Make-A-Wish Illinois announces John Manta as the recipient of the 2021 Volunteer Fundraiser for Community Events award for unique contributions to a fundraising campaign.

As part of an industry group working in Will and Grundy counties, John joined their annual golf fundraiser planning committee and never looked back. The group is made up of several enthusiastic individuals who continue to build their friendships as they work to support area wish children.

Over the 24 years of the event, John and the Golfing for Wishes committee have raised more than $1 million dollars for Make-A-Wish Illinois, and they didn’t let a global pandemic slow their efforts. In 2020 they worked with the local golf course and Make-A-Wish staff to set up an event where golfers could hit the greens at any time or participants could golf at a course anywhere and enter their scores for prizes. Their event was a hit, raising $43,000 for Make-A-Wish.

John says his fellow committee members make the hard work of sustaining a successful fundraiser fun and rewarding.

“Everyone who comes on to the committee adds to it,” John shared. “We have a group of volunteers who love doing this work. Every committee member rolls up their sleeves and is invested in making the event a success.”

As for why they have such a tight knit group that continues year after year, John says that when you get to meet actual Make-A-Wish families and you see the positive effects of your work, it motivates people to stay engaged. And one of the benefits is that when you get more people involved, there is power in that ripple effect of good feelings.

“Make-A-Wish is a better place today because of the Golfing for Wishes committee and their 24 years of dedication and service to our kids,” said Linda Parck, senior gift officer at Make-A-Wish Illinois. “They have become really more like family to us, and their efforts cross over to many facets of our organization. We have even granted a wish for a family member of the committee.  We could never exist without people like John Manta and the Golfing for Wishes committee.”

Through the years, John found he really enjoyed meeting wish children through the events. He talked about it so much that his children encouraged him to become a wish granting volunteer as well. He’s been involved in meeting wish families and creating life-changing experiences for area children since 2011.

“Through pure luck in being involved this Make-A-Wish event years ago, I found volunteering was something I enjoyed doing, and it keeps getting better all the time. I never thought I would be part of something that would change people’s lives in such a meaningful way.”

The 2021 Golfing for Wishes event scheduled for August 6, 2021. For details, follow https://www.facebook.com/golfingforwishes.