Make-A-Wish Hawaii

The spring issue of Wishful Thinking is here! ?? In this issue, you’ll find inspiring stories of hope and transformation, including: ?? Recent life-changing wishes granted, like Titus’ wish to meet a capybara ?? A special tribute as our headquarters is named in memory of Jim Schuler by the Schuler Family Foundation ?? A preview of the WISH! In the Wild gala and this year’s exceptional honorees ?? Leigh’s heartfelt journey as a wish granter Visit https://lnkd.in/gjXmVDf9 to read these stories, and more! ??

You can help make wishes come true for kids like Cassandra—just by shopping online on April 1! ? To kick off World Wish Month, Maui Divers Jewelry is generously donating 100% of online sales made on April 1, 2025, to Make-A-Wish Hawaii! Every purchase at MauiDivers.com through 11:59 p.m. HST that day will support life-changing wishes for Hawaii keiki facing critical illnesses. Last year, this incredible partnership raised more than $35,000, helping bring hope and joy to children like 5-year-old Cassandra from Wahiawa. Diagnosed with leukemia, Cassandra’s heartfelt wish was to go to Walt Disney World?, where she experienced the magic of meeting her favorite Disney princesses and found renewed strength to keep fighting for her health. Mark your calendar and shop with heart on April 1 at MauiDivers.com. Mahalo for making wishes come true! Together, we are transforming lives, one wish at a time. ??

Wish granted! ?? Wyll Alyn, a 15-year-old from Pearl City battling cancer, wished to explore the magic of Walt Disney World? with his family by his side. He imagined himself stepping into a world of adventure—which is exactly where his wish brought him. During his wish trip, Wyll Alyn explored Magic Kingdom, Legoland and Universal Studios, creating unforgettable memories with his family. ?? “It impacted me in ways I couldn’t imagine,” Wyll Alyn says. “The wish meant a lot to me and my family.” You can help make more life-changing wishes like Wyll Alyn’s come true. Visit hawaii.wish.org/donate to make a gift today. ??

Rev up your generosity through Wheels for Wishes! ????? ? By donating your car, truck, motorcycle or boat you can help grant life-changing wishes for local keiki. ????? ??? ??? ? Free pick-up or towing is available from anywhere on Oahu, and you’ll receive a tax deduction for your charitable contribution! ??? ? Wheels for Wishes accepts most vehicles regardless of condition.? ? To learn more, cruise over to wheelsforwishes.org/hawaii. ??

Ready to make this summer one to remember? ?? Apply for a Make-A-Wish Hawaii internship! We’re accepting applications for our summer internship program through this Saturday, March 15. Open to college students and recent graduates, this opportunity allows passionate individuals to contribute to key areas, including: ?? Communications Art and Videography ?? Database and Operations ?? Development and Corporate Relations ?? Finance ?? Wish Assist Interns will develop valuable skills, work with an amazing team, and be part of a mission that transforms lives. Learn more and share this opportunity with your network at hawaii.wish.org/intern-us. ?

Cheers to an unforgettable night! ??? Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki, presented by the Lemman Family Foundation and hosted by Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Young Leaders Board, brought the community together to celebrate the power of a wish. ?? From wish kids Aelyn, Cruz, DJ, Kanoa and Paige greeting guests to Aelyn’s heartwarming performance with the band, the evening was filled with moments that remind us why wishes matter. ?? Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised nearly $125,000 to grant life-changing wishes for keiki across the state! Mahalo to our amazing guests, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers for making this night a big success. And a special thank you to our Young Leaders Board for their dedication in organizing this extraordinary evening! Relive the magic with this recap video and check out our Facebook albums for more highlights from this special evening. ??:?Ocean Vuong

Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report is here! ? As we reflect on another incredible year of granting life-changing wishes, we are reminded of the profound impact that our community of supporters—donors, volunteers, medical partners, and staff—has on local children facing critical illnesses. Your partnership fuels our mission, and we are deeply grateful for your continued dedication to bringing hope and joy to keiki across Hawaii. ?? Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/g6ZnqXWx

Get ready for an unforgettable show that brings excitement—and hope—to local keiki! ?? ?? The Super American Circus is bringing high-flying stunts and world-class performers to Maui and Kauai, all while helping make wishes come true. A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold helps grant wishes for children like 14-year-old Saipelia of Ewa Beach, who wished to have a shopping spree. Thanks to the Super American Circus, Saipelia’s wish came true! ????? Catch the Super American Circus on: ?? Maui: March 7-9 ?? Kauai: March 14-16 Save $10 per ticket when you buy early! Get yours today at https://lnkd.in/gCz48YcS ???

Join us for Cheers! Wishes for da Keiki presented by Lemman Family Foundation and hosted by Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Young Leaders Board this Saturday, March 8! ? This 21+ rooftop event at Ka Lewa Lanai at Royal Hawaiian Center is your chance to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, gourmet bites, and live entertainment—all while making a difference for keiki with critical illnesses. Wish kids will be there to welcome you as you arrive, a heartfelt reminder that your support brings hope, joy, and strength to children who are waiting for their wishes to come true. ?? ??? Tickets are $150 now or $175 at the door. Don’t miss out—get yours today at wishesfordakeiki.com!

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Wish Granter, we’ve got great news! The next statewide, virtual Wish Granter training session will be held Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wish Granters work with a partner to meet with wish kids and their families to help determine their heartfelt wishes, and then work with our staff to make those wishes a reality. Each wish is a uniquely personal decision and represents hope, strength, and joy during an otherwise difficult time for a child facing a critical illness. ?? Registration is limited! If you’re interested in attending, please email Will Phelps at [email protected] to sign up and start your journey as a volunteer Wish Granter. ??