News Releases Icon

Make-A-Wish S.C. joins global effort to recruit 1 million “WishMakers”

“WishMakers Wanted” campaign kicks off with star-studded launch event in New York City featuring celebrity wish granters WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes and the Impractical Jokers

The wishes that Make-A-Wish South Carolina grants wouldn’t be possible without the support of countless “WishMakers” such as donors, volunteers, corporate partners, community advocates and more. “WishMakers” – a term for anyone who steps up to take action for wish kids – are everywhere, but more “WishMakers” are needed in order for Make-A-Wish South Carolina to achieve its lofty goal to bring the life-changing impact of a wish to every eligible child. On March 28, WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes and the Impractical Jokers, who have helped grant wishes, and Make-A-Wish America President and CEO Leslie Motter formally launched “WishMakers Wanted,” a global campaign with the stated intent to recruit 1 million people worldwide to sign up as “WishMakers” between now and the end of World Wish Month (April). People can sign up to become a “WishMaker” at wishmaker.org.

The campaign launch took place at a private event in New York City where “WishMakers” of all kinds came together to symbolize the fact that there are countless ways to be a “WishMaker.” Wish kids and wish alumni (i.e., former wish recipients) were also on hand to share their stories and represent for all the families whose lives have been forever changed thanks to “WishMakers." In fact, two wish kids had their wishes to meet the Impractical Jokers come true in conjunction with the event.

“For forty years in South Carolina the community has stepped up to make wishes come true for critically ill children,” said Misty Farmer, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish South Carolina. “However, our work is not complete. More children need the hope a wish can bring and we look to WishMakers to help fulfill that important need.”

“Wishes are an essential part of a child’s medical treatment, and they wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and generosity of ‘WishMakers’ who continually make life better for children with critical illnesses,” Motter said. “When a wish is granted, it changes everyone involved, and we are eager for our ‘WishMakers’ to experience and feel first-hand the power and hope that comes with a wish.”

The launch of “WishMakers Wanted” coincides with the start of World Wish Month during which Make-A-Wish South Carolina – along with other U.S. chapters, international affiliates, and supporters worldwide – will encourage people to take action to grant more life-changing wishes.

Make-A-Wish South Carolina will offer several ways for people to get involved, such as volunteering, and donating. There are also heartwarming wish moments, both in person and virtually, that WishMakers can support.

In addition, the following local corporate partners will be activating for World Wish Month in stores or online to raise money and rally their customers: Applebee’s Grill + Bar, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, and Craft Axe Throwing. Their support will contribute to the efforts of national corporate partners including: American Airlines, Avis, Bakers Square, BHG Financial, BuzzRx, Chase, Dave & Buster’s, Disney, Duck Donuts, Famous Dave’s, Fanatics, Frios Gourmet Pops, GameStop, Granite City, IT’SUGAR, Jumpzylla, Keebler, Kendra Scott, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Main Event, Marquis, Painting with a Twist, Red Lobster, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews, Royal Caribbean International, Snappy, Sugarwish, The Learning Experience, Topgolf, United Airlines, Village Inn, Vivid Seats, and WWE.

Throughout the month, celebrity supporters will share the reasons why they grant wishes and encourage others to join them to help Make-A-Wish reach the 1 million “WishMaker” goal.

World Wish Month reaches its culmination on April 29 known as World Wish Day, which pays tribute to the original “WishMakers,” a small group of people who joined together to grant 7-year-old Chris’ wish to be a police officer in 1980. Inspired by the experience, some of the people involved decided to create Make-A-Wish, and in turn, sparked the global wish-granting movement that has led to more than 585,000 life-changing wishes being granted.

Learn more and become a “WishMaker” today at wishmaker.wish.org.
 

# # #

 

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH

Make-A-Wish® creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. The chapter receives funding through private donations, individuals, companies, and special events. For more information about Make-A-Wish South Carolina, visit wish.org/sc and discover ways you can help make wishes come true.