At Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, the staff are driven by an unwavering passion to make a profound impact on the lives of children battling critical illnesses.

Ann Shields, Director of Development in Harrisburg, embodies this passion. Her mission is to ensure that every eligible child in the region can see their wish come to fruition through dedicated fundraising efforts.

Shields brings a diverse background to her role, having worked in accounting, education, and various nonprofits, including Domestic Violence Services and the American Heart Association. When the opportunity to join Make-A-Wish arose in 2022, Shields knew it was the perfect amalgamation of her passions.

“What drew me to the job, and what continues to drive me, is the fusion of my love for nonprofits with a deep compassion for children,” Shields explained. “It has been a perfect fit from the start.”

In her role, Shields has tirelessly worked to raise awareness of the Make-A-Wish mission in the Harrisburg region. She recognized a gap in local recognition for the organization and has been instrumental in bridging it.

“While Make-A-Wish is well-known nationally, it lacked local visibility,” Shields noted. “I found it thrilling to embark on building brand awareness and emphasizing the critical need for funding to fulfill wishes for the children in our area.”

Throughout her tenure, Shields has had the privilege of meeting numerous wish kids and their families, both as a member of the development team and as a wish-granting volunteer. Amongst these wish kids, one holds a special place in her heart—the first wish kid she volunteered for.

“My initial wish-granting experience with a young boy named Troy left an indelible mark on me,” Shields reflected. “While every wish kid is unique and special, Troy's impact as my first wish kid remains unparalleled.”

This year marks the second annual Evening of Wishes, a brainchild of Shields herself. The event aims not only to celebrate wish kids but also to educate the community on the mission of Make-A-Wish and its profound impact on children and families.

“We envisioned an event that would bring together donors, philanthropists, wish granters, community members, and, most importantly, wish kids and their families,” Shields explained. “The funds raised will directly contribute to fulfilling wishes for children in the Harrisburg area.”

While Shields hopes to expand the event's reach, she remains steadfast in her commitment to preserving its core—the opportunity for wish kids to share their stories. She understands the transformative power of a wish experience on children and their families.

“The intangible essence of a wish—the hope, the strength it instills in these children—is immeasurable,” Shields emphasized. “It serves as a beacon of light, empowering them to navigate through their challenges with a newfound sense of joy.”

Shields underscores the unifying force of a wish, especially for families navigating unimaginable circumstances.

“For these families, a wish represents not only a respite during treatments but also a source of solace and assurance that they are not alone,” Shields remarked.

As both a Development Director and wish granter, Shields embodies authenticity, inspiring others to get involved and fostering genuine connections.

“By fundraising for more wishes, I aim to make the cause more personal and relatable,” Shields said. “Sharing these stories allows others to connect on a deeper level and understand the profound impact of their contributions.”

Through her unwavering dedication to relationship-building, event execution, and fundraising, Shields ensures that children in the Harrisburg region can see their wishes come true.

“It's incredibly gratifying to witness the transformative effect of wish fulfillment on these children,” Shields concluded. “It reaffirms the importance of our mission and the power of community compassion.”