Ned and Suzie Allen were intent on establishing a legacy at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America^® . However, in planning to make a significant gift to one of their favorite charities, it went far beyond only a personal financial commitment.

As long-time supporters of the Foundation, Ned and Suzie saw the opportunity to affect the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions for years to come. It was their desire to ensure that a legacy gift would last beyond their lifetime and grant “wishes in perpetuity”.

Ned notes that they decided on the Make-A-Wish Foundation “because it had enduring qualities that we want to support.” But he and Suzie had no idea of just how much those enduring qualities would mean until their family experienced a tragedy in 2003 – the accidental death of their 18-month-old grandson, Chip Allen.

As they and their family grieved, Ned and Suzie then saw their gift as an opportunity not only to keep Chip’s memory alive, but also the dreams of children with life-threatening medical conditions. “When the accident happened, it just seemed like a natural extension to establish a memorial endowment fund,” says Suzie. “With an endowment, the money would be there in perpetuity, and we wanted Chip’s name to live on.”

“When we were discussing the fund,” she adds, “Chip’s mom said to me, ‘For every little child we help through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, we are making a friend for Chip in heaven.’ It makes our family feel very, very warm that people are responding, and we feel that Chip will be remembered for a long time because of that fund.”

Thanks to the Allens’ gift two wishes are granted each year from the Chip Allen Memorial Fund. It is the Allens' wish for the Fund to grow every year and that the number of wishes granted will grow each year too, leaving a lasting legacy in honor of Chip.