In 2014, Make-A-Wish Michigan recognized 30 special supporters as our Leaders in Joy—community partners who have been game changers for our organization and impacted our ability to deliver our mission. Since then, we have continued to acknowledge special supporters who have made an incredible impact on the Make-A-Wish mission.  

Our Leaders in Joy have played an integral role in helping grant transformational wishes to more than 10,000 Michigan kids since 1984. Their support through the years has helped us create life-changing experiences for our courageous wish kids, and we are grateful.  

2014 Leaders in Joy 

Honorary Leader in Joy:  Michigan's first wish child, Joshua Kazmierczak 

Amway 

Associated Builders and Contractors Greater Michigan Chapter 

Beaumont Children’s Hospital 

Jim Berline 

The Brown Family 

Elaine Catlin 

Children’s Hospital of Michigan – Detroit Medical Center 

C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital – University of Michigan Health System 

Detroit Catholic Central High School 

Detroit Lions 

Detroit Pistons 

Detroit Red Wings 

Detroit Tigers 

Eaton Corporation 

Barbara Emmons 

Dr. James Fahner 

Janette Ferrantino 

Greenridge Dream Team Foundation 

Don and Lee Hamilton 

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital of Spectrum Health 

Macy’s 

Meijer 

Harry and Sharon Miller 

Cindy and Michael Pettibone 

Gordie and Karen Roedding 

Stars Collegiate Groups:  MStars (University of Michigan), MSU Stars (Michigan State University) 

Team Alex 

Team Taylor 

Meg Miller Willit 

Derrick Stange and Wish-A-Mile® Bicycle Tour Co-Founders 

2015 Leader in Joy 

Lipari Foods 

2017 Leader in Joy 

Borg Warner 

2018 Leader in Joy 

Rob and Kristin Casalou 

2019 Leaders in Joy 

Planet Fitness 

Barb Smith 

Scott and Dorothy Cornell