Purpose

Our Regional Advisory Councils consist of distinguished leaders committed to making a profound impact in their communities and in the lives of children with critical illnesses.

We seek exceptional individuals who are eager to contribute their ideas and resources to support Make-A-Wish Alabama and our mission to grant wishes. Serving on the Regional Advisory Council offers a substantial volunteer leadership opportunity where members can directly influence the chapter and our ability to grant life-changing wishes. 

Expectations

 The members of Regional Advisory Councils assist in:

• Raising awareness of Make-A-Wish Alabama within the respective region through his/her sphere of influence
• Identifying funding sources (individuals, corporations, foundations) within the region through personal influence
• Identifying and implementing special events with the region
• Recruiting and assisting volunteers within the region to build a cohesive team

Responsibilities  

All members are expected to: 

• Serve a two-year term
• Attend at least 75% of meetings per year
• Contribute or raise the minimum financial commitment of $3,250
• Engage in regional fundraising activities by attending events, securing event sponsorships, and speaking knowledgeably and enthusiastically on behalf of Make-A-Wish Alabama.

Visit alabama.wish.org/RAC to apply to join our Regional Advisory Councils today!

At Make-A-Wish, we are more than a great place to work — our work is life-changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thought and experiences, are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values — values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the life-changing work we do, every day. 

"Working for Make-A-Wish Alabama was one of the greatest experiences. The work environment was so welcoming and each person I came into contact with was so passionate about their work. Every day was an adventure, and I was able to learn so much, from writing press releases to being able to create posts for wish moments. I loved being able to learn more about the amazing and resilient kids in the great state of Alabama and getting to know their stories. I would recommend interning with Make-A-Wish Alabama to everyone!"

-Blakely Amis, 2022 Marketing & Communications Intern

Get more information about our internship program here. 

We are always on the lookout for great talent who share in our passion. If you are interested in a career or internship with Make-A-Wish, check out our current open positions:

• Check out Current Job Openings
• Internship Applications for the Fall Semester Are Now Open

Access news releases, background information and recent news about Make-A-Wish Alabama and connect with our Communications team. 

Make-A-Wish Alabama finances endeavors through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. However, we do not solicit funds by telephone and receive no federal or state funding. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our financial statements are audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. 

At Make-A-Wish Alabama, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously. For full financial details, please review our most recent Audited Financial Statements (Fiscal Year 2023) and our latest 990 Public Disclosure (Fiscal Year 23). 

Make-A-Wish America is proud to be a BBB Accredited Charity Seal Holder, having met all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

• Audited Financial Statements (Fiscal Year 2022)
• Audited Financial Statements (Fiscal Year 21)
• Audited Financial Statements (Fiscal Year 20)
• 990 Public Disclosure (Fiscal Year 22)
• 990 Public Disclosure (Fiscal Year 21) 
• 990 Public Disclosure (Fiscal Year 20)

Historical Origins of Make-A-Wish Alabama

• 1986 – Founding in Fairhope 
  Donna Pierce, inspired by the first wish and its impact, worked with Make-A-Wish America and rallied local volunteers to establish the Make-A-Wish Alabama Chapter, bringing hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. 

• 1990s – Building Momentum 
  A strong board of directors and community partners laid the foundation for a statewide movement of compassion and volunteerism. 

• 1996 – Global Representation 
  Board President Danny Bolton was selected as one of only eight U.S. delegates to attend the Make-A-Wish Global Conference in London, joining representatives from 17 countries. 

• 2001 – Regional Merger 
  The Alabama Chapter joined with Georgia to become Make-A-Wish Georgia and Alabama, continuing the mission of granting life-changing wishes across both states. 

• 2012 – Alabama Chapter Re-established 
  Make-A-Wish Alabama became an independent chapter once again, dedicated solely to serving children and families throughout Alabama. 

• 2017 – Partnership with America’s Thrift Stores 
  Make-A-Wish Alabama entered into a statewide partnership with America’s Thrift Stores, which has since grown to become the chapter’s largest corporate partner, contributing more than $1 million annually to help grant wishes. 

• 2019 – Leadership Growth 
  Tracy Bennett Smith joined as President and CEO, bringing strong leadership and vision to guide the chapter’s continued growth and impact across the state. 

• 2020 – COVID-19 Pause 
  The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted wishes involving travel and large gatherings, especially for immunocompromised children, underscoring the importance of safe, creative wish experiences. 

• 2021 – Trailblaze Challenge Milestone 
  The Make-A-Wish Alabama Trailblaze Challenge surpassed $1 million in revenue, becoming the largest Trailblaze fundraising event in the nation. 

• 2024 – Record-Breaking Year 
  Make-A-Wish Alabama reached a monumental milestone, surpassing 200 wishes granted in a single year for the first time, with a record-breaking total of 215 wishes fulfilled. 

• Today 
  Make-A-Wish Alabama fulfills hundreds of wishes each year—from dream bedrooms and beach trips to unforgettable celebrity meetups—thanks to the vision of its founders and the ongoing generosity of volunteers, donors, and communities across the state.