Personal Giving

Give in Metro New York 

Give in Western New York

Give in Metro New York  

Giving personally is a great way to get involved with our Make-A-Wish Metro New York chapter and impact children’s lives in the five boroughs and Nassau County. Two incredible donor patron programs you can join are Circle of Hope and the Young Professionals Program. 

Circle of Hope members make a philanthropic investment in our mission and wish kids while the Young Professionals Program provides networking opportunities for individuals in the Metro New York area while providing benefits to those who join.  

Circle of Hope 

Circle of Hope members are a diverse group of community members, business leaders, philanthropists, visionaries, parents, wish parents, and individuals - all who simply care about giving kids battling critical illnesses hope for a brighter future. Though many members do, one doesn’t need to have a first-hand experience with a wish to be part of this special group. 

Circle of Hope members can enjoy a VIP experience that includes invitations to exclusive events (virtual for now!), special updates and behind-the-scenes access, all with a deep satisfaction that comes from knowing they are forever changing the lives of children and their families. Circle of Hope members are to us, heroes. Wishes simply aren’t possible without them. 

Circle of Hope members contribute $5,000 or more annually to make wishes come true for children in our community. Their contributions are acknowledged for 100% of the gift value. 

For more information or to join the Circle of Hope, contact Elizabeth Merkouris at [email protected] or 646-558-5613. 

Young Professionals Program 

The Young Professionals Program is a community of individuals under 40 who give generously to support wish kids in their battle with critical illnesses. Members have a collective goal: to work with like-minded professionals to give back, while enjoying the opportunity to network, socialize, volunteer and have a fantastic time, all for a great cause!   

The Young Professionals Program is led by the Junior Board of the chapter and works to raise funds and serve as advocates on behalf of the Wish Kids. Members pledge a minimum contribution of $100 a month. (This can be done personally or through company matching support too!)  

Members for the program receive benefits like virtual networking events with YPP and Junior Board Members, invitations to talks with inspiring leaders in the Make-A-Wish community with topics related to philanthropy and leadership, advanced notice to wish granting trainings, becoming a part of a community of like-minded individuals and alignment of one of the most highly recognized and rated charity brands in the country.  

For more information or to join the Young Professionals Program, contact Caroline Ver Planck at [email protected] or 646-558-5562.

Give in Western New York  

Giving personally is a great way to get involved with Make-A-Wish in the greater Western New York region, and to impact children’s lives in the 17 counties we serve. 

There are numerous ways in which you might make a philanthropic investment in our mission and in support of the children and families we serve. 

For more information or to make a contribution: 

If you live in the Buffalo area, please contact Ben Marchione at [email protected] or 716-268-8913. 

If you live in the Rochester area, please contact Donna Auria at [email protected] or 585-213-5061.