Our Chapter

Our People

Andrea Garza

Wish Coordinator

Lorena Balli

Development Coordinator

Board of Directors

Jose Martinez-Soto

Board Chair

Regional Branch Network Manager, Vantage Bank Texas
My Wish
I wish to make a difference for my community

Cris Moncayo

Board Vice Chair

Vantage Bank
My Wish
I wish to make a positive impact through wishes that grant children strength to fight and overcome any illness.

Jay Cortez

Board Treasurer

Business Owner
My Wish
For every eligible child to receive their wish

Meghan Reid

Board Secretary

Shepard and Walton Employee Benefits
My Wish
For every eligible child to receive their wish

Aaron Thornburn

Board Member

Shepard and Walton Employee Benefits
My Wish
To grant the wish of every eligible child

Daniel Gurwitz

Past Chair

Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez
My Wish
For every eligible child to receive their wish

David Armstrong

Director

CODESM
My Wish
To grant the wish of every eligible child

April Flowers

Director

Marketing Director; Lone Star Citrus Growers
My Wish
I wish to find a cure for my daughter

John "Mike" Ortega

Director

IBC Bank
My Wish
For every eligible child to receive their wish

Priyanka Patel

Director

Ruby Red/Embassy Suites McAllen
My Wish
For every eligible child to receive their wish

Leslie Lewis

Director

My Wish
For every eligible child to receive their wish

Misty Martin

Board Officer

Rhodes Enterprises, Inc

Celina Casas

Board Officer

South Texas College and Baylor University

Klaire Duff

Director

Philanthropist
My Wish
For every eligible child to receive their wish

Monica Garza

Director

My HR and More/Dr. James Gomez
My Wish
For every eligible child to receive their wish

Victoria Ortega

Board Member

Monica Moreno-Mata

Board Member

Craig Blackwell

Board Member

Leigh Ann Gutierrez

Board Member

Our Advisory Board

Don Burns

Advisory

Owner, Burns Motors
My Wish
I wish to be 40 again.

Patti Nielsen-Hadden

Advisory

Rodrigo Erana, MD

Medical Advisor

Arturo Ortega

Advisory Board

My Wish
I wish to help those less fortunate
Careers and Internships

At Make-A-Wish, we are more than a great place to work — our work is life-changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thought and experiences, are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values — values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the life-changing work we do, every day. 

We are always on the lookout for great talent who share in our passion.

Currently, the Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley Chapter is actively searching for a Development Coordinator to help build our network, raise funds for our mission delivery, and foster new and current relationships. Interested candidates can email a letter of interest and resume to the President and CEO, Becky Gearhart, at [email protected]

 

Managing Our Funds

Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley finances endeavors through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. However, we do not solicit funds by telephone and receive no federal or state funding. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our financial statements are audited locally by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. 

At Make-A-Wish, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously and are pleased to confirm that according to the fiscal year 2019 audit results, Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Rio Grande Valley spent 92% of every dollar on wish granting and related program expenses. Only 7% of every dollar was spent on management and general costs and 1% was allocated to fundraising. For full financial details please review our most recent FY19 Audited Financial Statements, FY19 Impact Report or our latest 990, available at our office upon request.  

Media Center

Access news releases, background information and recent news about Make-A-Wish and connect with our Communications team. 

Francisco with the Gamestop employees

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Wish kid Teresa

News Releases

View our latest news releases to learn about major wish-granting events, new sponsorships, campaigns and other news. 

Arismar with tiara at party

In the News

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