February Wish News
Make-A-Wish? Illinois
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Asher's Wish to Meet the Chicago Bears
After Asher’s sudden and shocking diagnosis of a heart condition that would require a heart transplant, he experienced many complications. Spending about a year in the hospital, Asher fought hard and pushed himself to recover.??
During his stay at Advocate Children's Hospital Park Ridge, one of his nurses referred him to Make-A-Wish, adding that “he has been one of the strongest and bravest kids I have had the pleasure of taking care of in my time as a nurse”?
His wish to go to the 2024 Chicago Bears home opener gave him something positive to look forward to as he continued to battle the challenges and setbacks with his health. His wish came true, and he joined the team for their 2024 opener!?
Read the full story on our website.?
New Podcast - Beyond The Wish
Are you looking for your next favorite podcast? Check out our new podcast, Beyond The Wish. Join host Sloan McHugh every month as we delve into the power of wishes and the incredible WishMakers who make it all possible. Episodes 1 and 2 of Beyond The Wish are available wherever you get your podcasts.???
Tune in next month for a special four-part episode as we welcome insight from staff members as guests Andrea Shindeldecker BA, RMA, CNP , Kayla Hanley, MSW , Ariel Diamond , and Amy Ceciliano take listeners along the wish journey.??
Welcome New Staff
Join us in welcoming four new staff members to the Make-A-Wish Illinois team.??
Belinda Jones, SPHR, SHRM-SCP joins the team as Director of People. She is coming to Make-A-Wish with more than 20 years of experience as a human resource professional. Belinda looks forward to continuing to ensure that Make-A-Wish Illinois is a great place to work, enhancing our team culture and supporting our mission.?
Brianna White and Peggy Breen joined the mission delivery team as a wish coordinator specializing in travel wishes. They will be playing a key role in helping us create life-changing wish experiences for the children and families we serve.?
Haley H. joined the development team as a gift officer specializing in individual giving. She will be instrumental in helping us grow our relationships with individual donors and deepen the impact of their support of our mission.?
For a list of our full staff and open staff positions, visit wish.org/illinois/our-chapter.
I Wish To Party
The Make-A-Wish Illinois Associate Board invites you to attend I Wish to Party 2025. I Wish to Party is one of the premier Chicago charity events for young professionals. The night features food from Chicago’s hottest restaurants, live music and dancing, a silent auction, and mission moments.??
Get your tickets now!?
This year’s presenting sponsors are Aren Mito and Redmond . There are still limited sponsorships available. Contact Debbie Purcell, [email protected], for information.
Penguin Plunge
领英推荐
On January 25th, 190 brave WishMakers took a plunge in the freezing waters of Sky Dive Chicago during the annual Penguin Plunge.??
Before braving the cold water, wish mom Ellen shared Simon’s story with the group, highlighting the power of his wish. Ellen was the first to take the plunge, doing a cannonball in honor of her son Simon. Her team, Simon’s Squad, included 40 of Simon’s friends and family ready to wish it forward raising more than $37,000. Watch Ellen share more about Simon’s wish and Simon’s Squad here.??
With help from presenting sponsor Vactor Manufacturing , Penguin Plunge has raised $108,000. Donations will continue to be accepted through February 28th.?
Thank You Hispanic Federation?
Make-A-Wish Illinois gratefully acknowledges a donation of 100 earbuds from the Hispanic Federation. This generous gift will support our mission of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.?
Make-A-Wish Illinois actively engages communities in the West, Southwest, and Southside of Chicago to reach the goal of granting a wish for every eligible child. We achieve this by collaborating with potential referral sources, recruiting bilingual volunteers, and increasing brand awareness. The support of organizations like the Hispanic Federation, dedicated to the well-being of these communities, is essential to our work.?
Thank you, Hispanic Federation, for your partnership.?
Associate Board Emeriti
Last month Meagan Giblin, Kelsey Jaekel, Chloe Leuthaeuser and Olivia Schwab were named Associate Board Emeriti. With a combined 25 years of service and extraordinary leadership skills, they will continue to make an impact, sharing their experience with the Associate Board. They have all served in a variety of leadership roles including President, event chairs, Recruitment Chair, Committee lead, and Strategy Co-Chair. Their leadership, dedication and passion have been instrumental in the Associate Board's success and in driving a positive impact for wish kids.?
See the full list of Associate Board members here.??
Shop the New Make-A-Wish Illinois Store
We are thrilled to announce that our chapter has launched a merchandise site with the help of Smithman Productions. With a wide variety of t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, mugs, backpacks and more, showing your support has never been easier. Make-A-Wish Illinois receives 100% of the proceeds from purchases.??
?Loving your new merch, show it off on social media and don’t forget to tag us!?
?Shop now?
Upcoming Events?
??????? ? Wish Home Raffle (Troy)?