many eligible kids as possible across our territory. Looking at the immediate capabilities of the organization, as well as the future growth needed to grant more wishes following the pandemic, the Board of Directors approved a strategic growth plan to invest in several areas of the organization, including: infrastructure/staffing, volunteer programs, expanded fundraising efforts, marketing/public relations, and board development.

Our chapter is in a growth phase, and we are thoughtfully enhancing our capabilities in these core areas in order to meet a rapidly increasing need for wishes across our community. Our efforts will realize more local wishes being granted, decrease the length of time children wait for their wish, and help ultimately reach more eligible children in our vast territory.

As the organization evolves in each area, the primary focus will always be on our mission to grant lifechanging wishes for all eligible children. This long-term investment in forging a sustainable future for Make-A-Wish is only possible because the organization is financially healthy and on sound footing.

Local Corporate Partners

At Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, partnership and community engagement are essential components of our work. We are so grateful to each one of the corporations who invest in local children. It is through this support that we are able to bring encouragement and inspiration to so many families within our community.

FY22 LOCAL CORPORATE SPONSORS

$250,000+

$15,000-$24,999

Big River Enterprises

Blue Bell Creameries

Chick-fil-A Saratoga

$5,000-$14,999

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation

Professional Sports Partners

Reynolds & Reynolds

Credit Acceptance Corporation

Del Papa Distributing

Excel Modular Scaffold

KPMG

Locke Lord LLP

Medal Dash

O’Donnell/Snider Construction

SouthWest Water Company

Sun & Ski Sports

The Alexander Firm PLLC

Torchy’s Tacos

U.S. Coins & Jewelry

W.S. Bellows Construction

Zurich American Insurance Company

Learn more about sponsoring local wishes at www.texgulf.wish.org.

Individual Donors:

Thank you to the individuals who gave $2,500+ to help grant the wishes of children battling critical illnesses.

Maky & Carlos Abello

Anonymous

Tommy Barras

Wanda Blakeley

Alexander Blondeau

Luis Cierra

Ann & Ben Clayton

Virginia Coogler

Vicki & John Crum

Carrie & Scott Culberson

William Dore

Colleen & Bill Ellison

Marjorie & Dr. Clive Fields

Stephen Fletcher

Alex Flores

Stephanie & Thomas Hatfield

Donna & Kenneth Hayes

Bonnie & Jeff Houston

Courtney & Jason Jennaro

Carolyn & John Johnson

Becky Joy

Holly & Ryan Lambert

Stephen Landry

Tammy Little

Janet & Robert Loef fler

Julie Luecht

Vanessa & Mike Manners

Thomas Martin

Hector Martinez

Jennifer & Matt McBurnett

Renee & Keith Montgomery

Tony Montgomery

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Katie & Tommy Page

Kristin & Barry Palmer

Merita & Stephen Parker

Yulia & Dr. Daniel Penny

Colette Rambur

Celia Ravkind

Stacy & Jeff Reimert

Rebecca & Scott Schwinger

Shawn Seaman

Kevin Sharp

Veronica Stimson

Chrissa & Bryan Teel

Lara Marie & Aaron Thielhorn

Joann & Samuel Thomas

Sharon Walters

Kathleen Wood

We believe wishes are magical. But, it is not magic that make s wishes come true. Rather, it is the people who rally around the wish kids and the mission of Make-A-Wish to make a commitment to transform the lives of families in their community.

Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana is thankful for the many fundraising groups that support our mission every year, helping us grant wishes across southeast Texas and Louisiana.

Builders of Hope

Centenary Iota Gamma Chi Omega

Friends for Wishes

LSU Phi Gamma Chi Omega

McNeese State Phi Zeta Chi Omega

Montrose Beer and Gun Club

Stephen F. Austin Epsilon Zeta Chi Omega

Texas A&M Xi Kappa Chi Omega

Tulane Rho Chi Omega

University of Houston Psi Zeta Chi Omega

Wishes, Wonders, and Kids

Young Leaders’ Board

Young Leaders’ Board

In its second year, the Young Leaders’ Board (YLB) has established itself as an impactful, and fun, component of Make-A-Wish. The YLB is made up of individuals who strive to make a difference and take initiative to support and promote our mission while expanding our wish-granting efforts.

They have fun together in planning several fundraising and social events each year, including the “Swishes for Wishes” event during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Its impact already apparent, the YLB has raised more than $75,000 for Make-A-Wish! As the group continues to grow, we are excited to see the next generation of leaders championing our organization.

Gabrielle Ruffeno, President

Hillary Healey, VP Operations

Paulina Jones, VP Internal Affairs

Jordan Jupe, VP External Affairs

Molly McAfee, VP Finance

Cassie Turzillo, VP Communications

Chandler Williams, VP Membership

Gabi Achenbaum

Emma Bennett

Ali Dhanji

Sarah Dyer

Bridget Eberly

Ricky Gracy

Brianna Lang

Alex Lavergne

Justin McConn

Christine Melody

Helen Moninghoff

Allison Padon

Alex Palmer

Danielle Ruffeno

Courtney Saenz

Scott Smith

Carly Stender

Sydney Wright

Thomas Sellers, Board Liaison and YLB Advisor

Mandy S. Williams, Make-A-Wish YLB Advisor

Akhi’s Wish for an adaptive tricycle

In August 2022, at his home in the Central City district of New Orleans, Make-A-Wish granted 7-year-old Akhi’s wish for a new black and red tricycle, specially modified to his physical needs. Battling a nervous system disorder, Akhi chose his wish for an ada ptive tricyc le after he was unable to join his friends in a local bike event because he did not have one that was suited for him.

At his home, Make-A-Wish surprised Akhi with his trike and a custom bike rack from the New Orleans Young Leadership Council. After receiving his tricycle, Akhi and his family were escorted by the New Orleans Police Department and members of NOLA Social Ride (dressed in superhero costumes because Akhi loves superheroes!) on the 2.5-mile trip down St. Charles Avenue to the Gumbel Fountain at Audubon Park.

At the park, an even larger crowd welcomed him for his first ride, including his medical team. Finally, the Audubon Nature Institute surprised Akhi with a membership!

Alumni

This year, Make-A-Wish launched a campaign to engage wish alumni (kids and their families who previously had a wish granted) and find ways for them to share the power of their wish by “wishing it forward” for current and future wish kids!

Alums stay connected with the organization by leading fundraising campaigns, mentoring wish kids and attending wish reveals, making appearances in media and at public events, and much more!

In support of World Wish Day, nine alumni created a fundraising campaign. The four-week push in April raised more than $38,000!

Alumni shared their wish stories in the chapter’s “Power of a Wish” video.

Several alums joined the fun when Make-A-Wish celebrated the 10,000 th wish with the Houston Astros on October 4, 2022.

“Make-A-Wish brings hope to our patients and their families! Every time we introduce Make-A-Wish, we get an immediate smile from them, and their faces light up with excitement thinking about what to wish for.” – Eva

Castillo and Yahsmine Sanchez, Child Life Specialists

“Words cannot even begin to express how wonderful our trip was. It was so good to see both boys really being kids and smiling – heck, we all smiled more, laughed more than we have in the last three-and-a-half years. Thank you, Make-A-Wish from the bottom of our hearts. We didn’t know how badly we needed this; the memories made are priceless.” – Kim H.,

Wish Parent

“We are so grateful for all that Make-A-Wish has done for us. We cannot thank you enough. From beginning to end, Yusuf’s wish was perfect!” – Inci K., Wish Parent

“THANK YOU for the trip of a lifetime. Jag had the most wonderful time in the world. It was so fun. It was simply MAGICAL. Nothing will ever compare. We were all treated like royalty. We were shown so much kindness and love. Everything was a dream come true for Jag and all of us. I can’t thank you enough for everything that you did for Jag and our whole family.”

– Katherine G., Wish Parent

“Fue un sueño, todo fue magnifico! Realmente gracias. (It was a dream, all was magnificent! Really thank you!)” – Ilze B., Wish

Parent

“Kathryn is in love with her new pool! This will be a gift and summer she will never forget! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” – Brittany L., Wish

Parent

“On behalf of Joshua and our family we are so grateful to Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Joshua had an adventurous trip to the Smoky Mountains. All of this would not have been possible without the generosity of Make-A-Wish and all the generous supporters of this organization.” – Celeste

P., Wish Parent

I Wish To…

TO GO

After a two-year wait, we resumed granting wishes involving domestic travel in June 2022. Between June and September, we granted 95 wishes to travel across the country!

Go on a beach adventure to Orange Beach, AL Randy, 11 congenital heart disease

Go to Springfield, MO Liam, 7 leukemia

I

Go deep sea fishing in Key West William, 17 leukemia

Go to Disney World Paislie, 5 leukemia

Go to Hawaii Mariana, 18 leukemia

WISH TO GO OFFSHORE FISHING IN FLORIDA

While battling leukemia, wish kid William’s main motivation was being able to get back on the water and go fishing with his family. Before his diagnosis, William received a book listing every saltwater fish found off the Florida coast, and he made it his goal to catch each one. During his trip, he nearly did! “After almost three years of chemotherapy, it was the perfect ending to our cancer journey,” said William’s parents.

TO HAVE

Have a golf cart Kendall, 14 cancer

I

WISH TO HAVE A GOLF CART

Wish kid Kendall is determined to remain active and involved in sports during her battle with cancer, despite undergoing surgery to remove her femur and learning to walk with a prosthetic leg. Unable to continue her passions of cheerleading and volleyball, she has turned to golf. Make-A-Wish partnered with Valero and granted her wish for a custom, Tiffany Blue ® golf cart. On her wish reveal day, at Valero’s administrative offices in Corpus Christi, Valero presented the cart to Kendall.

TO HAVE

I WISH TO HAVE A TELESCOPE

Make-A-Wish teamed up with Shell to gift 8-year-old Emanuel a high-powered telescope at the Houston Museum of Natural Science George Observatory. Emanuel is an enthusiastic learner, and his favorite subject is science, specifically space and the solar system. Despite a battle with retinal cancer that has left him with vision in only one eye, Emanuel is determined to explore the “final frontier” as much as he can as he works toward his goal of becoming a space scientist. After the presentation of his new telescope, Emanuel observed the universe and constellations through the George Observatory’s research-grade Gueymard telescope. Shell provided the ultimate surprise when they presented Emanuel with a star named in his honor, “Emanuel’s Wish.” TO BE

I WISH TO DRIVE A TRAIN

Drive a train

Connor, 6 endocrine disorder

Connor enjoys everything about trains and train accessories—playing with trains, reading about trains, and, for his wish, driving an actual locomotive! Make-A-Wish granted Connor’s wish at the Union Pacific Englewood Intermodal Terminal in Houston. After Connor and his family arrived, he was presented with an official conductor’s uniform and employee identification badge; then, Union Pacific engineers instructed him on “calling in” an engine down the tracks. Once it arrived, we surprised Connor with the highlight of his wish—he took the controls and drove it through the railyard! Thank you to the Young Leaders’ Board for sponsoring Connor’s wish!

TO GIVE BACK

I WISH TO HAVE A SHOPPING SPREE TO GIVE BACK TO PATIENTS AT TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

When she was only eight years old, Cecilia was diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder that required years of weekly dialysis treatments. During those long, monotonous sessions, she often sought new, fun ways to pass the time. When it was time to select her wish, Cecilia did not hesitate: she wanted to go on a shopping spree —not for herself, but for the many children fighting the same battle. With support from the Make-A-Wish Young Leaders’ Board, Cecilia selected iPads, blankets, books, and other gifts, which she personally delivered to kids in her same units.

Give back to patients at Texas Children’s Hospital Cecilia, 17 kidney transplant

Have a telescope Emanuel, 8 cancer

Board of Directors/Advisors

2022-23

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KRISTIN PALMER Chair University of Houston

ED RAZIM Treasurer Locke Lord LLP

CURTIS FESSLER Sageworth

JASON JENNARO Select Water

LESLIE MONSON Ballard Brands

THOMAS SELLERS ExxonMobil

BOARD ADVISORS

TOMMY AUSTIN Director Emeritus U.S. Customs-Retired

STEPHEN LANDRY Ernst & Young, LLP

KEN SIMON Crown Castle

THOMAS HATFIELD Chair-Elect

PwC

MICHAEL BONO Secretary Corporate Care Holdings, LLC

JOHN HANTAK Northern Trust

JASON KOHLL Professional Sports Partners

DR. DANIEL PENNY Texas Children’s Hospital

CAYLIN WIEBE Del Papa Distributing

JULIE LUECHT Immediate Past Chair

KPMG

BONNIE HOUSTON Development Chair NOV, Inc.

HEATHER HRAP ConocoPhillips

KIRSTY MCCORMACK bp

JENNIFER RAYBURN KPMG

DAN BELLOW Jones Lang LaSalle

STEPHEN PARKER PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

MANDY S. WILLIAMS Red & Black Productions, LP

DR. ZOANN DREYER Texas Children’s Hospital

SCOTT SCHWINGER McNair Interests

WILLIAM WINDHAM Turner-Windham, LLC