I wish to have a princess room makeover Evangeline, 3 leukemia
Fiscal 2021 Annual Report SEPTEMBER 2020-AUGUST 2021
A Message from
Scott Rosenzweig At Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, we are committed to ensuring that no child waits even one unnecessary day to experience the hope and joy that a wish brings. The pandemic lingered throughout the course of our fiscal year, but our team continued to adapt in these unprecedented times to keep wishes coming true for our kids.
Special Recognition to our Board of Directors
®
Kids like Anthony, who reimagined his original wish to go to Disney World in favor of a having a hot tub at his house. Anthony loves being in the water, and now, thanks to Make-A-Wish and our generous sponsors, he’s able to splash in his backyard anytime he wants to … Kids like three-year-old Evangeline (front cover) who battled leukemia and came out ahead thanks to an incredible team of doctors and a wonderful support system. We were able to provide hope to Evangeline by granting her wish to have a princess room makeover. Staff and volunteers created a space that felt safe, comfortable, and totally her own … Kids like Camila, who was able to step in front of the lens of award-winning photographer, Jerry Metellus, for her wish to be a model. Camila opened up as the photoshoot went on, even allowing Jerry to capture the scar from her heart surgery on camera … To protect the health of our wish kids and their families, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada continued our virtual discovery visits, pivoted to find creative ways to imagine wishes with our kiddos that we could grant safely during travel restricted periods, and even conducted our first virtual Walk for Wishes and Fashion Luncheon events, raising nearly $1 million combined.
Jon C. Wolfe, Chair Linda D. Richardson, Vice Chair Richard M. Justiana, Treasurer Heather E. Harris, Secretary Thomas J. Burns, Past Chair Dr. Waseem Alhushki Jacob Bundick Kevin E. Camper Kristine Creel Thomas C. Evans Phil Fortino Jon E. Gray Keith Hansen Justin Kalb Brian Killingsworth Sasha Larkin Lorraine Marshall Dr. Anita Pomerantz Shaun Schoener Travis Scribner Melissa Warren Contact Details Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada 9950 Covington Cross Drive Las Vegas, NV 89144 Phone: 702-212-9474 wish.org/snv Follow Us › @makeawishsnv
Our mission never stopped and neither did the people and organizations in our corner. As restrictions ease and we continue to navigate our new normal, I am so grateful for this community. To you – our donors, volunteers, staff, and medical referral partners – thank you. Thank you for working with us to find innovative and engaging ways to support our wish kids and families. Together, we make wishes come true.
Wishfully yours,
Scott Rosenzweig President & CEO
I wish to have a hot tub Anthony, 4
congenital heart disease
The Year at
Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada FASHION LUNCHEON While the pandemic limited attendees’ ability to gather in person, the 19th annual Fashion Luncheon was another wonderful success. The event – benefiting Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada – continues to be one of the most sought-after seats in town. While event seats were virtual this year, attendees still raised over $675,000 to support local wishes right here in our community. Looks from this year’s featured designer, Chloé™, were modeled at a fashion show and pop-up at a socially distanced in-home event. Attendees look forward to the event’s in-person return in FY22.
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WALK FOR WISHES The team at Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada continued to pivot as our chapter’s annual Walk for Wishes event went virtual. Presented by Allegiant, the event attracted community members and sponsors across the Valley who wanted to support the more than 2,200 life-changing wishes already granted in Southern Nevada, while raising funds for future wishes.
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FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Instead of a 2,500+ in-person event, all promotional efforts led up to Walk Week, kicking off with a drive-thru packet pick-up at The Wishing Place. Participants were encouraged to roll down their windows and enjoy Mix 94.1’s live radio remote, grab goodies from sponsors, and pick up their event t-shirts. News 3’s Kim & Dana Wagner and Mix 94.1’s Mercedes & JC recorded the virtual opening and closing ceremonies, and the event itself raised more than $315,000!
Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada
Celebrates 25 Years of Wishes Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada reached a huge milestone this fiscal year: 25 years of wish granting in our region. Since 1996, we have granted the wishes of more than 2,200 children in Las Vegas and the surrounding counties, bringing strength, hope, and joy to children when they need it the most. Our 25th anniversary campaign kicked off on World Wish Day, April 29, 2021, and will run for an entire year. The campaign highlights our donors, referral sources, volunteers, and community partners who continue to support us and the wish kids who have experienced the power of a wish firsthand. Timing of the campaign aligned well with our urgent need for support as wish granting begins to ramp up as pandemic restrictions ease. The campaign seeks to grant wishes now and prepare our chapter to grant wishes for the next 25 years and beyond.
“I am forever grateful to be a part of a mission that is near and dear to my heart.” — Linda Richardson
LINDA RICHARDSON RECOGNIZED AS 2021 PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR In late 2021, Make-A-Wish America announced Las Vegas native, Linda Richardson, as the recipient of its prestigious 2021 National Philanthropist of the Year award. For more than 20 years, Linda has driven the organization’s mission forward through her generous contributions and two decades of leadership of the annual Fashion Luncheon event. ®
REMEMBERING DIANE BIGELOW In the fall of 2021, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada unveiled The Diane Bigelow Family Room at The Wishing Place. Diane was an incredible advocate of our mission for more than a decade, having personally adopted over 100 wishes. On behalf of our entire staff, we thank the Bigelow Family for dedicating this room in memory of Diane. May the room continue her legacy by inspiring the wishes of tomorrow.
Linda started her journey with Make-A-Wish as one of the first volunteer wish granters at the Southern Nevada chapter’s founding in 1996. She expanded her role by becoming a donor, board member, and launching the Fashion Luncheon fundraising event that has garnered nearly $6 million for the organization over the past 19 years. FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
88 Wishes Granted Fiscal 2021
MEET CAMILA
I wish to be a model Camila, 16
congenital heart disease
Like any teenaged girl, Camila loves dressing up. She has a keen sense of style that she shares with her friends on Instagram and TikTok, a style only eclipsed by the infectious smile on display in all of her photos. Only her family knows that privately, Camila has lived with congenital heart disease for her entire life.
Camila has been relatively lucky compared to others with her condition. After a successful surgery at birth that left her with a scar on her chest, her routine of medications and regular doctor appointments continue to prevent her from needing any other major surgeries. But when the pandemic upended her life, Camila turned even more to communicating via social media to avoid feelings of isolation and to connect with her friends. From there, a wish was born – to be a model! Camila wished to experience a full day of glamour akin to her favorite fashion models. She hoped to come away with her very own model “look book” filled with amazing photos of her dressed in clothing that conveys her personal style. Camila could not stop smiling on her wish day. After spending her night in a suite at
the Red Rock Resort & Spa, Camila and her mom were whisked away in a limo to the studio of famed photographer, Jerry Metellus. There, she was surprised with her own personal stylist to help pick from a collection of outfits from her favorite store, Forever21. Social media influencer, Anoushka Dannin, even brought in a glam squad to make sure Camila’s hair and makeup were camera ready. Though she was shy at first, especially about showing her scar, Jerry made her feel supported, and her confidence grew with every click of the camera. This wish wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contributions of The Fashion Show Mall, Jerry Metellus, Forever21, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa and Anoushka Dannin.
The pictures are outstanding, not because I took them, but because of the light she brought to them. Moments like this – talk about priceless – it was one of those days. — Jerry Metellus, photographer FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
MEET KASHUS
I wish to be a Las Vegas police officer Riley, 15
nervous system disorder
Every morning 6-year-old Kashus wakes up and selects his favorite toy of the day. His heart condition may come with physical drawbacks, but his imagination is limitless. Each day is another opportunity to use his toys in new adventures that become even more special when his siblings join.
Kashus knew that wishing for a shopping spree would guarantee more fun and meaningful moments with the ones he loves most. His wish started with a luxurious limo ride to his first store of the day, Target. With his brother and sister by his side, Kashus ran through the toy aisles and set his eyes upon his favorite toy of the day, a Mack Hauler toy truck from Disney Pixar’s Cars. He jumped with glee, knowing that it was his. Kashus continued his special day by picking out some brand-new video games and grabbing take-out for his whole family at Olive Garden. Kashus’ wish was more than just a chance to
add to his toy collection. It gave him renewed energy after all he’s endured with his condition. It gave him the ability to experience life beyond illness. As a child with a critical illness, many aspects of Kashus’ life must be controlled, but his wish gave him freedom and strength when he needed it most. He reveled in having a day where he called the shots and could choose anything he wanted. Today, Kashus is enjoying his new television, toys, and video games; but most importantly, he’s spending lots of time laughing, playing with his siblings, and feeling the joy his wish gave him.
My favorite part of my wish was being there with my family. We had the best time. — Kashus, wish kid
FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
On average, we granted a wish every
4 days! Fiscal Year
2021 Results
86
Eligible Referrals
2,357
Wishes Granted Since 1996
88
Wishes Granted
Top 5 Wish Types Shopping Spree - Local
21
13%
Computer
17
11%
Room Redecoration/Furniture
10
6%
Playhouse/Playset
8
5%
Celebrity Local
8
5%
Leukemia
17
19%
Congenital Heart Disease
14
16%
Nervous System Disorder
10
11%
Cancer
10
11%
7
8%
Top 5 Wish Child Diagnoses
Brain Tumor
Wish Statistics Due to travel restrictions, in FY21 none of our wishes required air travel. We also did not grant any Walt Disney Company travel wishes.
Average Wish Cost
$6,307
Average Cash Cost
$4,051
Average In-Kind Cost
$2,256
Average Age at Wish Grant
12
Staff Members
14
Active Volunteers
74
FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Fiscal Year
2021 Results What began as another uncertain year in a pandemic, ended with us exceeding both our budgeted revenue and wish-granting goals— though both still down to our last “normal” year of FY19. FY21 COVID restrictions meant a full year with only regional travel allowed in late summer 2021, so of our 88 wishes granted, we achieved a record-high 87 non-travel wishes like computers, room makeovers, virtual shopping sprees, animals, and playsets. Prior to this year, the most local wishes ever granted by our chapter was under 50 – and these wishes require far more hands-on staff orchestration than travel wishes. We saw a marked decline in eligible referrals – a trend seen by nearly all Make-A-Wish chapters in a year many families avoided going to doctors’ offices. In summer 2020, and thanks to Nevada State Bank, we secured our first of two Payroll Protection Plan loans—the second in January 2021—for which we received 100% forgiveness for both in FY21. These two forgiven PPP loans total $485K of our $819K in Grants revenue for FY21. These loans allowed us to retain staff so that we’re prepared for a resumption of wish travel when medically safe.
Audited Financials & Year Over Year Comparison
FY19
FY20
FY21
Average Cash Wish Cost
$5,494
$4,801
$4,051
Average In-Kind Wish Cost
$5,085
$4,639
$2,256
$10,580
$9,440
$6,307
In-Kind Ratio
48%
49%
36%
Wishes Granted
158
95
88
28
12
3
158
149
86
Total Revenue
$3,985,889
$3,565,947
$3,824,429
Total Expenses
$3,852,038
$3,235,787
$2,845,280
Total Program Expense
$2,828,635
$2,089,713
$1,837,165
Fundraising Expenses
$595,236
$625,913
$495,966
Management & General Expenses
$428,167
$520,161
$512,148
73%
65%
65%
Total Average Wish Cost
Wish Assists Granted* Eligible Referrals
Program Ratio
*Wish Assists are wish children from other Make-A-Wish chapters around the world whose wishes occur in Las Vegas. We help with local reservations and wish planning.
Funding sources
FY21
Total Wishes
Direct Public Support
$520,621
180
Major/Planned Gifts
$318,906
160
Corporate Gifts
$562,776
140
In-Kind Gifts
$315,107
120
$819,509
100
External Events
$29,398
80
Internal Events
$592,262
Investment Income
$665,909
Grants
Wish Assist Fees Other Total Revenue
$850 $(908) $3,824,429
60 40
FY21 Functional Expense Allocation 158 143
117 98
45
95
88
18%
65%
17% 36
32
28 12
20 0
3
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20* FY21* Wishes Granted
Wish Assists Granted
Total Program Expense Management & General Expenses Fundraising Expenses
*Denotes year impacted by COVID-19 restrictions
FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Thank you to
Our Cash Donors WISH VISIONARY ($100,000.00 + ) AJB Trust Anonymous Car Donation Foundation Linda and Bill Richardson WISH INNOVATOR ($50,000.00 + ) Allegiant Anonymous Robert Bigelow Dr. Ben M. Enis WISH LEADER ($25,000.00 + ) Advanced Piling Rentals, Inc. Victoria Fertitta Yvette and Ellis Landau Lynne Ruffin-Smith Charitable Foundation Macy’s Beverly Rogers San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Community Outreach Subaru of Las Vegas The Paul Powell Law Firm WISH CHAMPION ($15,000.00 + ) Swing King Greenberg Traurig, LLP IT’Sugar Karma and Luck Nevada State Bank Public Finance Brett Smith The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
WISH HERO ($10,000.00 + ) Eglet Adams AJA Foundation Bank of America Disney Brad and Robyn Englert Betty Evans Genentech, Inc. Keith and Mandy Hansen Heather and Brian Harris House Advantage, LLC Jewelers for Children Shannon and William McBeath Kirk Pierce and Dr. Renee Ngo OptumHealth Patriot Contractors, LLC Raising Cane’s Roberto’s Taco Shop Kate Wagner Barbara and Bruce Woollen WISH CAPTAIN ($7,500.00 + ) Kristine and Allan Creel NowMobile WestPac Wealth Partners YourCause.com WISH STAR ($5,000.00 + ) Al and Cindy Aizenstat Lovee and Robert Arum Bilek Charitable Foundation, Inc. Blue Heron Companies CDW Marcia Chami Sean Clancy Dena Duboef-Roth
Monica and Joe Garin Karen and Daniel Gentilcore Justin Kalb Judith Keltner Nothing Bundt Cakes Palm Mortuaries Megan and John Ramous Dave and Pat Revzin S.T. Enterprises LLC Anthony and Laila Spiegel Sandee and Tito Tiberti Trusted Choice Ultimate Fighting Championship US Anesthesia Partners of Nevada, Inc. Vincent C. Immordino Charitable Foundation WCF Insurance Jodi and Guy Wells Wynn Las Vegas WISH FRIEND ($1,000.00 + )
ABC Supply Co. Inc. Melissa and Edward Akkaway AmazonSmile Foundation American Endowment Foundation Jean Amicarella Anonymous Kathryn Antonino Tracy Atamian Janice Axthelm William and Gail Balelo Diana Bennett Bethink, LLC Blair Bigelow Mai and Patrick Mai Taylor and Craig Borsari Boyd Gaming Corporation Vanessa and Tom Breitling Jay and Sharyn Brown Mary Jo Brown
Thank you to
Our Cash Donors Build-A-Bear Workshop Tom and Shelly Burns Ginger and Michael Caldwell Julia Callan Capretto LLC Entis and Debbie Casto Chloé - Wynn Esplanade J. Paul Christensen Caroline Ciocca College Loan Corporation Committee to Re-Elect Judge Rob Bare Chet Cox Dayna Cussler Dance Dynamics David DelZotto Ronald Dempsey Desert Kids Dental Franceen Dunn Ramona Dweck Enterprise Holdings Foundation Kim and Ron Evans Tom Evans and Annie Chang Evans Smithman Productions Joanna and John Falb Marc and Jenn Falcone Findlay Toyota Susan Fine Jean Fink Scott Flood Nazanin Ford Paula Fouce Funko Cheryl and Jason Garber Katie and Chris Gonya Susan Graves Stacy Haddock Theodore and Layne Hase Corinna Hughes Hugo Boss- Forum Shops at Caesars Andrew Jenkin and Ken Vacca Annemarie and Fletcher Jones Christine and Christopher Kaempfer
Keebler Company Melinda Kennedy Kevin Knutson Joe Koppy Christine Kravitz Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities Jennifer Lazovich Alan Levy Jennifer Linch Lokai Lot Forty Eight, LLC Charly Mapes Cari Marshall Jean McCusker Angelica McNeal J. Mitchell Marni Moses Joseph and Jessie Murphy Dr. Ralph and Patricia Nietrzeba Christine Nordling John Okita Party City Trina Pascal Karen Peter Pledgeling Foundation Donna and Paul Prince Doug Roberts Anna and David Robins Jerome Kominsky and Cheryl Robinson Dulcinea and Pio Rongavilla Ronin Factory Mary and Carlos Ruisanchez Camille and Larry Ruvo Sam’s Club #6261 Saputo Coreen and John Sawdon Rusty Schaeffer Jane and Marc Schorr Sears Eddy Sherman Lindsey and Mike Slanker
