Make-A-Wish Colorado Annual Newsletter 2023

Mary Amor Photography

BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN THIS ISSUE

Dear Friends of Make-A-Wish Colorado, Let’s take a moment to go back to the year 1983. You could buy gas for $1.24 a gallon, “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” took movie theaters by storm, and “Every Step You Take,” by The Police could be heard on every radio station across the country. Shoulder pads were in, and the first version of Microsoft Word was released. Amidst all of this, something else happened. Something monumental that would impact thousands of people and transform countless lives: Joan Mazak founded the Colorado chapter of Make-A-Wish in honor of her daughter, Jennifer. Forty years ago, our story began with a girl, a wish, and a chicken.

Jennifer Mazak was just 10 days old when she was diagnosed with liver disease. By the age of 7, she had undergone 18 surgeries and had been hospitalized for most of her life.

To distract Jennifer from her illness, she would listen to her favorite radio station, KIMN, which had a chicken mascot that was quite popular for his performances and acrobatics. Jennifer wanted to meet the KIMN Chicken and see a performance for herself, but her failing liver prevented any such meeting. Jennifer frequently asked her mother, Joan, about meeting the mascot, so Joan turned to her friends and co-workers to make it happen.

What would come to be known as “wish magic” ensued, and soon enough, the KIMN Chicken was ringing the doorbell of the Mazak home!

Jennifer was sitting on the couch and couldn’t believe her eyes when the big yellow chicken walked through her front door. The KIMN Chicken picked Jennifer up and carried her down to the pool where they sat and talked. Jennifer and her new friend spent the entire afternoon together walking around the neighborhood and enjoying each moment.

Meeting the KIMN Chicken gave Jennifer joy and happiness during a dark time. Their encounter was something special that belonged to her and made her stand out, in a good way. It was a moment of pure joy that brought peace and comfort to Jennifer and her mother.

Unfortunately, two weeks later, Jennifer passed away from liver failure. “It is never easy to lose a child,” said Joan. “But reliving the memory of her day with the KIMN Chicken brought me the courage I needed to get through. She enjoyed the last days of her short life because the KIMN Chicken made her laugh and brought a smile to her face in a time of need.”

Inspired by the impact Jennifer’s experience had on herself and her entire community, Joan founded the Colorado chapter of Make-A-Wish in Jennifer’s memory. “Starting Make-A-Wish Colorado was the perfect way to honor Jennifer’s memory and bring joy to other kids with critical illnesses just like her,” Joan said.

Forty years and more than 6,350 wishes later, we are grateful to Joan for her vision and we honor Jennifer in every wish we grant. Join us as we continue on our quest to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Best wishes,

Scott Dishong President & CEO Make-A-Wish Colorado

For 40 years, we’ve transformed lives together.

I wish to meet the KIMN Chicken Jennifer, wish granted 1983 liver disease

Jack’s wish gives back

I wish to give stuffed animals to children in the hospital

Jack, 7 cancer

MEET JACK!

Jack is an energetic and cheerful seven-year-old boy with a big heart. He lives in Steamboat Springs and is an avid skier and hockey player. When he was told that Make-A-Wish Colorado would grant him a wish, his mind raced back and forth like a hockey player dancing across the ice. After a lot of thought, he decided he wanted to use his wish to give joy to other kids battling critical illnesses just like him. He thought about how much he loved squeezing onto his favorite stuffed animal during hospital stays and wished to give stuffed animals to kids in the hospital!

The perfect organization to partner with Jack’s big heart and imagination was obviously Build-A-Bear! Build-A-Bear Foundation jumped at the opportunity to help bring Jack’s altruistic wish to life. Jack selected 10 of his favorite Build-A-Bear furry friends and Build-A-Bear Foundation donated 500 of them for Jack to give out at the hospital!

THE BEARHOUSE

From start to finish, Jack’s wish was full of heart. The Build-A-Bear Bearhouse team members performed a special Heart Ceremony to celebrate each furry friend before sending them on their way. From the Bearhouse in Ohio, countless boxes of stuffed dolphins, dinosaurs, bunnies and more traveled all the way to Colorado to make Jack’s wish come true!

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP

The Park Meadows Build-A-Bear Workshop opened early just for Jack, and he had a blast running around the store with his older brother. When Jack faced the wall of furry friends, it was nearly impossible for him to choose which one he wanted to build. Thankfully, there was a special appearance from Bearemy, the larger-than-life Build-A-Bear mascot, who helped Jack pick out a furry friend and took him over to the stuffing station to fill it up! Jack held on tightly to his furry friend’s heart and listened closely as the Build-A-Bear team led him through his very own Heart Ceremony! Jack was now ready for his wish.

