Founders Wish Circle
The Founders Wish Circle is a special community of supporters who help carry forward the extraordinary legacy of Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. By making a monthly gift of $37.76, you honor the humble beginnings of our organization. Why $37.76? It represents the exact amount the founders pooled together to open the first Make-A-Wish bank account after granting Christopher’s life-changing wish. Since then, this legacy has blossomed, with our chapter granting over 8,300 wishes since 1986. By joining the Founders Wish Circle, you ensure that more children with critical illnesses experience the hope, strength, and joy of a wish come true. Become part of this remarkable journey today!
Christopher's wish, to be a police officer for a day, was the spark that ignited the Make-A-Wish movement. In 1980, this 7-year-old boy with leukemia was granted his wish, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated community. His wish not only gave him a moment of joy but also inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish, which has since touched the lives of thousands of children facing critical illnesses. Christopher’s story serves as a testament to the incredible power of a wish and the hope it brings to children and families everywhere.
Click here to join the Founders Wish Circle!
Receive a free Make-A-Wish item when you sign up today!
Hear directly from the founders of Make-A-Wish as they share their heartfelt memories of making Christopher’s wish come true and coming together to start something extraordinary. Their story is a powerful reminder of how a single act of kindness can spark a movement that has brought joy and hope to thousands of children and families. Watch their inspiring journey and see how it all began.
By joining the Founders Wish Circle, we are honored to offer you an exclusive way to showcase your support! As a valued member, you’ll receive a private link to our Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley store, where will be able to select a special items just for supporters like you. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary legacy!
Tommy Austin and Chris Greicius
"He was only seven years, 269 days old when he died. But he taught me about being a man, even though he was only a boy. And because of meeting him, I'm an entirely different man."
Tommy Austin, Make-A-Wish co-founder
1980: Chris Greicius’ wish to be a police officer inspires the creation of Make-A-Wish.
1981: Make-A-Wish grants its first official wish to Frank "Bopsy" Salazar, paving the way for the formation of U.S. chapters.
1983: Make-A-Wish Foundation of America is incorporated.
1986: The Make-A-Wish Philadelphia Chapter is founded by Sidney Friedman, operating as a 100% volunteer organization.
1990: Make-A-Wish celebrates its 10th anniversary and 10,000 wishes granted. Locally, the Philadelphia Chapter appoints its first Executive Director and begins fulfilling wishes with a professional team.
1993: Make-A-Wish International is established, and the Philadelphia Chapter expands to include four suburban counties in Southeast PA.
2000: Make-A-Wish serves every U.S. community, with over 75,000 wishes granted. Locally, the chapter fulfills its 1,000th wish.
2008: The Philadelphia and Southeast Pennsylvania Chapter merges with the Susquehanna Valley Chapter to form Make-A-Wish Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley. The Mother's Day Truck Convoy tradition continues, becoming a significant fundraising event.
2010: The first World Wish Day is celebrated globally, and wishes granted surpass 198,000.
2018: Make-A-Wish unveils a brand refresh and permanent headquarters.
2023: Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley grants its 8,300th wish, marking decades of transforming lives across the region.
Chris Greicius and his mom, Linda Pauling
"It's been more than 40 years since my son Chris received his wish, and I am still amazed and inspired how one little boy's dream to be a policeman has touched the lives of so many."
Linda Pauling, Chris Greicius' mother & Make-A-Wish co-founder