A Drive for Good News Powers Good Getaways
40th Anniversary Tribute: KOMO 4 News and Lotus Radio are Top 4 In-Kind Supporters
Each year, Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington sends hundreds of wish kids and their families to the destination of their dreams. In fact, airline tickets are one of our chapter’s largest wish expenses. But we’ve found a unique workaround to offset that: hosting frequent flier mileage drives and our biggest partners in this endeavor are among our oldest!
KOMO 4 News and Lotus Radio have become two of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington’s most impactful in-kind supporters, thanks to a partnership that began with a simple idea nearly two decades ago. In 2008, Make-A-Wish leaders presented KOMO 4 News with a proposal to launch a Frequent Flyer Airline Mileage Drive — an idea inspired by the success of Make-A-Wish Oregon. KOMO said yes, and that sparked a tradition spanning nearly two decades that continues today.
The first mileage drive was an overwhelming success, energizing KOMO viewers and staff. Longtime KOMO employees, like Will Harris, have championed the effort from the very beginning, witnessing firsthand the joy of helping local wish kids travel to places that get them out of hospitals and into a beautiful world with their families. As the campaign grew, Lotus Radio joined the effort, expanding its reach and deepening community engagement.
Together, KOMO 4 News and Lotus Radio have helped generate nearly 177 million airline miles, making them essential partners in granting travel wishes — the most requested type of wish. Their commitment ensures that children fighting critical illnesses can experience hope, adventure and the life-changing power of a wish — an unparalleled way to create cherished memories with their families.
Discover how you or your company can engage in this life-changing work. Reach out to Molly Morovick at mmorovick@akwa.wish.org or explore wish.org/akwa/ways-help-us