Before cell phones and the internet, as Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington forged its beginnings as what is now recognized as one of the most beloved and well-known non-profits, one of our chapter’s co-founders, Penni Maples, picked up the phone and made a call that changed the trajectory of the organization. She dialed Alaska Airlines to see if they could help us grant our chapter’s first wish. Sarah, a 3-year-old with cancer, wished to “fly in the clouds and meet Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck”, but as a fledging nonprofit, we needed help.

Alaska Airlines embraced Penni’s request, giving Sarah a special welcome including a tour of the cockpit – a flight perk many of our wish kids enjoy to this day. The media showed up — bringing awareness to this new mission and partnership taking flight. 

Since then, Alaska Airlines has become one of our chapter’s largest supporters, providing nearly $20M in in-kind support. Every year, they generously donate airline vouchers for the chapter to use for travel wishes — an immense cost savings that allows Make-A-Wish to expand donor dollars and grant more wishes. They also donate frequent flier miles to use as a match in mass marketing campaigns calling for donations of miles. 

Alaska Airlines provides free checked bags for wish families. They send staff to support our annual frequent flier airline mileage drive. They sponsor, donate and attend many of our fundraisers. And they allow Alaska Airlines customers to donate their air miles to help make more travel-related wish trips possible. 

Finally, one of their greatest gifts has come in the form of volunteer leadership with some Alaska Airlines employees becoming trustees, carrying out the support of wishes like one would carry precious cargo onto a plane — personally and with great care. 

Discover how you or your company can engage in this life-changing work. Reach out to Molly Morovick at mmorovick@akwa.wish.org or explore wish.org/akwa/ways-help-us