Wish Insiders Summit
Wish Insiders celebrate our volunteers and look ahead to the 40th
On Wednesday, September 27, we welcomed our close community of wish alums, volunteers, donors, and partners to the Grand Hyatt San Francisco for our Wish Insiders Summit. CEO Betsy Biern kicked off the evening with a "State of the Wishes" address and a look into our vision for the chapter's 40th Birthday year in 2024. Next up was a panel featuring Dr. Paul Fisher, wish kid Matteo, and his dad, Guiseppe. Finally, we celebrated our Volunteer Award winners for their amazing support in fiscal year 2023.
Volunteer Award winners
Unlock Hope Innovation Award
Elizabeth Wong, Francisco De Bocos, and Scott Loyet
Wish It Forward Full Circle Award
Sue Proctor
Storyteller's Award
Ama Daetz
Wish Impact Award
DGDG Does Good
David L. Millstein Volunteer Leadership Award
Dr. Paul Fisher
“Thank you to all our award winners, our milestone volunteers, and everyone who helped grant wishes last year,” said Biern at the event. “You are all truly inspirational!”
All photos by Jeff Cable
CEO Betsy Biern shares a 2023 World Wish Day video montage with guests to start off the evening.
Staff members and guests enjoy the Wish Insiders Summit on September 17, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt SF.
Guests at the Wish Insiders Summit on September 17, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt SF.
Dr. Paul Fisher, wish dad Guiseppe, and wish kid Matteo discuss what wishes mean to children, their families, and their care providers at the Wish Insiders Summit.
Watch a video celebrating the volunteers who marked significant milestones with Make-A-Wish this year.
"I'd like to honor the volunteers who celebrated milestone years with us this fiscal year," said Senior Volunteer Manager Daniel Marlay at the event. "There are many ways to help bring hope and joy to wish kids, and I’d like to thank everyone who has donated their time and skills for so many years."
Events Manager Rachel Faught presents Dr. Paul Fisher with the David L. Millstein Volunteer Leadership Award, which honors an individual currently serving on our Board, Councils, or Committees, and recognizes their outstanding leadership and commitment to our mission.
Volunteer and wish mom Sue Proctor accepts the Wish It Forward Full Circle Award, which honors a wish alum or family member who now pays it forward to other wish families and helps us further our mission.
VP of Marketing & Communications Linda Anderberg announces the winner of the Storyteller's Award, ABC7 News Co-Anchor Ama Daetz. The Storyteller's Award honors a partner who is committed to telling the Make-A-Wish story in dynamic and new ways.
Senior Development Manager Anne Muldoon presents the Wish Impact Award to DGDG Does Good, the charitable arm of the Del Grande Dealer Group. This volunteer award honors an organization that has greatly impacted the production of a wish or wishes by donating time, skills, resources, or—in the case of DGDG—all of the above.
Del Grande Dealer Group CEO Jeremy Beaver accepts the Wish Impact Award
CEO Betsy Biern celebrates with Del Grande Dealer Group CEO Jeremy Beaver (third from right) and the DGDG team.