I started at Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada in 2018 as the Director of Mission Delivery. Back then, I talked about how I felt a little like Mickey Mouse when he put on the Sorcerer’s robe in Fantasia. Here was all this power to make wishes come true. But with so much to learn, there were times then (and now) when I would put my arms out to conjure something up, and the sleeves of the robe went over my hands, producing something I hadn’t counted on. And so, as with the rest of my life, it was also me cleaning up the messes I made or perceived I made during my first year at Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada.
I hope I never lose that feeling. The feeling of conjuring something up, not afraid to make mistakes because I’ve surrounded myself with a community of people who are there to help me when I falter, to help me clean up the mistakes I’ve made, learn from them, and move on to continue to grant every eligible child in Southern Nevada a wish. Having spent a year now as CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, I’m grateful for those who have been in my corner from the beginning and those just joining me in carrying out our organization's mission.
In this blog, I hope to share insights as CEO, appropriately titled, Wishful Thinking. I’m grateful to get up every morning and say, “I get to go to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada” instead of “I have to go…” This is a luxury and gift that isn’t lost on me as I speak to friends who aren’t as lucky as I am to contribute to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses each day. I’m also grateful that I can make this happen daily. I always say I have the right amount of creativity and confidence with just a pinch of panic to keep me on my toes each day.
During 2022*, we couldn’t have asked for a better year. We’ve granted many memorable wishes and hope we create lasting memories not only for the families that received the wishes but also for the community that helped us grant these wishes. We’ve all heard it takes a village to raise a child, but I believe it takes a community to grant a wish. Our community continues to step up, and I’m grateful. Thank you.
*Our fiscal year is from September to August each year, so the highlights below are from this period. However, I’m proud to announce that since the start of our new fiscal year in September through December, we’ve already granted 62 wishes, an all-time high for our chapter during this period. Incredible – my team continues to work with each family, providing that concierge service that I’m proud to say is our signature service at Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada.
Fiscal Year 2022 Highlights
The 20th year of our Fashion Luncheon
Event (raising over $1.1M)
Our first-ever Trailblaze Challenge
(52 hikers, raising over $200,00)
The 20th year of our Walk for Wishes
Event (raising over $450,000)
120 Wishes Granted
(on a budget of 115)
In addition to the highlights above, we also unveiled our Make-A-Wish-themed exam room at the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. Complete with a digital screen, families can refer their child for a wish right from the exam room. Take a look at the video below to see the room!
When I became CEO (or as I like to call myself, the CBO = Chief Begging Officer), I promised myself I would stay true to the mission and be transparent with our families, vendors, donors, and especially our Board and my team as I grew into this position. I hope always to provide those things and that this blog provides insight, inspiration, and hope to all of you. Doctors write prescriptions for medicine; we write the prescription for hope. And that’s not wishful thinking; that’s our daily business here at Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada.