Spring 2017
HAILEY’S WISH For a special tree house read her story inside
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ... 3 UPCOMING EVENTS ... 8 COMMUNITY WISH STORIES ... 10 Photo by Danielle Rivard Photography
It Takes Teamwork
BOARD OFFICERS
On a sports team, you have a group of talented athletes who play different positions in order to make the team successful. If everyone does their part consistently, and with a commitment to excellence, a winning tradition is established. Make-A-Wish® is the same, except that the players and positions are a bit different. Imagine a team that is committed to bringing hope, strength, and joy to children who are battling critical illnesses, as well as their families. This team would be led and governed by volunteers, supported by a dedicated staff, and in partnership with the finest medical professionals in the world. Then imagine that they are joined by a committed group of supporters from the community, including individuals, businesses, groups, and foundations. That’s what we have in San Diego, and that’s what it takes to ensure we can deliver our important mission to local kids and their families, right when they need it most.
Jim Peterson - CHAIR Partner, Higgs, Fletcher & Mack Bill Davidson - VICE CHAIR CEO, Sapienter Group Timothy Broadhead - TREASURER Managing Director/CFO, Steelpoint Capital Partners Julie Fletcher - SECRETARY Chief Talent Officer, AMN Healthcare Karen Sedgwick Tyler - MEMBER AT LARGE Vice President of Audit Services, Sempra Energy Utilities Katie Pothier – IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Texas Rangers
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jason Blain President, Spinal Elements, Inc.
As you read through this report, you will see the fingerprints of an incredibly talented and committed team of people who all strive to do their part to make the world, especially the world of a child, a much better place. To those who are currently on Team Make-A-Wish, the volunteers, staff, medical professionals, and supporters…we thank you. To those who want to be a part of this winning team, there are many ways to help, please just reach out to us and let us know.
Laura Hart Vice President of Business Operations, Qualcomm Inc. Tina Jenkins, RN Executive Director, MediExcel Health Plan Richard Kelley President and General Manager, NBC 7 San Diego Gail Knight, M.D. Senior VP & Chief Medical Officer, Rady Children’s Hospital
Best wishes,
Michael Lalich, M.D. Area Medical Director & Chief of Staff, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Eric Logan COO, Cobra Puma Golf Scott C. Marshall Chief Hospitality Officer, San Diego Padres Dr. Brion W. Murray Research Fellow, Pfizer Irene Oberbauer President & CEO (Retired), San Diego County Credit Union
Chris Sichel, President & CEO Make-A-Wish San Diego
Gary Palmer General Manager, Penske Auto Group
Jim Peterson, Chair Board of Directors
Melody Thornton, CPA/CTC Principal, MS Thornton CPA
STAFF Chris Sichel President & CEO Suzanne Husby Vice President, Mission Delivery
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John Sleeper Director of Finance & Administration Lindsay Martin Wish Outreach Specialist
Dana Vandersip, CFRE Vice President, Development
Lyon Frazier Database/ Operations Manager
Christine Reed, MBA Director of Communications
Stefanie Muñoz Community Partnerships Manager
Katie Oram Special Events Manager
Chelsea Nohelty Donor Care Coordinator
Jacquelyn Schneider Wish & Volunteer Manager
Katie Shahzade Wish Coordinator
Heather Ginsky Development Coordinator
Ariadna Ventura Wish Coordinator
Ashley Irving Wish Assist Coordinator
Sarah Woo Special Events & Marketing Coordinator
Jenna Martin Wish Coordinator
2440 Hotel Circle N. Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 858.707.9474 info@wishsandiego.org www.sandiego.wish.org
Volunteer Spotlight 2016 Volunteer Awards
Trevor Stolebarger
Volunteer of the Year April Buchner
At the heart of every memorable Make-AWish story, you’ll find a compelling visual … one that provides a look behind the lens and connects us to the moment. Photos are instrumental in illustrating our wish stories. Often, we rely on volunteer photographers to give us a glimpse into the wish experience when we are not there to stand by a wish kid’s side. Trevor Stolebarger is one of these photographers—and his ability to capture the emotion and joy of a wish is surpassed only by his generosity and compassion for others.
