Chuck Coira placed a call to Make-A-Wish the same day he read an article in the newspaper about Make-A-Wish wanting to open a satellite office in Charlotte. That phone call launched Chuck’s volunteer journey with Make-A-Wish. He became a wish volunteer, a great fit for his warm social demeanor and love for kids.

Chuck remembers his first wish visit. He and another volunteer met with a 10-year-old wish kid named Jennifer and her family. He remembers asking what her wish was. “Can you make me well?” she asked. He felt the gut punch. “I can’t make you well, but I bet I can make you happy!” he responded. She next asked, “Can I go to Disney World?” When he responded, “Absolutely!”, Jennifer’s smile was unforgettable.

Chuck went on to meet with countless more wish kids and served on the board for six years: two as board chair. He was also one of the volunteers who helped organize our chapter’s first-ever gala that would eventually become our annual Wish Ball. The 21st anniversary of the Wish Ball in 2024 raised more than 2 million dollars for local children with critical illnesses.

Chuck is still involved with Make-A-Wish today and serves wish kids and families in a variety of ways. He knows first-hand the importance of helping create life-changing experiences for local wish kids: “It’s the most important thing I’ve done in my life.” That’s saying a lot for a person like Chuck Coira.

We honor our community of local volunteers, like Chuck Coira, who create hope for children when they need it most.

NEXT STORY: Memories Shared from 20 Years as a Wish Volunteer with Nanci Granow