JACK’S WISH

The sun was out, and the stage was set at Children’s Hospital for Jack’s wish! Even before Jack arrived, word had gotten out about his wish, and there was a line of kids waiting to pick out their furry friends! When Jack saw the buzz about his wish, he immediately jumped in and got to work. It was all laughter and smiles during the day as more and more kids walked away with a new dolphin, dog, cat, bear, or even a red dinosaur!

Some kids ran up to Jack with excitement, some approached shyly, and some kids sent parents in their place because they couldn’t leave their hospital rooms. No matter who approached the table, Jack met each person with a smile and a stuffed animal.

Jack was originally supposed to be passing out stuffed animals outside the hospital for a few hours. However, when it came time to pack up, Jack saw there were still stuffed animals left over and asked if he could continue passing them out. He stayed an extra hour, making sure to give as many furry friends as possible to kids like him. The only reason he left was because he had to play in a hockey game, or he would have stayed outside all day and night to make sure every kid who wanted a stuffed animal received one!

Each and every one of the furry friends from Build-A-Bear Foundation that Jack gave out at the hospital has gone on to bring joy to a child who needs it. Jack’s wish transformed the lives of countless children in the community and will continue to bring joy each time they squeeze their furry friend for strength and hope.

All smiles from Jack’s customers!

Tracy & Priscilla Volunteer & Wish Kid Spotlights

Tracy is one of Make-A-Wish Colorado’s most tenured volunteers, helping with hundreds of wishes over the past 30+ years. He has done it all, from wish granting to event volunteers and everything in between. Tracy is still in touch with one of the first kids he was a wish granter for: Priscilla, whose wish to go to Walt Disney World was granted in 1994. The two talk on her birthday each year and have reunited at Make-A-Wish events, with Priscilla now bringing her family along, too! Tracy is an incredible volunteer and we’re so grateful for his support throughout the years!

40th Anniversary Wish Highlight

I wish to meet Demi Lovato Austen, wish granted 2009 kidney disease

Austen’s wish to meet Demi Lovato was granted in 2009 when she was six years old! Spending time with her favorite singer had a profound impact on Austen and influenced her life-long love of music.

“Growing up with a critical illness meant I wasn’t able to experience some of the milestones my peers were having,” Austen said. “My wish allowed me to experience childhood. The joy my wish gave me is absolutely priceless.”

Austen has gone to many Demi Lovato shows throughout the years and has stayed in touch with the star. Last year, Austen took part in an interview with Make-A-Wish about the impact of her wish, when guess who showed up behind her? Demi! Austen screamed and ran to hug Demi, who squealed and said, “I remember your pigtails!” Austen’s wish created a lifelong friendship with her biggest inspiration. Austen has since graduated college and is an intern at Make-A-Wish Colorado! Watch Austen and Demi’s reunion at vimeo.com/wishcolorado/austenswish

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resorts Priscilla, wish granted 1994 cancer

Whiskey, Wine & Wishes presented by PDC Energy

We celebrated our 40th anniversary at Whiskey, Wine & Wishes!

More than 750 Make-A-Wish supporters enjoyed a night of signature cocktails, silent & live auctions and hearing from wish alumni about the impact of a wish. Football legend Peyton Manning received the Wish Hero award for his ongoing support from wish alum Myles, who met Peyton as part of his wish to meet the Indianapolis Colts. Wish alum Andrew Marshall, who was a contestant on “The Voice,” set the musical stage, and country rock band Shane Smith & The Saints got the dance floor shaking with a full concert to end the evening. Thanks to our sponsors and community supporters, we raised $700,000 and will grant 100 wishes!

We can’t wait for next year’s event - save the date for April 10, 2024!

Thanks to our premier sponsors!

Wish Heroes presented by 5DayDeal

This August, 52 Make-A-Wish supporters transformed into Wish Heroes! Heroes & sponsors shared how they have been impacted by the Make-A-Wish mission and raised more than $200,960, which will grant 26 wishes! A huge thank you to Sill-TerHar Motors for raising $118,900 through their campaign!

Corporate Partners

As a new national corporate partner, Red Robin has committed to giving $3 million to Make-A-Wish nationally over the next three years! Locally, Colorado Red Robin restaurants regularly host wish send-off parties and other wish-related celebrations. This summer, Red Robin hosted a “Summer of YUM” event with the Colorado Rockies and invited wish kid Parker to throw out the first pitch at the game - and yes, he threw a strike!

Alta Convenience Stores raised nearly $180,000 in Colorado through a point-of-sale campaign in convenience stores throughout the state!

Make-A-Wish supporters can book hotels through Hotel Engine with exclusive rates up to 60% off and enjoy double rewards with Hotel Engine Rewards and brand loyalty programs. Plus, Make-A-Wish Colorado will receive a portion of the proceeds from every reservation booked. Hotel Engine has also committed to being a local partner at the $25,000 level! Visit members.hotelengine.com/join/wishcolorado to sign up!

Wish Hero recipient Peyton Manning and wish alum Myles!

Boulder Media House Photography

Making a Direct Impact

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Corporate partners can sponsor events, create cause-related marketing campaigns or host events and fundraisers! wish.org/colorado/corporate-partners

MONTHLY GIVING

Enrolling in the monthly giving program provides Make-A-Wish Colorado a reliable source of funding to grant wishes. wish.org/colorado/donate

WHEELS FOR WISHES

Donate your car, truck, motorcycle, boat or RV and help make a Colorado child’s wish come true with Wheels for Wishes. wheelsforwishes.org

WISHES IN FLIGHT

Did you know more than 75% of wishes require flights? You can donate your airline miles to help our wish families take flight. wish.org/airline-miles

DONATE CRYPTO

Donate and learn more about this tax-friendly way to give! wish.org/colorado/crypto

COMPANY MATCH

Many companies match their employees’ donations. That means the impact of your gift may be doubled! Ask your HR team if your company offers this.

WORKPLACE GIVING

If your company has a workplace giving program, you can make donations to Make-A-Wish Colorado through automatic payroll deductions!

STATE TAX RETURN

Make-A-Wish Colorado is part of the Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit Fund, which provides tax payers the opportunity to donate when filing state taxes.

LEGACY GIFTS

Create a legacy that will impact wish kids for years to come through creating a will and other planned giving tools. wish.org/colorado/create-your-legacy

QCD & STOCK GIFTS

Give the gift of stock or donate through your IRA!

wish.org/colorado/tax-smart-ways-give

I wish to go skiing in Colorado

Addison, 6, wish assist congenital heart disease

When trash day is the best day

I wish to ride in a garbage truck and pick up trash

Brett, 17 nervous system disorder

Brett is a 17-year-old girl whose joyful personality shines through everything she does. Her favorite day of the week is Trash Day, when she collects her family’s and her neighbors' trash bins and places them out on the curb. She patiently waits for the trash truck to rumble down her street so she can say “hi” to her favorite people – the trash collectors!

Brett wished to have a day where she could live out her dream of riding in a garbage truck and collecting trash. Make-A-Wish Colorado, Waste Connections of Colorado and the entire community teamed up to make Brett’s wish come true.

On a bright Colorado morning, Brett donned her new uniform, boarded her garbage truck and started on her route! She made stops at her school, her sister’s high school, a local fire department and the Waste Connections facility, where the entire team welcomed her with a parade and signs.

Brett’s wish day culminated with her riding in the trash truck, rumbling up and down the streets and watching as the truck maneuvered trash cans through the air. Brett’s joy was evident as she experienced her one true wish. Brett’s wish brought the entire community together to share in the hope and joy of a wish come true. Her wish transformed the normal into the extraordinary and impacted the lives of everyone it touched.

TOP 10 HIGH SCHOOLS

1. MOUNTAIN VISTA

2. LEGEND

PRESENTED BY

Kids For Wish Kids presented by PDC Energy continues to reach new heights every year. Through the incredible passion and effort of 200,000 students at 200+ schools throughout the state, 250 wishes will be granted for children with critical illnesses! We’re so grateful for each and every participant who make this program the most successful in the history of Make-A-Wish!

Thanks to our Kids For Wish Kids Sponsors!

Lucy hits the runway

I wish to be in a fashion show Lucy, 8 kidney disease

Mountain Vista High School featured 8-year-old Lucy and her wish to be in a fashion show for their 2023 Wish Week! Students turned the gym into a runway with announcers, photographers, and a DJ. Lucy picked the music, the outfits, and her fellow models: her sisters and friends! She even helped design the Wish Week t-shirts!

When Lucy stepped out onto the runway, the cheer was deafening! She strutted her stuff in three outfits to the roar of the crowd.

“I had this overwhelming flood of emotion that brought me to tears,” Lucy’s mom said. “I just loved that she got to be in the spotlight. And to know how much support she has, all the people rallying around her was amazing,” she said. “The students went beyond anything I could have imagined. It was spectacular.”

“This is really special for me. I’m gonna remember it for a long time,” Lucy said with a grin as she recalled the noise from the gym.

A few months later, Lucy’s wish was granted at Denver Fashion Week where she walked the runway like a seasoned professional, thanks to her practice at Mountain Vista High School!

