The South Carolina 2022 W.I.S.H. Society Honorees Creatively Raised Funds to Grant Wishes for Children Battling Critical Illnesses

On January 10 and 11, 2023, Make-A-Wish® South Carolina had the pleasure of recognizing nine South Carolina women for their philanthropic achievements at award luncheons.  Each dynamic woman was a 2022 honoree in the W.I.S.H. Society. Honorees had been nominated to the elite networking and fundraising Society for their professional achievements and commitment to building compassion and resilience in their communities – embodying the title of Women Inspiring Strength and Hope. The honorees each accepted the challenge to raise a minimum of $7,500, which is acknowledged as a fully funded wish in S.C. to a child who has been diagnosed with a critical illness. 

The awards ceremony, held at Harbour Club in Charleston, honored each woman in the Lowcountry for individual achievements and the ladies in the Upstate were honored with private luncheons at The Poinsett Club in Greenville. Collectively, the Society raised more than $76,000 for South Carolina children, an astounding accomplishment. The Lowcountry luncheon also included an address from a distinguished keynote speaker, Kimberly Powell, an award-winning author, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and owner of Woodhouse Spa in Charleston. Mrs. Powell shared a message saluting the spirit of women in business and philanthropy, and the power of incorporating community support. In addition, guests were inspired by wish alumna, Isabella O’Brien, who shared her impactful medical journey and wish story.  

"I am so proud of our 2022 W.I.S.H. Society Honorees,” said Misty Farmer, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish South Carolina, at the luncheon. “I was so eager to thank them because it is a privilege to have the task of thanking an Honoree – someone who has chosen to support Make-A-Wish South Carolina and did it with grace and enthusiasm. Each Honoree brought amazing leadership qualities to the Society and rose to the challenge we presented. Ultimately, they have each left an indelible mark on the life of a wish child."

To raise funds each woman hosted creative fundraisers and solicited donations from their personal networks. The highlight of the season culmination was the announcement of W.I.S.H. Society’s Woman of the Year – the lady who raised the most funds during the season in her region. Securing the title for the Upstate was Carol Panasuk who raised funds for more than one wish –$9,771. In the Lowcountry, the title was bestowed on Trudy Billings who raised $24,188. Panasuk, Billings, and all the other Honorees have a true passion for Make-A-Wish and creating life-changing wishes.  

“Hope is essential when battling a serious illness and hope begins with us,” said Farmer. “When a wish comes true, it transforms anxiety into hope and sadness into joy. For many wish kids, it marks a turning point in their fight against their illnesses. With more than 380 South Carolina children waiting for their wish right now, hope is needed more than ever. The W.I.S.H. Society honorees have made a monumental contribution towards the wellness of children in our communities.” 

On behalf of all staff members of Make-A-Wish South Carolina and the many wish kids who will have their wish granted from the funds raised by the W.I.S.H. Society, we would like to thank the honorees: Carol Panasuk, Trudy Billings, Kelley Myrick, Heloise Schieber, English Black, Carly Bielsky, Katie Kamin, Kimmi Warga and Karen Binnarr.   

Thank you also to W.I.S.H. Society sponsor, MUSC Health.  

To learn more about Make-A-Wish and how to get involved, visit wish.org/sc.   

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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. 

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Photos from the Lowcountry luncheon can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAnU2s  Credit: Sea Star Arts Photography