Women's Circle of Wishes
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The Women’s Circle of Wishes fosters the collective power of women to grant magical wishes for children battling critical illnesses. The members are compassionate women working together to increase awareness, raise funds in the community and is the leading support group for the chapter.
In 2013, a group of 10 women decided to gather their friends and raise money to grant a wish. On that Sunday afternoon by the harbor, with 98 ladies attending, they raised $12,000 enough to grant two wishes! As the years went by the group grew in members and success. The Women’s Circle of Wishes was officially founded, and their annual signature fundraiser was established.
As the Circle grew so did its annual event. Soon these 10 members turned into 50+ passionate voices. The members of the Women’s Circle are leaders in the community -- from the workplace to the playground, dreamers and visionaries, filled with kindness and generosity. Each one has helped restore hope and joy to a wish child. Members also can get involved across the chapter in many ways, some have become wish granters or volunteers, and attended other chapter events. Thanks to their incredible efforts, the Circle has raised more than $2 million through their signature fundraising events to help grant the wishes of local children in the community.
- Community Impact: Directly contribute to granting wishes and creating lasting memories for children facing critical illnesses.
- Exclusive Events: Attend member-only gatherings, including our annual luncheon and behind-the-scenes wish experiences.
- Personal Growth: Connect with like-minded women passionate about making a difference! Develop leadership skills and expand your professional network while supporting a worthy cause.
- Site Recognition: Receive name acknowledgment on the official Make-A-Wish OCIE Women’s Circle of Wishes webpage.
- Annual Dues: $500.00
- Commitment: Actively participate on at least one committee annually. Be an active contributor to discussions at meetings, express opinions, consider other points of view, and help achieve consensus to make informed, thoughtful decisions that benefit those served by the organization.
- Committees include:
- It’s in The Bag Annual Luncheon Committee
- Monthly Mixer Committee
- Sip & Shop Committee
- Committees include:
- Be knowledgeable about Make-A-Wish and represent the organization positively and enthusiastically to others in the community.
Members shall be outstanding community residents of either, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Orange Counties. Members are nominated by current members or sustaining members.
To join the Women's Circle of Wishes or learn more about our activities, please contact:
Alexa Medrano
Development Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (714)-573-9474 ext. 216
- Jillian Welch, Chair
- Mary Oronoz, Event Chair
- Madison Bellan, Event Chair
- Amy Sullivan
- Anita Glasser
- Carie Jernquist Ferry
- Casey Emery
- Chelly Bodas
- Cornelia Haag-Molkenteller
- Elisa Tarkeshian
- Harriet Lehman
- Jenny Naranjo
- Joone Kim-Lopez
- Karla Kjellin-Elder
- Kate Armado
- Kimberly Worsnop
- Lamia Gabal
- Lucinda Salinas
- Nichole Story
- Shari Simmons
- Susan Wan-Ross
- Suzy Betz
- Theresa Focardi
- Tina Hedayati
- Ursula Shen
It's In The Bag
Enjoy a fabulous luncheon with your girlfriends, silent and live auctions with beautiful designer handbags! Proceeds from this event help grant wishes to children battling critical illnesses.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
11:30AM - 2:30PM
The Waterfront Beach Resort
