June 2024

Idris's Wish

Idris, an outgoing 9-year-old who loves all things trains, received the surprise of a lifetime on World Wish Day: his wish to be a Chicago Transit Authority operator was granted. His favorite hobbies include watching trains, riding the Green Line, and exploring the CTA app. He thought he was going for his regular ride on the Green Line, but when the train pulled up at his stop, it was filled with his family, friends, medical providers, and Make-A-Wish well-wishers.?

Idris received his official uniform and met his co-operator for the day. Soon, the train was on its way with Idris riding right up front for his on-the-job training. With a wide smile, he learned all about the important work of being a CTA operator and made several announcements to the riders. He shared his excitement with his brother, inviting him to make announcements too.?

The train made a special stop for Idris to meet his fans from the CTA operations team and the news media. He guided the train around Chicago's Loop one more time before greeting another group of supporters from Make-A-Wish sponsor GATX , a company with ties to the railroads.?

The day ended with a celebration in Union Station's Great Hall with family and friends. His mom, Catherine, shared that having the support of the community, Make-A-Wish, her generous employer, and the medical staff was crucial as their family dealt with Idris's health challenges. ?

Watch his full video here.

World Wish Month - WishMakers Wanted

We did it! Make-A-Wish is 1 MILLION WISHMAKERS STRONGER! In celebration of World Wish Month, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to every one of you who has signed on as a WishMaker – YOU are essential to giving children with critical illnesses the hope and strength they need to fight. Our mission is only possible because of you – thank you for being a valuable part of the Make-A-Wish family. Now, let’s grant more wishes!?

It’s not too late to sign on as a WishMaker. Visit wish.org/illinois/get-involved today.?

New Staff

Join us in welcoming three staff members new to Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Andrea Garcia is joining the mission team as a Bilingual Wish Specialist. Andrea joins us from Illinois State University where she was the Student Staff Manager at Illinois State University’s Multicultural Center. While getting her master’s degree, Andrea was an intern with Make-A-Wish Illinois with our talent team. Andrea looks forward to making a difference in the lives of wish families in the Spanish-speaking community.

Beth Murnane joins Make-A-Wish Illinois as Corporate Giving Director. She comes with 18 years of experience in the non-profit sector, focusing on corporate giving. ?Beth previously served Make-A-Wish Illinois as a project manager earlier in her career.

Lisa Bakker joins Make-A-Wish Illinois as the Individual Giving Director. Lisa comes from Lurie Children’s Hospital where she served as the Director of Planned Giving, managing prospect portfolios.

For a list of our full staff and open staff and intern positions, visit wish.org/illinois/our-chapter.?

New Board Members

Make-A-Wish Illinois is pleased to announce Doug Barnard, Darryl Buikema, Earl Flack, and Brennan Warren were recently elected to the Board of Directors.?They join?a dedicated group of committed directors who oversee the strategic direction of one of the largest Make-A-Wish chapters in the world. This year Make-A-Wish Illinois will grant more than 750 wishes to children across the state.

See the full board list at wish.org/illinois/our-board?

Welcome Summer Interns

Welcome to our Summer 2024 class of interns. They will be with us from June to August learning the ins and outs of Make-A-Wish Illinois. If you are interested in joining our next class of interns, applications will open late summer on wish.org/illinois/our-chapter.?

Amazon Wishlist

There is now a NEW way for you to brighten a wish kid’s day, donate an item from the Make-A-Wish Illinois Amazon wish list! Items will be sent to the Make-A-Wish Illinois office and distributed in goodie bags sent to kids before their wish. From airplane activities to totes to hold all the goodies from a shopping spree, there is something for everyone.??

Wish Ball 2024

On May 18, we held our annual Wish Ball gala at Navy Pier. The magical night featured wish alumni, the inspiring story of Violet’s wish, incredible silent and live auction packages, and comedy from Jim Gaffigan. The event raised over $2.8 million to grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses across Illinois. You can find photos from the night on our Flickr page.?

Logistics Property Company Make-A-Wish Gala

Logistics Property Company, LLC celebrated its sixth anniversary on May 8 with a reception to benefit Make-A-Wish. More than 200 guests attended the celebration, which included a moving speech from the father of a wish recipient.?

Since the company’s founding in 2018, Logistics Property Company has marked each anniversary by bringing together employees, national lenders, contractors, suppliers, vendors, and partners to raise money for Make-A-Wish. This year’s fundraiser brought in $421,400. To date, the company has raised more than $1 million to help provide life-changing wish experiences for children facing critical illnesses.?

Generous donors had the opportunity to designate their contributions to local Make-A-Wish chapters that serve children in the areas where Logistics Property Company’s teams are located: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, and Seattle.?

Thanking Our Referral Sources

On May 4, we welcomed our medical partners to Impact Field to celebrate their contributions to granting wishes. Medical teams are involved in every wish we grant and are the reason we can reach so many kids. These medical providers go beyond their daily work to refer patients, verify eligibility, and help inform Make-A-Wish policy. Melanie shared the impact her wish to be a doctor had on her and her family. Guests also heard from three other wish kids about how a wish helps them cope with their medical conditions before enjoying the Chicago Dogs Baseball game and classic ballpark snacks.?

?

Medical providers who want to learn more about how to get involved can contact Dina Thachet at [email protected].?