Dr. Jim Manion and Pat Manion may be the founders of Make-A-Wish Nebraska, but it was actually a little boy in Phoenix, Arizona, named Christopher Greicius who inspired them. With the dream of being a police officer, his was the first wish to ever come true. And when Jim and Pat read a news article about Christopher and an organization called Make-A-Wish, they made it their mission to start the Nebraska chapter. In the early years, the foundation was only granting 20 wishes a year. Today, 40 years later, Make-A-Wish Nebraska grants more than 100 wishes every year.

A lot of planning and organizing goes into granting a single wish, and we couldn’t do it without the help of each and every one of our devoted volunteers. Over the past 40 years, we’ve worked with a lot of wonderful people who dedicate their time to making children’s dreams come true and bringing families closer together during a difficult moment in their lives. And they all agree that the experience is just as memorable and meaningful for them as it is for those children and their family members. 

In addition to our volunteers, Make-A-Wish Nebraska would not be where it is today without our generous donors. That includes individual contributions, as well as corporate sponsorships and fundraisers. And some of those donors have been supporting the organization for decades. Truck Center, for example, has been a proud partner of Make-A-Wish Nebraska for 29 years! In that time, they have raised more than $4 million, helping grant nearly 600 wishes! Thank you to Truck Center and everyone who helps make wishes come true!

Throughout our 40 years, our mission has never changed: To grant the wish of every eligible child in Nebraska. After doctor’s visits and medical treatments, the sickness can take quite a toll on these young children. So when they finally get a reprieve from the day-to-day, it means everything to them. From play structures to shopping sprees to a magical trip to Disney World, there’s no greater joy than seeing a child’s face light up when their wish comes true. So refer a wish today.