Frequently Asked Questions
About Us
About Making Wishes Come True
About Volunteering
About Donating
About Us
What is the Foundation's mission?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
How was the Make-A-Wish Foundation founded?
In 1980, a seven-year-old boy with leukemia had his dream of becoming a police officer realized as officers of the Arizona Department of Public Safety honored him with a custom-made uniform, helmet, badge, and even a helicopter ride. Chris's delight in the fulfillment of his dream inspired the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
What area is covered by this chapter?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho & Washington serves Alaska and most of the Pacific Northwest, including the seven northernmost counties in Idaho. Our chapter has offices in Seattle, Spokane and Anchorage.
How many wishes have been granted by this chapter?
We have granted more than 3,000 wishes since 1986. In 2005, the Foundation granted 245 wishes to children throughout the Northwest.
How can I obtain more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho & Washington?
Financial statements for our chapter are available by contacting us at 206-623-5300 or e-mailing us at requestinfo@northwestwishes.org. You may also click here to go to the "About Us" section of the site. Click here to view our 2005 Annual Report.
About Wishes
Who is eligible for a wish?
Any child between the ages of 2 ˝ and 18 (at the time of referral) with a physician-certified life-threatening illness or medical condition is eligible for a wish. The child must not have received a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation or another wish-granting organization.
How are wish-granting costs covered?
We receive many generous donations from individuals, corporations, and other foundations. In fact, we receive no government funding and 100 percent of our revenue comes from generous donors in our communities. To defray cash expenses, we also accept donated goods and services. On behalf of the wish children, any goods used for a wish, such as computers or toys, must be new or of new quality. Click here to learn how you can help support the Foundation.
What do children wish for?
Wishes reflect a child's heartfelt desire, and can range from something grand and complex to something simple and basic. Often, a wish is limited only by the child's imagination and physical ability to participate in the wish. Most wish requests fall into four categories:
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I wish to go: Some Make-A-Wish kids wish to travel to a favorite theme park, while others wish to visit an exotic beach, go on a cruise, or attend a major sporting event.
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I wish to be: Children search the depths of their imagination when they wish to be someone for a day - such as a fireman, a police officer, or a ballerina.
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I wish to meet: Many children wish to meet their favorite athlete, recording artist, movie star, cartoon character, or public figure.
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I wish to have: Children often wish for a special gift, like a computer, a play house, a shopping spree, or something that they have coveted for a long time.
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Click
here to see some of the latest wishes we've granted
What is the average cost of a wish?
Since no two wishes are alike, the cost associated with coordinating a wish varies depending upon the type and location of a wish. All expenses associated with the experience are paid for by the Foundation. When possible, donations of goods and services are sought to reduce cash expenses.
How are wishes fulfilled?
Make-A-Wish volunteer teams work in pairs to coordinate the details of each child's wish. Once a child's medical eligibility is confirmed, wish volunteers visit the family to determine the child's wish. Volunteers ask the child the magic question: "If you could have anything, go anywhere, meet anyone, or be anyone, what would you wish for?" Inviting a child to imagine joy in the midst of a difficult time is an important part of the life-enhancing process the wish experience offers.
Does the family contribute toward the wish?
Wish expenses are fully covered by the Make-A-Wish chapter granting the wish. This often includes travel expenses, lodging, meals, and even spending money. Our objective is to provide the family with a joyful, worry-free experience.
About Volunteering
What volunteer opportunities are available?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation depends on the help of volunteers in every aspect of our work. Volunteers are involved in wish granting, fundraising, special events, and providing administrative support in our offices. Visit the Volunteer section and get details about volunteering roles.
What type of training will I receive?
Volunteer training is extensive, especially for wish-granting volunteers. Wish-granting volunteers must undergo training on wish-granting procedures, working with sick children, and handling emergencies that could arise during a wish. All volunteers who come into contact with wish families must undergo a criminal background check.
What is the time commitment expected of volunteers?
Volunteer commitments vary, depending on the role you accept. We make every effort to match your availability and level of commitment with the needs of your volunteer assignment.
Are volunteers directly involved with the families?
Wish-granting volunteers have the highest level of involvement with children and their families. They make the initial contact with the family, determine the child's wish, and coordinate the wish-granting details with Make-A-Wish staff. As a new volunteer, you will receive training and be partnered with an experienced volunteer to ensure that you are comfortable during your first meetings with the families.
How do I become a volunteer?
We're so glad you asked! To begin the volunteer process, please click here to visit the Volunteer section of the website to download an application form. You can also contact our office at 800-304-WISH and ask to speak with the volunteer coordinator.
About Donating
How can I make a contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation?
All giving supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation's ability to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Making a cash donation to the Foundation is simple. We suggest you either call the office at 800-304-WISH (9474) or mail a check to 811 1st Avenue, Suite 520, Seattle, WA 98104. Donations are also accepted online, but if you choose to donate via this web site, our National office will process your contribution and only 80 percent will benefit kids in Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho and Washington. Click here to donate online.
How can I help raise funds to support wishes?
There are many ways to help fund wishes. Whether you are considering sponsorship of a major event or a student coordinating a class project, our development specialists will provide you with the information and support you need. Click here for more information about giving options.
What are the Foundation's sources of funding?
Funding for wishes comes from individual contributions, special events, schools, corporate donations and sponsorships, foundation grants, workplace giving programs and planned gifts. Each chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation is responsible for raising and managing the funds needed to grant the wishes of children within their territory. Click here to learn how you can help support the Foundation.
Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation use telemarketing?
Make-A-Wish Foundation does not use - or permit others to use on our behalf - telemarketing, door-to-door solicitations, or similar fundraising approaches.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity. As such, all cash contributions are deductible as allowed by law, as are certain in-kind contributions. Other donations, such as frequent flier miles, are not.
