Make-A-Wish? Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Imagine a world where every eligible child’s wish becomes a reality, offering a beacon of strength and hope in the midst of critical illness. At Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we’re working to make that vision a reality—but we need your help! Right now, over 680 medically eligible children in our two-state community are awaiting a wish. Help change the lives of children like Miley, Justin, and Eve through the healing power of a wish. Visit https://lnkd.in/eaGgEYhV to make a gift and create life-changing experiences of joy and healing.

This fall we have four incredible interns contributing their skills to our organization. They all bring impactful experience to our organization and continue to do so with their work with us. Thank you, Emma, Emily, Kylie, and Corrin for all the wonderful work you're doing!

Our most recent Learning from Leaders session for our staff featured Peggy Ho, SVP, General Counsel, and Chief Risk Officer at Commonwealth Financial Network. Peggy (pictured at right in first photo) has been a Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island supporter for many years alongside her husband, Len, as their nephews both received wishes as children. Peggy shared how her “what you see is what you get” mentality translates to authenticity that shapes her leadership style. She spoke about creating an atmosphere of openness to build trust, encouraging creativity through humility and engagement. Peggy leads with a “listen first” philosophy. She makes sure that her team, the legal and risk department, always has a seat at the table so that they understand and can be part of solutions. Peggy believes in investing time in those around you and building relationships in order to increase collaboration. She says when the opportunity to connect with a colleague arises, “Just get coffee!” Thank you, Peggy, for sharing your personal story and insights with us!

We granted 19 wishes in October thanks to your support! From a puppy to a game room, you helped spread joy to local children with critical illnesses. Wishes granted in October include: ?? To have a puppy ???? To meet Gordon Ramsay ?? To have a game room ?? To go to Washington D.C. ?? To go to a Caribbean island ??? 2 wishes to go to the Dominican Republic ?? 6 wishes to go to Walt Disney World Resort...AND MORE! November is a time for gratitude and giving back—let's make it unforgettable. This month, join us and give the gift of hope by donating. Your generosity can help make a child's wish come true: massri.wish.org/donate.

For over two decades, Commonwealth Financial Network has supported our mission and granted more than 25 wishes for local children with critical illnesses through the Commonwealth Cares Fund. This summer, the organization hosted 15-year-old Maddy for a party at the offices of Commonwealth Financial in Waltham to honor Maddy and her wish to visit Los Angeles, which they are proudly sponsoring. The teen is a fan of space, astronomy, and planes and hopes to study engineering or medicine in college. Commonwealth employees split into teams to incorporate Maddy’s favorite things into the party by creating themed areas and activities for her, her family, and her friends to enjoy. The teams put together a life-size board game, a TV trivia challenge, pampering sessions with a manicurist, and a dedicated photographer for Maddy's personal photo shoot. Maddy was welcomed into a space-themed atrium anchored by a space craft built by one of the employees, and greeted by cheering from hundreds of employees gathered around and visible on many floor levels. Thank you, Commonwealth Financial Network and Commonwealth Cares, for giving Maddy an unforgettable celebration as she looks forward to her wish coming true!

For most people, The Great World Race is unthinkable, but for Bill Murphy, a member of our Board of Directors, that is the goal next month. Traveling to all seven continents, beginning on November 15 in Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica,?Bill?will attempt this incredible athletic feat, aiming to complete his 7th?marathon in Miami on November 21. All the while,?Bill?is fundraising?in support of our wish children. ? In the past 2 decades,?Bill?has been an incredible?donor, helping to grant the wishes of dozens of local children with critical illnesses.?Please consider helping him reach his goal by making a donation?to his run?or purchasing tickets to his fundraising event?this Sunday, 10/20 in West Boylston. To learn more and make a contribution, visit?https://lnkd.in/eTcaV48H. We’re all rooting for you,?Bill!

Our partners at Crews & co. raised an incredible $37,000 in support of our wish children through their charity golf tournament. This remarkable achievement will help grant three wishes and is a testament to the power of community. Thank you, Crews & co., for your commitment to bringing hope and joy to children with critical illnesses.

We granted 17 wishes in September thanks to supporters like you! From shopping sprees to a Sweet 16, our wish kids made lasting memories all month long. Wishes granted in September include: ?? To have a shed ? To meet Lionel Messi ?? To have a Sweet 16 party ?? To have a playhouse ??? To go to Los Angeles ??? 3 wishes to have a shopping spree ?? 6 wishes to go to Walt Disney World Resort...AND MORE! Join us in spreading hope and joy to local wish children by signing up to become a volunteer! Training dates for 2024-2025 are available on our website. Visit massri.wish.org/volunteer to get involved.

We got in the winter spirit early this year at our Wish Community Art Party hosted by longtime corporate partner Columbia Threadneedle Investments, US! Wish recipients and their families gathered at the company’s Boston office for a creative workshop led by Julie Faro?and Michelle Roy?from Julie's Art School. Together, everyone crafted beautiful seasonal artwork while?enjoying treats and hot cocoa. It was "snow" much fun bringing these masterpieces to life! Thank you?to Columbia Threadneedle for making this memorable experience possible! If you or someone you know had a wish granted and would like to join our Wish Community—our supportive network of past wish recipients and their families—please reach out to Monica Julian, Wish Community Manager, at mjulian[@]massri.wish.org.

Enjoy cocktails as you shop at the celebration of J.McLaughlin Hingham's 20th anniversary, Thursday, September 26, 3-7pm, at 124-132 North Street, Hingham. During this special Shop and Sip event, 15% of sales of clothing and accessories will be donated to support our mission of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Give back while finding your new favorite piece!