3. CHAPARRAL

4. RALSTON VALLEY

5. ROCK CANYON

6. VALOR CHRISTIAN

7. CHEROKEE TRAIL

8. HERITAGE

9. DOUGLAS COUNTY

10. PONDEROSA

Youth

Leadership Council

The 2022 - 2023 Youth Leadership Council raised over $68,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado! 41 high school students from across the state worked together to engage their communities and share the mission of Make-A-Wish. The students worked in teams to complete monthly challenges like writing Macy’s Believe letters, collecting auction items for Whiskey, Wine & Wishes, and hosting fundraising events in their communities. They celebrated their successful year by throwing a Hawaiian-themed party at the Make-A-Wish office for wish kid Oliver!

Wishmakers On Campus

The Colorado Chi Omega chapters raised over $36,000 this year through philanthropy events. They hosted Wings For Wishes, Wish Night Gala, Chi O Rodeo, Chi O Carnival and more!

1. CHI OMEGA – ZETA University of Colorado Boulder

2. CHI OMEGA – CHI ZETA Colorado State University

3. CHI OMEGA – ZETA MU University of Denver

Wishmakers Council

Wishmakers Council is a group of professionals from across Colorado who have a passion for advancing the Make-A-Wish mission through raising funds and awareness. Members helped gather hard-to-get wish requests, became volunteer wish granters, shared wish engagement opportunities, secured event sponsorships, personally fundraised, introduced new community partners and so much more!

40th Anniversary Wish Highlight

Kai was ten years old when he made a life-changing wish that took him across the world! He wished to visit the orphanage that he was adopted from in China. It was an incredible experience to return to where he was from and learn about his heritage. His wish had a lasting impact on him; he even traveled back to China when he was a teenager to volunteer at an orphanage and give back to kids just like him.

Kai stayed involved with Make-A-Wish Colorado and served as Vice President of the Youth Leadership Council. He went on to get degrees in Chinese Studies and Aeronautics at the University of North Dakota and is currently working in the aviation industry. His entire family supports Make-A-Wish - his dad is a member of the Make-A-Wish Colorado Wishmaker’s Council!

I wish to visit my orphanage

in China

Kai, wish granted 2010 leukemia

Wish Financials

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Make-A-Wish Colorado is 100% privately funded and relies on the support of generous donors like you to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Learn more at wish.org/colorado

Individuals

Corporate Events

Grants/Other

I wish to have an above-ground pool Juniper, 9 heart transplant

I wish to go to Hawaii Zion, 5 cystic fibrosis

Event Hosts, Sponsors Corporate & In-Kind Partners

2Partner Mathematics

Consulting

5DayDeal, LLC

ABC Supply

Accor

ADP

Advantage Security, Inc.

AEG

Albertson’s

Allegiant Air, LLC

Alpine Bank

Antero Automotive & Truck Services

Apria Homehealth Care

Aramark

Aspire Eventing

AVIS

Bankers Healthcare Group, LLC

Black Bear Diner

Blackhawk Network, Inc.

Blue Star

Boulder Media House

Brownstein Hyatt Farber

Schreck, LLP

Brueggeman Family

Bryan Construction, Inc.

Buena Vista Tool & Equipment Rental, Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

BuzzRx

Camping World of Denver

Caribou Coffee

CF Altitude LLC

Charles Schwab

Children’s Hospital Colorado

City Electric Supply

Civitas Resources

Colarelli Construction

Colfax Marathon

Colorado Custom Spas

Colorado Homes & Lifestyle

Connie Talmage

Corey Rose Concert

Credit Union of Colorado

Culver’s

Dave & Buster’s, Inc.

DEN

Denver 7

Denver Petroleum Club

Disney

Dutch Bros

Ent Credit Union

Enterprise Holdings

Fairmont

Footers

Forbes Partners

Forbes Travel Guide

Franklin Mountain Energy

Frontier Mechanical, Inc.

GameStop

Genentech, Inc.

Give Kids the World

Goldfish Swim School

Great Wolf Lodge

Helzberg Diamonds

Hotel Engine

Industrial Valco, Inc.

InVINtions Winery

IT’SUGAR

JLL Denver

Jube Manzano Memorial

Golf Tournament

Kong Company, LLC

Kroger

Liberty Energy

Logistics Property Company

Lokai

Lone Tree Golf & Tennis Club

Lost Valley Ranch

Macy’s

Mager Law Group, LLC

Maggiano’s

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

Marquis Hot Tubs

Masterpiece Mediation

Mega Hurtz

Mile High Sports

Moody Insurance

Morris Properties

Mt. Olive Pickle Company

National Street Rod Association

Nelnet Bank

Nutrien Ag Solutions

OneFlight International

Optimum Films

Pajamagram

Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center

Party City Retail Group

PDC Energy

Pendleton Whisky

Permobil Foundation

PJ’s Coffee

Prolift Crane

R2KT

Ropin Rascals

Rory’s Stupid Cancer Golf Tournament

Safelite AutoGlass

Saputo

Scheels Johnstown

Service Experts

Sheraton Waikiki

Shoe Carnival

Sill-TerHar Motors

Skyport Companies, Inc.

Slalom Consulting

Snappy App, Inc.

Southwest Airlines Co.

Srsich Family

STARZ Inc

Subaru of America, Inc.

Sue & Rich Jones

Sugarwish, Inc.

Target

The Brown Palace Hotel

The Bull

The Greazy Wheelz Car Show

The Melting Pot

The Morrison and Foerster Foundation

The Walt Disney Company Foundation

Titan Solar Power

Together We Dance

Topgolf

Toyota Motor Distributors, Inc.

Transwestern

Triangle Home Fashions

Trilogy Financial

Tru Horizon Environmental Solutions

UMB Bank

United Airlines

Unitedhealth Group, Inc.

Urban Solution Group LLC

Vail Resorts

Vehicle Vault

Verizon Up

Vivid Seats

Walgreens

Wal-Mart

Winnebago Industries

Wish Ride

Wonder Entertainment

Zamucen Family

If you or your company wants to host an event/fundraiser, please contact Grace Ehemann at gehemann@colorado.wish.org or visit wish.org/colorado/corporate-partners

Wish In-Kind Partners

Good Times Adventures: Wish kids love coming to Colorado for dog sledding and snowmobiling adventures at Good Times!

Milk & Cake: This creative bakery provides wish kids with beautifully decorated cakes!

External Events

Corey Rose Wishes and Heroes

393 WISHES

BROUGHT TO LIFE IN FISCAL YEAR 2023

75 WISH ASSISTS

VISITED COLORADO FROM OTHER CHAPTERS

WISH CATEGORIES

I wish to have...

I wish to meet...

I wish to be...

How We Make Wishes Come True

STEP 1

Wish Referral

We rely on medical professionals, parents, family members and children themselves for referrals. Children who have been diagnosed with a qualifying critical illness, and are between the ages of 21/2 and 18 at the time of the referral, may be eligible for a wish. Visit wish.org/refer to learn more about eligibility or to refer a child today.

6,350+ WISHES GRANTED SINCE 1983

I wish to go...

I wish to give...

STEP 2

Medical Eligibility

The child’s treating physician plays an integral role in determining the child’s medical eligibility. Other than the medical condition and age, there are no other qualifications based on sex, race, religion, socioeconomic status or any other demographic category. Visit md.wish.org to learn what critical illnesses may qualify for a wish.

STEP 3

Wish Discovery

Our dedicated staff and volunteers meet with the child and their family to learn the child’s one true wish. They connect with wish kids, awaken their imaginations and help them envision the seemingly impossible! The average cash cost of a Colorado wish is $7,500, with no expense to the family.

STEP 4

Wish Creation

Our staff and volunteer wish granters create an unforgettable and life-changing experience driven by the child’s creativity. They strive to personalize each wish and create life-long memories for not only the wish child, but the entire family. Wishes transform lives!

40 Years of Wishes Looks Like...

OUR FIRST WISH

I wish to go fishing Davey, wish granted 1983

I wish to go fly fishing Joel, wish granted 1989

I wish to go on a cruise Dante, wish granted 2008

I wish to spend the day with the Stanley Cup Logan, wish

I wish to go to Hawaii Chaniya, wish granted 2015

Wishes In Memorial

I wish to go to Walt Disney World Resorts Megan, wish granted 2003

I wish to meet Mickey Mouse Micah, wish granted 1993 OUR NEXT WISH will be granted because of donors like you!

OUR 5,000TH

I wish to be the Blue Power Ranger Reagan, wish granted 2016

I wish to have a princess bedroom makeover

I wish to meet the New York City Fire Department Cole, wish granted 2004 granted 2022

We celebrate the lives of wish kids who are no longer with us and remember their bright spirits. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to each child’s family and friends. You will always be a part of our Make-A-Wish family.

Taniah C Isaac M Ezra B Deanna J

Preston S Jaxson W Juan Paul M Vaughn J

Alex M Charlie O Shyleen A Ellie W

Natasha T Edgar A Martan C Joyner H

7951

303.750.9474

wish.org/colorado

I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resorts Allison, 5 kidney disease