Our Chapter
On This Page
Our People
Our Board of Directors
Sean Mullin
Chairman
Richard Robinson
Secretary
David Moore
Past Chair
Brent Andrews
Gary Bradus
David Creeggan
Sacramento Regional Council
Lindsey Fudge
Co-Chair
Sean Gallinger
Co-Chair
Adam Grabisch
Past Chair
Ryan Russell
Secretary
Ashlee Adams
Matt Ardaiz
Central California Regional Council
Mike Schuh
Chair
Andrew Melrose
Vice Chair
Casey Rossini
Secretary
Joel Saxton
Past Chair
Doug DeGroff
Tom Dominico
Northern Nevada Regional Council
Christopher Abraham
Co-Chair
Larry Duncan
Co-Chair
Eric Scolari
Vice Chair
Donna Stewart
Secretary
Kristina Hansen M.D., RDN
Medical Advisor
Tanya Alford
Managing Our Funds
Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada 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 locally by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
At Make-A-Wish, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously and are pleased to confirm that according to the fiscal year 2019 audit results, Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada spent 79% of every dollar on wish granting and related program expenses. Only 7% of every dollar was spent on management and general costs and 14% was allocated to public outreach. For full financial details please review our most recent financial documents.
We are proud to be a BBB Accredited Charity Seal Holder, having met all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
Careers & Internships
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.
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.
Currently Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada doesn’t have any job or internship opportunities, but continue to check back for future positions!
Media Center

News Releases
View our latest news releases to learn about major wish-granting events, sponsorships, campaigns, and other news.
In the News & Blogs
Newspaper and magazine articles, blogs, and other media often tell stories about wishes.

Media Requests
Connect with our Communications team for potential media opportunities.

Media Kit
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Social Platforms
Contact Us
Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada, Headquarters: The Wishing Place
Sacramento, CA 95835
Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada, Reno Regional Office
Suite 600
Reno, NV 89501
Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada, Fresno Regional Office
Suite 112-A
Fresno, CA 93711
History
Humble Beginnings
Make-A-Wish® is the legacy of Chris Greicius, a 7-year-old boy from Phoenix, Arizona. Diagnosed with leukemia, Chris dreamed of being a police officer. His mother, Linda Pauling, knew leukemia would take his life, so she and a small group worked together to see if they could turn Chris’ dream into a reality.
The events that transpired on April 29 inspired a wish movement, as Chris received a uniform, badge and spent time in a patrol car and even a helicopter! Chris’ infectious smile and want to help people inspired the group of “wish granters” so much that they didn’t want the day to end.
Four-days later, Chris passed. That summer, Make-A-Wish was born and Chris’ legacy just beginning.
In spring-1981, the founders granted their first “official” wish, Frank “Bopsy” Salazar, a 7-year-old diagnosed with leukemia, just like Chris.
His wish was to be a fireman was granted.
Stories like these inspired the masses and in 1983, Make-A-Wish became incorporated with chapters opening up across the nation, including our chapter founded by local businessman Frank C. Ramos.
Chapter History
Since 1983, more than 9,000 wishes have been granted to children within our communities thanks to generous donors, community supporters and dedicated volunteers.
While we follow the policies and guidelines of Make-A-Wish America, we operate as a separate 501(c)(3) organization where all funds raised by our chapter are used to fulfill our mission in the 45 counties we serve.
We have regional offices in Fresno, CA and Reno, NV with our headquarters located in Sacramento, CA. However, our headquarters is more than just an office building.
The Wishing Place
Imagine a special place where children can escape the rigors of treatment, transplants and never-ending tests. Imagine a place where fear is replaced by hope. Imagine a place where dreams can be discovered and wishes become reality. Imagine “The Wishing Place.”
In 2009, The Wishing Place became a reality in Sacramento and is one of only six Wishing Places in the world!!
The Wishing Place was created especially for wish children. The magic begins the moment a child enters the front door. A “Galaxy of Stars” shines above with colored stars each commemorating a special wish child.
The child then proceeds to “The Wishing Room” where writing on the walls, is encouraged! Once that one true wish has been discovered, a magical key that only appears to a wish child, opens the door to “The Wishing Tower” where the anticipation begins.
Tours are available! Learn more by contacting us at [email protected] or call 916.437.0206 or take a virtual tour: