Investing in Wishes
It was 1985, and a small, but growing, nonprofit was given the opportunity to speak with a large group of the country’s top financial planners, the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). The nonprofit – Make-A-Wish® – shared a video about a girl Stephanie and her wish to see snow. MDRT members were so blown away by this little girl’s wish and by the concept of wish granting, that it spurred a lasting partnership.
Today, its philanthropic arm, the MDRT Foundation, has raised more than $500,000 to support Make-A-Wish, and its members have extended their support to many local Make-A-Wish chapters over the years. During Make-A-Wish’s 30th anniversary, the Foundation also made a multiyear commitment of $150,000 over three years to endow one wish a year in perpetuity.
Wish kid Stephanie
Marc Silverman, current president of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), remembers clearly the presentation of Stephanie in the Snow, and says it his most meaningful memory.
“Make-A-Wish is a fabulous organization … near and dear to our hearts,” said Marc. “I remember being blown away by the concept of granting wishes. And, it’s why today, our members are directly involved with the organization both in the U.S. and abroad.”
Founded in 1927, the Million Dollar Roundtable is a global, independent association with more than 60,000 of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from nearly 70 countries. Each year, the MDRT Foundation provides $1.2 million in grants across the globe.
“MDRT members are very caring and sharing … it comes with the business of ensuring families are cared for,” said Michele Stauff, executive director of the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation. “We have felt strongly about Make-A-Wish for decades, in bringing hope and joy to those with a lot of challenges. We do and will continue to have a lot of pride being involved with Make-A-Wish.”