Volunteer Spotlight: Jean Ingraffia Delosreyes
Spotlighting Jean’s 35-year legacy of selfless service
Involved with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area for over three decades, Jean Ingraffia-Delosreyes has impacted the lives of countless wish kids and their families. As a volunteer wish granter, Jean’s dedication and passion have been instrumental in helping determine and fulfill the life-changing wishes of children facing critical illnesses in the Greater Bay Area.
How did you first get involved with Make-A-Wish?
I first heard about Make-A-Wish after attending a political fundraiser with my boss in late 1986. I met a couple at our table who helped with Make-A-Wish, and I was intrigued to learn more and got involved. We had a small office with a few volunteers. Eventually, the office moved to San Leandro, and our grassroots fundraising events included the haunted house, crab feeds, volleyball tournaments, and a yearly event by the Antioch Yacht Club.
Do you remember the first wish you helped grant? Tell us about it!
The first wish I helped grant was in 1988, for an inspiring 13-year-old named Gynnger, who wished to have a computer.
What is one thing you’ve learned from your experience at Make-A-Wish and/or working with wish kids?
Working with wish children and their families has shown me their incredible strength and courage. Each wish and wish kid is unique and special, and helping grant their wishes and bringing smiles to their faces has been incredibly rewarding.
What are some noticeable changes you’ve seen in wishes or wish-granting over the years?
A lot has changed over the years. Technology has made things easier. I used to be the division director and provided information through monthly print newsletters, and I organized meetings in different locations for our volunteers. We even had a volunteer meeting at Strizzi’s in San Leandro after the earthquake in 1989. In the past, we didn’t have wish reveals, and the wish child’s interview was separate from the parents. Now, families complete the family wish form, and the interviews are conducted together. The newsletters are sent through email, and now the training is more comprehensive, and thanks to Zoom, attending monthly training is easier.
Anything else you’d like to share about your experience volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
I love volunteering with Make-A-Wish because I want to give back after receiving so much. It’s a fulfilling opportunity to put smiles on wish kids' faces and provide respite from their challenging reality. It’s been an incredible journey being involved in all aspects of the organization. Being a part of helping make wishes come true is the most rewarding part for me.