Sleep Number Steve and Jill Smith Natasha Spinella Theodore and Diane Stans Nancy Storey Barbara Stout Barbara Tapp Dr. Charles Tapp The ASNY Company LLC The Siegel Group Glen Toussaint Robyne and Randolph Townsend United Way of Southern Nevada Kim and Dana Wagner Helene and Ken Walker Walmart #1838 Walmart #3655 Walmart Neighborhood Market #5259 Walmart Neighborhood Market #3356 Walmart Neighborhood Market #3355 Walmart Neighborhood Market #3354 Walmart Neighborhood Market #5423 Walmart Supercenter #2483 Greg Walski Melissa and Clark Warren Watertree Health Ronald Watkins Dana and Jerome Weisner Kristine and Ron Winchell Ryan Woodward Wynn Resorts Limited Employee Foundation Renee and Michael Yackira Youth Charities of Southern Nevada
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Thank you to
Our In-kind Donors WISH VISIONARY ($100,000.00 + ) Allegiant WISH INNOVATOR ($50,000.00 + ) Las Vegas Review-Journal WISH LEADER ($25,000.00 + ) The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas WISH CHAMPION ($15,000.00 + ) House Advantage, LLC Tracy & Ryder Landscape Construction WISH HERO ($10,000.00 + ) Findlay Customs, LLC Heartfelt Productions Marquis Corporation WestCor Companies
WISH CAPTAIN ($7,500.00 + ) Blue Heron Companies Gensler Martin-Harris Construction Peter Lik WISH STAR ($5,000.00 + ) Disney Jerry Metellus Photography Patrick Signs Sleep Number
Las Vegas Artificial Lawns Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Merlin Custom Home Builders Megan Nestor Par3 Landscape PuppySpot Sands Cares Show Creators Studios Swing Set Pros Tech2U Vista Landscape Centers, Inc. Wulfenstein Construction
WISH FRIEND ($1,000.00 + ) AHD&Co Amazing Goldens Ashley Campbell Kristine and Allan Creel Device Docs Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa Justin and Jessica Kalb
Thank you to
Our Legacy Donors By including the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Nevada in their estate plans, these donors will provide the resources necessary to grant inspiring wishes for children now and in the future. Ensure your legacy lives on through wishes with a legacy gift by visiting snv.wish.org/freewill.
Barbara F. Tapp Biel Family Trust BND Management Trust Cheryl Hartfield Dorothy Lois Breese Irrevocable Trust Under Will Edwartoski Living Trust Estate Of Lorraine S. Berry
FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Frances Pearl Rotisky Estate Hortense G. Koller Living Trust John Braschi Kay Doolittle Trust Lois Miller Mary Ann Bajgier Richard J. Simms The Cathy McCarthy Living Trust
The Laura and Peter Weidenfeld Trust The Lionel Trust The Murren Family Trust Todd R. Morse Tom Wolf Wilmington Trust Company
There are few experiences more powerful than
making a wish come true.
With the pandemic, it has been tough to be able to go out and do things. Our home and Eva’s room are such big parts of who she is because we’ve spent so much time here. Having a spot of her own that has all the things she loves is so special for us and so special for her. We are just so very grateful for Make-A-Wish making this happen. — Alyssa, wish mom to Eva
I wish to have a Disney room makeover Evangeline, 3 leukemia
The makeover on my truck is incredible, it’s everything I wanted. The team at Findlay Customs took everything I asked for and they made it happen. I am just so grateful for this opportunity. — Gustavo, wish kid
I wish to have a car makeover Gustavo, 19 leukemia
I just love that this organization brings so many people together to rally around a child. The fact that I get to play a part in showing a child that they are not only loved by their immediate support system, but also by the whole community, is an honor. It brings hope to the child in a greater capacity. I wish to have a virtual shopping spree
— Gwen Jacobson, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada Volunteer
Sariah, 4
respiratory disorder
FISCAL 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Make-A-Wish® Southern Nevada 9950 Covington Cross Drive Las Vegas, NV 89144 702-212-9474
wish.org/snv