W.I.S.H. Society Kicksoff in the Lowcountry

On January 18, 2024, dynamic women from the Lowcountry came together to kickoff Make-A-Wish South Carolina’s 2024 season of W.I.S.H. Society. 

Each lady was named an Honoree in the program celebrating Women Inspiring Strength and Hope. W.I.S.H. Society was created by Make-A-Wish South Carolina to bring professional and visionary women together in collaboration to raise vital funds for children with critical illnesses. From January until April the ladies will raise funds and awareness for wish granting in South Carolina. During that time, each woman will endeavor to raise funds to fully fund a wish, which is $7,500 in South Carolina.  

Make-A-Wish creates wishes for children with critical illnesses. Wishes deliver hope and rejuvenating strength that help children fight harder against their illnesses. In fact, 9 out of 10 wish alumni reported that they felt more joyful, confident and hopeful for their future*. W.I.S.H. Society Honorees will make a tangible investment in the wellness of local families’ lives.   

In addition to granting wishes, Honorees enter a fellowship of likeminded charismatic and intelligent women and enjoy great camaraderie and collaboration. Each month, Make-A-Wish hosts fun socials offering the opportunity for Honorees to grow their relationships, strategize over fundraising plans, and most importantly, be inspired by amazing stories of resilience from wish families. At the end of the Society’s season, the program will culminate in a May luncheon celebrating the achievements of each Honoree and naming a Woman of the Year, who is the Honoree that raised the largest amount of funds.  

The Lowcountry kickoff was held at Gala Café and Bakery. Honorees enjoyed delicious treats and had the privilege of hearing from guest speaker and fellow Honoree, wish mom Hart Peary. Hart shared how Charlie's wish, “Charliepalooza”, gave him an opportunity to spend time with his friends and family before passing away. The family moved shortly afterward to Charleston in memory of Charlie.  

Make-A-Wish South Carolina is proud to announce our official 2024 Lowcountry W.I.S.H. Society Honorees are: 

Brooke Ryan, Charleston Radio Group 

Emilie Zuhowski, Live 5 News 

Hart Peary, Wish Mom 

Juliette Walker, MD, Paragon Pediatrics 

Karalyn Christman, Culver’s 

Kimberly Powell, Woodhouse Spa 

Lynn Tu, Diamonds Direct 

Mary Pate, Retired, Child Life Specialist 

Melissa Kubu, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital 

Natalie Holst, Holst and Lee, Inc. 

Sandra Reyna, Lowcountry Chi Omega Alumnae 

“I am incredibly proud of our 2024 Honorees,” said Shannon Rice, Regional Development Officer for the Coastal Regions for Make-A-Wish South Carolina. “These are ladies who are passionate about their professions, their families and their communities and they are stepping up to the plate to be advocates for wish kids. Each of the women has such impressive dedication, that together, they are capable of anything. I am very excited to witness what they accomplish this season.” 

To support an Honoree, please visit scwishsociety.org. Learn more about Make-A-Wish and ways to help at wish.org/sc.

# # #

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.

*Source: Make-A-Wish 2022 Wish Impact Study (Rounded Figures)