40 Years of Wishes

40 Years of Wishes
Celebrating the power of Hope, Strength, and Joy

For 40 years, Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley has been transforming lives through hope, resilience, and the power of a wish. Since receiving our charter in 1986, we’ve granted more than 3,500 wishes for children with critical illnesses across the Hudson Valley - each one made possible by the extraordinary people who stand behind our mission. From our humble beginnings in a small office above Danny’s Cheese Shop in Mt. Kisco to our home at the Wish House in Tarrytown, our chapter has grown because of a community that believes in creating joy when it’s needed most.

As we celebrate this milestone year, we’re proud to highlight the stories of wish alumni, donors, volunteers, and supporters who have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. And we invite you to be part of the next chapter - whether by volunteering your time, hosting a 40th anniversary celebration, or exploring other meaningful ways to get involved and help bring even more wishes to life. This is your one-stop destination for everyone who believes in the power of a wish.

Celebrate the Power of a Wish

Wish Ball

Wish Ball

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 40 years of wishes coming true.

Alumni Wish Stories

Wish Stories

Discover the stories of our wish alumni who remind us just how powerful a wish can be.

Walk for Wishes

20th Annual Walk for Wishes

Our Walk for Wishes: A Sleepy Hollow Family Fun Fall Festival, returns on October 25, 2026.

Volunteer Today

Be A WishMaker

As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a team that transforms dreams into reality for wish kids and their families.

40 Years of Wishes

Donor Stories

Meet the donors behind the stories - whose support brings wishes to life. 

Applebee's

Applebee's

Now through April 12, donate $5 to Make-A-Wish and get free mozzarella sticks!

Fortina x Make-A-Wish

Fortina Pizza

Fortina is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, as they celebrate 40 Years of Wishes in the Hudson Valley

Westchester Soccer Club x Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley

Westchester Soccer Club

Cheer on Westchester SC on May 15th & support local wish children!

MAW x HVR

Hudson Valley Renegades

$5 from every ticket sold will help us grant life-changing wishes to children across the Hudson Valley.

40th Anniversary

Events & Fundraisers

Support local events throughout the Hudson Valley.

World Wish Month

World Wish Month is a time each year when we come together to celebrate the power of wishes and the incredible impact they have on children with critical illnesses. Every April, we honor the anniversary of the first wish granted on April 29, 1980, when Chris Greicius' wish set in motion a global movement that is known today as Make-A-Wish. Join us in continuing this legacy by becoming a WishMaker and helping to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. 

Discover exciting ways to get involved this April and help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Poems for a Wish

Poems for a Wish All Month Long

Through Poems for a Wish, local poets turn creativity into hope for wish kids and their families.

ShopRite x Make-A-Wish

ShopRite Supermarkets April 12-25

ShopRite locations across the Hudson Valley will be collecting donations April 12-25th to benefit Make-A-Wish.

World Wish Month

bartaco Port Chester Wednesday's in April

Mention Make-A-Wish when dining at bartaco Port Chester any Wednesday from 5-7PM in April and

World Wish Month

Dee Maria's Pizza & Pasta Wednesday's in April

Enjoy a meal at Dee Maria’s on any Wednesday in April and help grant wishes - just mention Make-A-Wish.

World Wish Month

Kendra Scott Gives Back

Mention Make-A-Wish or 20% off in-store sales on April 15, 2026 (5–7PM)!

Wishmakers Wanted

Be A WishMaker

As a Wishmaker, you’ll be part of a team that transforms dreams into reality for wish kids and their families.