Make-A-Wish Illinois announces Janis Douglas of Buffalo Grove as the recipient of the 2022 Volunteer Fundraiser, Wish Ball Award for excellence in volunteerism in fundraising to support Make-A-Wish.
Organizing the largest annual fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Illinois requires year-round planning, a commitment to exceed expectations and attention to detail. It’s exactly the kind of work that Janis Douglas likes to do. For nearly 10 years Douglas has brought her leadership and skills to the Wish Ball Committee, helping this signature event to grow to one of the Chicago’s most anticipated events.
After a corporate career, Douglas turned her energies to family. When her daughter left for college she looked to find a place to give back where her abilities could be helpful. With Make-A-Wish, she’s assisted mainly with Wish Ball, but has also stepped in to help with other events having become well-versed in organizing auctions. Over the last two years her flexibility and tenacity have been especially important as she supported a pivot to a hybrid event and then as a helpful sounding board as the organization’s plans for a return to in-person events.
A mentor to newer volunteer committee members, Douglas has also enlisted her family as both sponsors and attendees to chapter events.
“At this time in my life it is important that I volunteer,” Douglas said. “We are a blessed family, and we want to give back.”
“I like raising money so that all of the kids who need wishes can have them.”