Standout volunteer in all areas of support
Wish Granter of the Year Gary Wedge Standout wish granter
Dynamic Duo Lydda Ochoa and Maria Ines Quintanar Standout wish-granting team
Estrella Award Yolanda Inchauregui Standout bilingual wish granter
Airport Greeter of the Year Kathy Zombolas Standout airport greeter
Rookie of the Year Jeremy Schneider Standout first-year volunteer
Starfish Award Kay Van Mouwerik Standout Make-A-Wish Tuna Challenge volunteer
Events Shining Star of the Year Matt Sjoquist Standout events and fundraising volunteer
Trevor, who is currently battling inoperable stage IV esophageal cancer, remains one of our most valued volunteer photographers in San Diego. To date, he has taken photos of nearly 100 wishes, events, and wish family photo shoots. When Trevor can’t make it to an event or wish, he helps line up another photographer to take his place. He is also an impactful wish granter, because he understands what our kids are going through on so many levels and the resulting emotional connection he makes with wish families is invaluable. “Since my cancer diagnosis, I have been riding a roller coaster of emotions. I feel scared and alone, despite the amazing support around me…but a few things have been getting me prepared for the biggest fight of my life, including my volunteer work at Make-A-Wish where I’ve gotten to know the most amazing wish kids who have inspired me…they have taught me how to fight.” Trevor was selected by his fellow volunteers as the recipient of our chapter’s 2015 Volunteer Choice Award. This award represents someone who inspires hope, strength, and joy not only to our wish kids, but also to their peer volunteers—a group of over 300 dedicated individuals. This award is also a testament to the significant impact and inspiration of Trevor’s dedication to the Make-A-Wish mission. He has not only spent his birthday volunteering for a wish, but has worked around his rigorous chemotherapy schedule to continue capturing every wish he can.
“Photography is defined as the study of light, and I want my photography to show the light and beauty and good in this world. I don’t think photography should just be about “taking” photographs, I feel it should also be about giving back. Make-A-Wish has given me the greatest opportunity to give back and has become my greatest passion in photography.” ~ Trevor Stolebarger
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When Hailey was asked to describe her best day ever, she imagined having an outside sanctuary that was all her own. One that would provide a peaceful and creative space for art projects and listening to music, while also keeping her safe and comfortable due to her fragile condition.
Tree House of Her Dreams
We often hear “it takes a village”…and to grant Hailey’s wish, the village included a group of engineers.
Twelve-year-old Hailey loves arts & crafts, listening to music, and the allure of butterflies. This is fitting for a young girl who is often referred to as a Butterfly Child based on her medical condition. Hailey was born with a connective tissue disorder, where one’s skin resembles the delicate and fragile nature of a butterfly’s wings. Her condition also limits her exposure to sunlight and spending time outside, away from the protection and safety of her home.
Photos by Danielle Rivard Photography
Hailey’s wish was adopted by local company, SC Engineers, who built her a custom-designed tree house with all her favorite things in mind. Complete with butterfly décor, Hailey’s tree house boasts gentle edges and soft cushions throughout. She now has her own space to relax and do her favorite things, while safely enjoying her time outdoors. “This was an amazing experience for all of us and a joyous moment for Hailey. She was so surprised and when her initial reaction was to write on the tree house wall, ‘I love it!’ we knew this brought great happiness not only to Hailey, but to her entire family as well.”—SC Engineers’ representative. Hailey’s wish was granted in August 2016.
Pictured below: Volunteers with SC Engineers work on building Hailey’s tree house
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About Us Our Mission We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.
Who We Are Founded in 1983, the Make-A-Wish® San Diego chapter will grant its 4,000th wish for children in our community during the summer of 2017. In addition, we host more than 250 children each year from other states and countries whose wishes bring them to San Diego. Our small and committed staff relies on more than 300 volunteers to fulfill our mission. Our volunteers participate in all facets of our operations, including wish granting, fundraising, office support, special events, community relations, and governance. Make-A-Wish San Diego is part of Make-A-Wish America, which through its network of chapters has granted more than 285,000 wishes since 1980. Today, a wish is granted every 34 minutes in the U.S.
Many Children – Many Wishes In 2016, the San Diego chapter granted 238 wishes for local children, an increase of nearly 30% from 2015.
Who Qualifies for a Wish?
Medical
Eligibility
Age
Previous Wish
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Life-threatening medical conditions • Progressive • Degenerative • Malignant
2 ½ - 17 yrs at time of referral
No previous wish from Make-A-Wish or any other wish-granting organization
Who Are Our Wish Kids? Most Popular Wishes
Qualifying Conditions
46% Disney vacation
52% Oncology
8% International travel 8% Celebrity meet & greet 8% Shopping spree 5% Hawaiian vacation 5% Room/backyard makeover 20% Other wishes
13% Cardiology 8% Neurology 6% Nephrology 5% Pulmonology 4% Gastroenterology 12% Other
Other wishes include playhouse, electronics, party, puppy, etc.
Other includes hematology, nervous system diseases, etc.
*data based on wishes granted during Fiscal Year 2016
Funding and Support Transforming Lives, One Wish at a Time Our fundraising efforts, fiscal practices, and business operations are all designed in support of a single purpose: to grant life-affirming wishes. The average cost of a wish for the San Diego chapter is $10,000.
Stewardship and Strength We are proud of the way we manage and safeguard the contributions we receive from individual donors, corporations, organizations, and foundations. Eighty-four percent of the revenue received in our last fiscal year was allotted to wish-granting operations. This percentage is far beyond the standard set by organizations that monitor the work of charities.
We are proud that the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego is an accredited charity under the BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s Standards for Charity Accountability. This national charity monitoring organization is affiliated with the Better Business Bureau and confirms whether a nonprofit’s practices related to governance, fund raising, solicitations and informational materials, and expenses meet their criteria for fair and honest dealings and ethical practices.
We are proud that the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest an organization can receive. Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. We have been recognized for our outstanding ability to efficiently manage support and sustain programs with a level of commitment to good governance and information.
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Make-A-Wish® San Diego hosts a variety of unique signature fundraising events throughout the year. Join us and share the power of a wish first-hand while raising much-needed funds for local wish kids. MAKE-A-WISH GOLF CLASSIC
sandiego.wish.org/golf
The Make-A-Wish Golf Classic includes 18 holes of golf on the challenging and picturesque course at The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe. Golfers will also enjoy lunch, raffles, silent auctions, dinner, and awards – all in support of local wishes. Join us for this fun and philanthropic event.
WINE & WISHES
sandiego.wish.org/wine
WINE & WISHES is an evening featuring extraordinary chefs, boutique winemakers, and local indie craft breweries, coming together to create a special blend of flavor, presentation, service, and style. The event will conclude with silent and live auctions, luxury opportunity raffles, and live entertainment, along with the opportunity to meet wish kid ambassadors.
WALK FOR WISHES®
sandiego.wish.org/walk
Together we walk. Together we grant wishes. Walk For Wishes is a fun, family-friendly community event that raises funds to grant local wishes. Celebrating the thousands of wishes that have already been granted, friends of Make-A-Wish gather to raise funds and make even more wishes come true. With FREE registration, anyone can attend and turn their steps into wishes!
THE AMAZING RACE FOR CHILDREN’S WISHES
yachtclubsforwishes.org
Organized by the Coronado, Coronado Cays, and Navy Yacht Clubs, this is a great day of adventure! Modeled after the TV show “Amazing Race” this fun and fabulous event includes a variety of bike team challenges throughout the great city of Coronado, the bike team challenge is followed by a celebration with raffle prizes, great auction items, food, and live music.
TRAILBLAZE CHALLENGE SAN DIEGO
trailblazechallengesd.org
Trailblaze Challenge San Diego is a Southern California endurance event benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Train and fundraise to complete the challenge – a 26+ mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail – in one life-changing day! This trek provides participants with an opportunity for adventure, fun and fitness while making a direct impact on the lives of children in our community battling life-threatening medical conditions.
For event inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, and more, please call 858-707-9474 x111 or contact Katie Oram at koram@wishsandiego.org
By kids, for kids. Inspire the next generation of philanthropists by starting a Kids For Wish Kids club or fundraiser at your child’s school. The Kids For Wish Kids program allows kids K-12 to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Kids and teens are responsible for the program – brainstorming fundraising ideas, developing a plan of action, and managing their events from start to finish. Teachers and parents often serve as advisors, but ownership of the project belongs solely to the kids involved. To get started, please visit sandiego.wish.org/kfwk or contact Sarah Woo at swoo@wishsandiego.org for more information. 8
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Women Inspiring Strength & Hope - leaders in our community who support the vision and mission of Make-A-Wish San Diego The W.I.S.H. Circle (Women Inspiring Strength & Hope) is a group of dynamic local women committed to providing financial and hands-on support for Make-A-Wish San Diego. Members are invited to engage in community events, meet directly with wish families, and help grant wishes for children in San Diego with life-threatening medical conditions. ‘ Please contact us to learn more about membership in our exclusive W.I.S.H. Circle for yourself and/or your daughter. You can learn more online at sandiego.wish.org/wishcircle If you have any questions, please contact Dana Vandersip at dvandersip@wishsandiego.org
Simple gift. Huge impact. Leave a legacy that will provide hope, strength, and joy to children in our community. We invite you to consider including Make-A-Wish San Diego as a beneficiary of your will or trust. Just a sentence or two are all that is needed. The official bequest language for Make-A-Wish San Diego is: “To make wishes come true, I give ______________ (residue, percentage, or specific amount) to Make-A-Wish San Diego, with its principle office at 2440 Hotel Circle North, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108. Tax ID number: 33-0039466.” For more details, visit our website at sandiego.wish.org/legacy. If you have any questions, please contact Dana Vandersip at dvandersip@wishsandiego.org
Give Wishes Wings! You can make a difference by donating your unused airline miles. Your donated miles stay in San Diego to help local kids. Every mile donated helps wish kids and their families travel to destinations around the world. Once donated, your miles will never expire and are used to support local wishes. Over 70% of wishes involve air travel, and each wish needs 4+ tickets, on average. Donate your unneeded, lowbalance miles, even if they are about to expire! This is just one simple way you can help grant a life-changing wish experience. For more information about participating airlines or to donate online, please visit sandiego.wish.org/wishesinflight
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Wish It Forward Landon still Wishes It Forward Wish kid Landon, now 10, understands the importance of paying it forward. When he was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, requiring three open heart surgeries, his parents received an outpouring of community support at a time they needed it most. They decided that their children would have an appreciation for this support, and understand how the generosity of others helped their family. By the time Landon was three, he was raising money and awareness for congenital heart disease research and would continue to give back to several organizations throughout the years. In 2013, Landon would form an even greater appreciation toward giving back when his wish to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando was granted by Make-AWish San Diego. Since then, Landon has served as one of the chapter’s top wish kid ambassadors, organizing an annual Santa-letter drive with his school that raises funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish, participating in media interviews, sharing his wish story at special events and with local companies, and serving as the captain of his Walk For Wishes® team for three years running. In fact, Landon is not only one of the chapter’s walk team captains, but he is also the face of the 2016 Walk For Wishes and was seen on event materials, including outdoor billboards! When asked about why he gives back, Landon likes to share, “Well, I do work for Make-A-Wish.”
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Wish Inspiration The Genesis of Gabriel’s Wish The why behind every wish is as unique as the child himself. When Gabriel, 17, first met with his wish granters in 2015, he considered choosing a popular wish among many teenagers…to meet his favorite singer. However, Gabriel’s ultimate wish choice wouldn’t be based on popularity at all. On the contrary, it would be about feeling like an outsider, the challenges of fitting in to new surroundings, and ultimately learning how to find where you belong. But we are getting ahead of the story, let’s start at the beginning. When Gabriel was three months old, his mom knew he had mobility challenges when he couldn’t hold his head up. It would take many years until he was officially diagnosed with congenital myopathy fiber-type disproportion. This rare genetic muscle disease has resulted in a deficiency of muscle, lung, and heart strength. Although Gabriel has undergone major surgery to correct scoliosis and regularly sees a heart specialist, a simple walk that many of us take for granted can be exhausting for him. “He’s been through so much in his life and I’ve never heard a complaint,” shared Gabriel’s mom, who happens to be a nurse. From years of feeling different because of his medical condition, and also from moving around a lot, Gabriel became shy and self-conscious around his peers. To escape, he found solace in reading books, particularly Harry Potter and other youth fantasy fiction novels. It wasn’t until middle school when Gabriel met Danielle, an outgoing seventh grader who wore down his normal social defenses, and shared his passion for similar books and movies, that he found his best friend and future co-author. Gabriel’s wish to publish his first book, which he and Danielle have been writing for over two years, has allowed the young writers to work directly with a professional publisher to help organize, edit, and finalize their story. Intended as the beginning of a trilogy, their first book is aptly named “Genesis”, and introduces readers to an orphaned teenage girl taken in by a mystical group of warriors and like many teenagers—struggles to fit in. The book combines themes from the Bible, Scandinavian and Celtic mythology, as well as elements of the supernatural and fantasy, but the story behind the book describes a deep friendship between two teens who have changed each other’s lives for the better. Although their book is not autobiographical, they hope it inspires other teens who feel different and insecure to know they aren’t alone. “We’re both so excited,” Gabriel said. “It hasn’t really hit us yet that we’re going to be published authors soon.” Gabriel and Danielle are both planning to attend Palomar College after they graduate in 2018, and share that they’re eager to start on their next books, as well as the next chapter in their lives. “Genesis” will be published in Summer of 2017.
Images by F&L Digital Media Solutions
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WHY DID YOU LEAVE A LEGACY?
“I Left A Legacy To Honor My Parents� Dr. Eric Greenberg Dr. Eric Greenberg is a recently retired sports medicine physician who worked for many years with Sharp Healthcare. He comes from a close family; his sister, identical twin brother, and parents all eventually moved to San Diego from the East Coast. Dr. Greenberg fondly recalls the love and generosity of his parents and the many wonderful family gatherings that they enjoyed together. Spurred by the passing of his parents, family illnesses, and newfound time to explore his interests, Dr. Greenberg began to consider his own legacy. He loves children and animals, and met with several local charities that benefit these groups. He wanted to ensure that his legacy would honor his parents, Byron and Helena Greenberg, and make them proud. Dr. Greenberg decided to designate Make-A-Wish San Diego as one of two beneficiaries of one of his IRA accounts. As a Legacy of Wishes Society member, Dr. Greenberg has become familiar with the life-affirming gift of a wish experience and how each wish brings a wonderful sense of healing and optimism to a child and family. He is now becoming a volunteer for Make-A-Wish San Diego and looks forward to many years of meaningful involvement.
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Anett, 4 autoimmune disorder I wish for an ultimate Princess Shopping Spree Wish Adopter: MediExcel Health Plan Photo by Joe Ramirez
2016 Wish Adoptions* in Honor of Local Wish Kids Wish Adopter: Aleksander & Stacy Renshaw Wish Kid: Terrell, 6, wish to go to Disney World and Universal Studios Wish Kid: Cristian, 10, wish to go to the Disney’s Aulani Resort Wish Kid: Julie, 12, wish to be an exotic animal veterinarian Wish Adopter: Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes Wish Kid: Roger, 16, wish to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Disney World Wish Kid: Joyce, 14, wish to go to Disney’s Aulani Resort Wish Adopter: Ashford University/ Bridgepoint Education Wish Kid: Eva, 5, wish to go to Disney World Wish Kid: Luis, 5, wish to go to Disney World Wish Kid: Lawrence, 13, wish to meet Kevin Conroy Wish Adopter: Back’s Construction, Inc. Wish Kid: Robert, 6, wish to have a backyard makeover Wish Adopter: Bank of America Wish Kid: Addison, 5, wish to go on a Disney Cruise Wish Adopter: Bergelectric Charitable Foundation Wish Kid: Jacqueline, 16, wish to have a back to school shopping spree Wish Adopter: Bob Bolinger Wish Kid: Natalie, 6, wish to swim with dolphins Wish Adopter: Center for Creative Leadership Wish Kid: Zoe, 4, wish to have a bedroom makeover Wish Adopter: Chi Omega, Kappa Lambda Chapter Wish Kid: Aaliyah, 10, wish to go to Disney World Wish Adopter: Cox Charities Wish Kid: Evan, 5, wish to go to Disney World Wish Kid: Steve, 16, wish to have a shopping spree Wish Adopter: Dr. Michael P. Kosty Wish Kid: Kaylee, 3, wish to go to Disney World Wish Adopter: Duane Morris/Holye Cohen Wish Kid: Kailyn, 7, wish to have a therapy backyard makeover Wish Kid: Charis, 5, wish to have a therapy room Wish Adopter: Ensemble Travel Group Wish Kid: Layla, 3, wish to go to Disney’s Aulani Resort Wish Adopter: Estate of Laurence Randolph Bolen, II Endowment Fund Wish Kid: Elissa, 9, wish to have a bedroom makeover Wish Adopter: Habitat for Humanity Wish Kid: Julia, 17, wish to give back to my community through Habitat for Humanity Wish Adopter: Interactions Wish Kid: Hayden, 8, wish to meet President Obama Wish Adopter: Isagenix Wish Kid: Tanika,11, I wish to have a backyard makeover
Wish Adopter: Jackson Design & Remodeling Wish Kid: Theresa, 10, wish to have a bathroom makeover
Wish Adopter: Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Wish Kid: Micah, 5, wish to go to Peppa Pig World
Wish Adopter: Jewelers For Children Wish Kid: Jennifer, 15, wish to have a quinceañera Wish Kid: Lizbeth, 13, wish to have my birthday party at Legoland Wish Kid: Jillian, 18, wish to go to London & Paris
Wish Adopter: Prime Lending/Realty Source Wish Kid: Jeuz, 3, I wish to have a backyard makeover
Wish Adopter: John & Sharon Buddig Wish Kid: Justelia, 11, I wish to meet YouTube celebrity ThinkNoodles Wish Adopter: Jonathon & Barbara Boynton Wish Kid: Julian, 5, I wish to go to Disney’s Aulani Resort Wish Adopter: Judith M. Sweet Wish Kid: Eryn, 14, wish to meet the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Wish Adopter: Judy E. Rosa Wish Kid: Aryk, 8, wish to go to Disney World for Jedi Knight Training Wish Adopter: Keith & Renee Ranson Wish Kid: Greyson, 4, wish to meet Buzz Lightyear at Disneyland Wish Adopter: Kevin & Leann McCarthy Wish Kid: Diego, 7, wish to go to Disney World Wish Adopter: Laura J. Hart Wish Kid: Dominic, 6, wish to go to Disney World Wish Adopter: Ledcor Management Services, Inc. Wish Kid: Mason, 4, wish to go to Disney World Wish Adopter: Luis & Crisna Ontiveros Wish Kid: Marlen, 13, wish to go on a Caribbean Cruise Wish Adopter: Make-A-Wish Tuna Challenge Wish Kid: Milagro, 4, wish to have a bedroom makeover Wish Kid: Travis, 12, wish to go fishing in Alaska Wish Adopter: Meritage Wine Market & Tasting Room Wish Kid: Kinsley, 4, wish to go to Disney World Wish Adopter: NCAA Student Athletes of UCSD Wish Kid: Renzo, 6, wish to meet the San Diego Padres Wish Adopter: North Island Credit Union Wish Kid: Carli, 14, wish to go to the CMA Music Festival in Nashville Wish Adopter: North San Diego Business Chamber Wish Kid: Paisley, 10, wish to go on a Caribbean Cruise Wish Adopter: Pfizer, Inc. Wish Kid: Sarah, 10, wish to go to Disney’s Aulani Resort
Wish Adopter: Rita Cisco & Liana Landingin Wish Kid: Carolina, 13, wish to have an iPad signed by Prince Royce Wish Adopter: Ron & Nancy Legere Wish Kid: Cesar, 4, wish to have a bounce house Wish Adopter: Round Table Pizza Wish Kid: Haylee, 13, wish to go on a Disney Cruise Wish Adopter: San Diego Chargers Charities Wish Kid: Abigail, 19, wish to go to Bora Bora Wish Adopter: SC Engineers Wish Kid: Hailey, 12, wish to have a tree house Wish Adopter: Spinal Elements, Inc. Wish Kid: Ryan, 18, wish to go on a Mediterranean Cruise Wish Adopter: Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation Wish Kid: Christopher, 13, wish to go to Disney World and Universal Studios Wish Kid: Raymond, 6, wish to go to Disney World for Jedi Knight Training Wish Adopter: Terry Beck & Tiffany Scarborough Wish Kid: Blake, 10, wish to go to Hawaii Wish Adopter: The Gould Family Charitable Fund, In Loving Memory of Franck Alain Levy Dreyfus Wish Kid: Jessica, 15, wish to go to Paris Wish Adopter: University of San Diego Wish Kid: Jacob, 17, wish to go to Costa Rica Wish Adopter: Valley View Vista Elementary School Wish Kid: Antoinette, 8, wish to go on a Disney Cruise Wish Adopter: Vista’s Big Give Wish Kid: Luke, 11, wish to meet Stampylongnose Wish Kid: Alena, 17, wish to go on a European cruise Wish Adopter: W.I.S.H. Circle Wish Kid: Vianca, 10, wish to have a Teacup Yorkie Wish Kid: Nathaniel, 19, wish to have a car makeover Wish Adopter: Gregg R. Short/WasteWise Wish Kid: Tatiana, 9, wish to be a mermaid *Wish adoptions listed were granted in calendar year 2016
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2016 Honor Roll of Donors $100,000+ Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes Car Donation Foundation Ensemble Travel Group Give Kids the World Village Lauretta Wenc Trust Macy’s Make-A-Wish® Tuna Challenge Ron & Alexis Fowler The Walt Disney Company Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation $50,000 - $99,999 The Gould Family Charitable Fund John & Sharon Buddig LEGOLAND® California Resort & Merlin’s Magic Wand Mazda North American Operations/ Mazda Dealers of San Diego San Diego Chargers/ Jr. Charger Girls San Diego Padres Sempra Energy Sheraton Waikiki Spinal Elements, Inc. Vista’s Big Give $25,000 - $49,999 Alaska Airlines Cobra Puma Golf CoSport Dave & Buster’s David C. Copley Foundation Eastridge Workforce Solutions/ Eplica Corporate Services, Inc. Home Expressions by Jackson Design & Remodeling Hotel del Coronado La Costa Limousine Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Manna Charitable Foundation Ronald & Kimberly Hegardt San Diego Zoo Global Southwest Airlines Co. United Way of San Diego County $15,000 - $24,999 Ashford University/ Bridgepoint Education Avis Rent A Car System, LLC BD Outdoors Combined Federal Campaign County of San Diego Cox Communications Dempsey Family Living Trust Fashion With A Passion Griffin Ordway Hensel Phelps Construction Co. Isagenix Jewelers For Children Kevin & Leann McCarthy Laura J. Hart Marvin A. & Irene J. Heye Community Enrichment Fund The Parker Foundation Sempra Employee Giving Network Sempra/SDG&E Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team
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Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation Timothy & Catherine Broadhead $10,000 - $14,999 Airlinx Aircraft Services, Inc. AMN Healthcare, Inc. Atlantis Paradise Island Charles Carlson Climatec LLC Cymer, Inc. Dan & Sally Shea Dan & Silvia Greenbaum Daniel Sheppard Don & Devan Wollan Estate of Marie A. Proulx Jeff & Sylvia Lynn Joseph & Dorothy Goldberg Charitable Trust Leslie Miller The Louis & Gladyce Foster Family Foundation MediExcel Health Plan Michael P. Kosty, M.D. The Moorings NCAA Student Athletes of UCSD Nurtured by Nature Pfizer Walks Pfor Wishes Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Qualcomm Matching Gift Program Ron & Nancy Legere SC Engineers Skyline Sunrooms Team M&M Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Team Penske Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Terry Beck & Tiffany Scarborough Todd Buchner Tom & Gina Paterno ViaSat, Inc. W.I.S.H. Circle Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team $5,000 - $9,999 976-Bite.com AA Worms/Optimumballs Alesia Family Foundation AmaWaterways LLC American Asphalt and Concrete, Inc. Angler’s Choice Anthony Paino Ascion, LLC Back’s Construction, Inc. Baja Naval Bank of America Charitable Foundation Belle J. Tawney Bergelectric Charitable Foundation California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. Carol W. Thomas Charles J. Persico Charlotte & Joseph Hajduk Cheryl L. Daleiden Christine & James Lewis Coronado Cays Yacht Club Dan & Charissa Novak The Dane & Young Sup Nicole Smith Charitable Lead Annuity Trust
Jobsite Supply Co./Danske, Inc. Dave & Judy Carter Deloitte & Touche Dove Island Lodge Duane Morris & HoyleCohen Walk for Wishes - Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team EC Constructors Edward C. & Betty J. Hayle Trust Fashion Fairies The Fieldstone Foundation FlyDive Gail Davie Gilbert & Julie Sih Gina Schweizer Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP Jason & Stellar Snow Jeanne E. Scott Jeff Jakus & Bev Burroughs John & Brenda Post Judy E. Rosa Ledcor Management Services, Inc. Luc Ofield Luis & Crisna Ontiveros Mahnken Enterprises, Inc. Mammoth Mountain Inn The Maren Christensen & William Welch Fund Martin McAuliffe & Jane McAuliffe, Ph.D. Matthew J. Kalla McDougall Lodge Alaska MediExcel Health Plan Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Melody S. Thornton Mitchell J. & Zora J. McDonald Family Fund Morena Storage MotoWorld of El Cajon Nancy Mitchell Navy Blue - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Nora Cortez Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Paul & Leslie Granger Penske Automotive Group Playground Warehouse Pure Flo Water Company, Inc. Qualcomm, Inc. Randy Murad Richard & Sandra Krantz Rita Cisco & Liana Landingin Roger Bradley Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Ruth A. Warwick San Dieguito Printers Scott & Donna Peterson Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores Sheraton Maui Speedy Sharp Steven Zacks Team Peterson-HF&M Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Thomas & Irene Oberbauer Timothy & Jennifer Hackett Truist Turk Family Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation UAG SoCal Management Co. United Health Group Vitesse Worldwide
Watertree Health The Weil Foundation William & Colleen Shirley $2,500 - $4,999 Allgire General Contractors, Inc. American Express America’s Charities Andrew & Violet Cianciotto Anthony Joseph Aston Waikiki Beach Tower Audrianna’s Squad Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team B. Birgit Koebke Baja Pirates Fishing Fleet Benjamin C. Bunn Best Buy Big Blue Charters Brion & Barbara Murray Brooks Brothers Burt Guetz Cays Dawgs - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team CBS 8 - KFMB Cenchen Zhan Chad & Shawna Williams Chris & Coleen Sichel Consolidated Contracting Services, Inc. Crossfit Cowboys - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 team Cubic Corporation Dana Landing Market & Fuel Dock David A. Dudley David Brilhante Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Dick & Kate Kelley Douglas & Madeline Winsand The Dream Team - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Earnest M. Piper Easy Turf, Inc. Enterprise Holdings/ Enterprise Rent-A-Car EPS Settlements Group Eric & Dai Logan European Cake Gallery FM Global Foundation GameStop Gatlinburg Falls George & Kimberly Kaelin Give With Liberty - Liberty Mutual Foundation Match Grand Hyatt New York Grande Alaska Lodge Gregg R. Short/WasteWise Gustaf Rooth Happy Sushi Harry & Kathy Laragione Heroic Wish Walkers Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Honda Dealers of San Diego County Implicit Cycling J.M. Mills Communications, Inc. James Abraham Jason Bellamy Jenna’s Walkers Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Joe & Malaine Plymesser John & Amber Vorsheck John & Carin Graves John & Kathy Collins
Jonathan & Barbara Boynton Karin Fair Kathleen Shearer Keith Hanson Ken & Lynn Weixel Kevin & Lisa Brenden Knott’s Berry Farm Kuddos 2 Kiddos Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Land Lubbers - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Leroy Smith Lindsey Koroly Live Nation The Liwerant Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation The Log Newspaper Duncan McIntosh Co. Madison & Catherine Schepps Marc Carpenter Marina Missfits - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Maritime Institute, Inc. Mark Tyler & Karen Sedgwick Tyler Martin A. Meador Matthew & Ashley Taylor McDonald’s Corporation Michael Marriott Michael Smith & Christine Marcucci Michele Drake Navy Gold - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Network for Good Nick LeBeouf Nike Party City Patrick H. Conolly Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Ralph & Rebecca Henderson RCI Corrals Red Rooster Sportfishing Robert & Cynthia Rota Robert Plumb Robert Zane Robin M. Thomas Roslyn Shulman Roy Davis Ryan J. Egli San Diego Event Decor SD Expeditions Sea Life Park SeaWorld San Diego Shirley R. Price SKLZ SoCal Paint Works Southwestern Community College District Statewide Stripes, Inc. Surf Dogs - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Suzanne Cromwell Team CYC - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Team DomStrong Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Team Gavin Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Thomas Hill Tina Jenkins, R.N. & Jose G. Hernandez, M.D. United Way - California Capital Region
Universal Studios Hollywood Van Wormer Baja Resorts Vario Productions, Inc. Virginia Napierskie V’s Crazy Chickens Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Wells Fargo Community Support West Coast Wishes Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team William F. Davidson Jr. & Susie Davidson William & Julie Fletcher William & Levonna Edwards WISHES DO COME TRUE Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team WTK Wish Granters Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team $1,500 - $2,499 2011 Schmitt Charitable Trust Alan & Holly Sweetow Altman Plants, Inc. AMN Healthcare Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Anna M. Croasdale Audrey Coleman Bell Tile BioTrust Nutrition Brad Jones Bronwyn Savary Carl & Mary Ann Kruse Carlene Marasso Carolyn B. Morris Celine Dion Foundation Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc. Charlene U. Phillips Charles Golding Chelsea Oga Christine Rosendo Claudia’s Crew - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Costa Sunglasses Country Music Association Dan Knowles Tours Daniel Kim David & Mariam Chidlaw David Mulvey David Weller Dean & Barbara Goetz Derek Bean Diamond Boutique Diana Justice Dianna Huston Divina Del Fierro Dolphin Quest Oahu Donald & Marilyn Davidson Donald E. Herrmann (1916-2016) Douglas & Carol Woo Edward A. Aceves Elena Bystrova Estate of Laurence Randolph Bolen, II Endowment Fund Frank Corrales Frank Hurtado Fredrick Loudermilk Gary Slater
Hai Bui Harry F. Skinner Hawaiian Airlines Honda of Escondido Howard Carpenter Hui Zhao & Joy Gao Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport IOBG/IOBGA - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team iTan Franchising, Inc. Jacqueline Kahn Jaime Campos James & Barbara Youngberg James & Kimberly Peterson James A. Groessl Janie Osborne Jeffrey & Sari Dickinson Jeffrey F. Berger Jeffrey Primer John & Jean Rozendal John Avella Jonald J. Castro Josh Floyd Kashif & Janet Ahmed Kathleen F. Hamamoto Kenneth & Shari Brooks Killion Industries, Inc. KM Strategies Inc Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Kristian Powers Landon’s Wish Warriors Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Larry Davis Laura R. Matzner Leis of Hawaii Leo Dufresne Jr. Lokai Lorna L. Lenk Lucas Oil Company, Inc. Marina Misfits - Amazing Race for Children’s Wishes 2016 Team Marty Birkel Matthew Romney Metals Building Products Michael Greig Michael Harrison Morris Evans Mt. Carmel High School Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team My Story Documentary Film, Inc. NBC 7 San Diego NBCUniversal Media LLC Neal McFarlane North County House Of Motorcycles Norwegian Cruise Lines Ono Grinds Cafe Paradise Cove Luau Pasquale Russo Pat Reno Patricia A. Curry Peter & Mariana Gulko Phusion Projects
Poway High School Make-A-Wish Club Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Preston Hoopes PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company Ray & Jennifer Burns RCP Block & Brick Reser’s Cares Richard & Therese Callahan Richard Xavier Rick Reeder Robert & Jeannie Bolinger Robert & Margaret Eddy Robert & Maria Gongora Robert & Melinda Meader Robert Half International, Inc. Robert Meade Rosemarie Vargas Rozendal Associates, Inc. San Diego Firefighters Local 145 San Diego Half Marathon Sarah Patnaode Scripps Ranch Wishes Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Shelter Island Boat Yard Sheraton Universal Hotel Soapy Joe’s National City South City Mechanical Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Spirit Lift Plastic Surgery Stephanie Degenkolb Steve Likins Steven Lewis II Susan Wing Tailhunter International Sportfishing Team Abby Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Team Brycen Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Team Changa Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Team HuGs Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Team Kira Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team TEAM ZACH Walk for Wishes® 2016 Team Ted & Dawn Norby Thomas & Julie Yu Thomas & Melissa Tokarchik Thomas Fallon Photography Toys “R” Us The University Club Veronika Hernandez Vista Unified School District Vota Consulting Corporation Warren Dawson Wei Zhao & Yan Li Wendy Debell William & Susy Harris
wish news
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2440 Hotel Circle N., Ste. 200 San Diego, California 92108 www.sandiego.wish.org 858.707.9474 Change Service Requested
Together, we can impact a child’s life forever. Tatiana, 9, was born with Leigh’s disease, a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system, limiting mobility and use of motor skills over time. Although Tatiana’s wheelchair has provided muchneeded support and daily independence, she shared that her best day ever would mean leaving the confines of her wheelchair to live out her dream of feeling free like a mermaid. Make-A-Wish created the ultimate mermaid experience held at a private swimming oasis, beginning with Tatiana’s transformation into a mermaid—thanks to her own personal stylists that morning. Tatiana then received a custom-designed mermaid tail made just for her by legendary Hollywood designer Thom Shouse, before embarking on an underwater adventure with new mermaid friends who showed her the way. You can help make dreams come true for kids like Tatiana through our Adopt-A-Wish® program. With your generous gift, you have the power to inspire hope, sustain strength, and bring joy to our wish kids and their families by granting one, simple, most desired wish. Please call us at (858) 707-9474 to learn more.
Tatiana, 9 Leigh’s disease I wish to be a mermaid
Photo by K. Loreth Photography