It all started with a wish...

Make-A-Wish^® Colorado began in 1983 in memory of 7-year-old Jennifer Mazak. Although Jennifer did not receive a formal wish, she wanted to see the KIMN Chicken, a local radio mascot. When the KIMN Chicken was told of Jennifer’s wish, he came to visit her at her home. While Jennifer’s appearance had prompted teasing and stares from neighborhood children, she was the envy of them all when the KIMN Chicken hugged and held her and lavished attention on her alone. With the help of friends, family and members of the community, her mother, Joan, founded the Colorado chapter of Make-A-Wish shortly after Jennifer passed away, to bring that same magic to other children. 

We are reminded of Jennifer’s smiles each time we fulfill a wish. In 2023, Make-A-Wish Colorado is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and the more than 6,000 wishes  granted to eligible children throughout Colorado.

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. 

View Internships: Wish Granting, Development, Communications, Volunteer, Medical Outreach

Make-A-Wish Colorado 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 2022 audit results, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado spent 80% of every dollar on wish granting and related program expenses. 8% of every dollar was spent on management and general costs and 12% was allocated to fundraising. For full financial details please review our most recent Audited Financial Statement & 990:

We are proud to be a BBB Colorado Accredited Charity Seal Holder, having met all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. 

We are proud to have earned the GuideStar Gold Nonprofit Seal of Transparency, and a four-star rating on Charity Navigator.

Thank you to our donors for supporting us! Find a full list here.

Access news stories, background information and publications about Make-A-Wish and connect with our Communications team. 

Media Contact: Sarah Murphy [email protected]