Make-A-Wish Colorado is proud to announce the creation of the Jennifer Mazak Wishes Forever Endowment Fund, a lasting tribute to Jennifer Mazak who inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish Colorado in 1983. This visionary fund was established in September 2024, thanks to a transformative $1.5 million gift from longtime partner of Make-A-Wish Colorado, the Soule Family Foundation. After 25 years of supporting wishes, the Soule Family wanted to ensure that the life-changing power of a wish would continue to brighten lives for generations to come.

The fund honors our founder, Joan Mazak, and her daughter, Jennifer. Jennifer spent much of her life in and out of the hospital receiving treatment. She loved listening to KIMN radio and dreamed of meeting its mascot, the KIMN Chicken. In the summer of 1983, Jennifer’s wish came true. Seeing the profound effect this experience had on her daughter, Joan established the Colorado chapter of Make-A-Wish after Jennifer’s passing. Every wish since honors Jennifer’s legacy of hope and joy.

This endowment fund will allow Make-A-Wish Colorado to grant wishes in perpetuity, providing a lasting impact on the lives of children facing critical illnesses. It will be kept as a permanent fund, preserving the principal amount while utilizing a portion of the generated income to provide general operating support for our organization, making more wishes possible for Colorado children facing critical illnesses. By contributing to the Jennifer Mazak Wishes Forever Endowment Fund, donors create a lasting impact—making wishes come true not just today, but for future generations of children in need.

An investment in the Jennifer Mazak Wishes Forever Endowment Fund is a unique opportunity to support our mission for years to come. A gift to the endowment fund ensures sustainability, with funds carefully managed to provide ongoing support year after year. Your contribution becomes part of a perpetual gift, making wishes possible not just today, but forever.

Your contribution:

• Creates Sustainable Support – The fund generates continuous income, ensuring wishes are granted in perpetuity.
• Honors a Meaningful Legacy – A tribute to Jennifer Mazak and her role in inspiring Make-A-Wish Colorado.
• Ensures Future Impact – Protects and strengthens wish granting efforts for countless children.
• Provides Donor Recognition – Opportunities exist for named gifts, legacy contributions, and recognition within the

Make-A-Wish community.

WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT FUND?

An endowment is a permanent, invested fund where the principal remains intact. Earnings provide a steady stream of support for a designated purpose or for general operations.

HOW DOES MY DONATION HELP?

Your contribution strengthens the fund, increasing the annual earnings available to grant wishes and support operating expenses. The more the endowment grows, the greater its impact year after year.

CAN I MAKE A RECURRING OR PLANNED GIFT?

Yes! Supporters can contribute through one-time donations, recurring gifts, or planned giving opportunities like bequests or charitable trusts.

IS THERE A MINIMUM DONATION AMOUNT REQUIRED?

No, you are welcome to contribute any amount to the endowment fund. Please note that impact reports will be available for cumulative giving of $10,000 or more.

WILL MY GIFT BE RECOGNIZED?

Absolutely. Depending on your level of support, you may receive dedicated space on our endowment wall and updates on the fund’s impact.

HOW DO I CONTRIBUTE?

You can donate by check, wire transfer, stock donation or through your Donor Advised Fund. Speak with your Make-A-Wish Colorado representative to explore customized giving options and complete our Endowment Gift Commitment Form.

Email Mary Lashmit at mlashmit@colorado.wish.org with any questions about how to contribute!