Aloha Awakens a New Story
Everybody has a story, shaped by history and experience. For the past four years, my son Theo’s story has been cancer. A story filled with hospital rooms, sickness, tears, and pain. A story of a boy robbed of his childhood and isolated from the world he longed to explore. But our wish experience opened a new chapter.
When Theo is outside – away from the hospital – he smiles. Nature connects him with something bigger than himself, so he wished to go to Hawaii to snorkel and swim with dolphins. Make-A-Wish sent us to the Big Island, where Theo learned that nature holds deep spiritual significance – from the kukui nut to the naupaka flower.
On the Islands of Hawaii, there is a saying – one simple yet beautiful word – that defines the force that holds us together. A way of life that embodies love, peace, and mutual respect among people and land. Aloha. Theo experienced the Aloha spirit deeply. Feeling honored that the dolphins welcomed him into their home, he exclaimed, “This is the greatest thing I’ve ever done!” Theo would not have had this moving and deep cultural experience without Make-A-Wish.
Immersed in the beauty and magic of Hawaii, Theo’s story changed. It evolved and intertwined with the touch of a dolphin’s rubbery soft skin. It swayed in the breeze along with palm trees. It made harmonious music with the amakihi bird. It swam gracefully with the sea turtles and tasted the salty ocean. Thanks to Make-A-Wish, Theo’s story is beyond cancer. His story is Aloha.
– Gratefully, Kelly, Theo’s mom
More Stories to Inspire You…
Events You’ll Love 
An Important Announcement From our CEO
Lemonade for Wishes 
Volunteer Spotlight 
Help Wishes Take Flight! ✈
Attention! Be our Captain Rescue!
URGENT! Our airline miles are running on fumes. Donate your air miles today and your Alaska, Delta and United air miles will enable wish families to see past the clouds of illness.
Donate (anytime) at wishesinflight.akwa.wish.org
Soaring to Cloud 9 with this Dedicated Crew
KOMO 4 News and Lotus Radio will host the upcoming 15TH annual Wishes in Flight FREQUENT FLIER MILEAGE DRIVE! Their continual support lifts wish kids to new heights in their taxing journey with illness.
TUNE IN: Wednesday, July 31st 2024, 6 a.m-7 p.m. via KOMO 4 News, KNWN, KVI 570 and 101.5 HANK Radio.
High-Flying Praise Goes to…
KNDU in the Tri Cities for sharing that we need more wish-granting volunteers – particularly in Eastern Washington who are bilingual – and for hosting an airline miles campaign resulting in 1.3M miles.
Contact Lindsey Goss at lgoss@akwa.wish.org to learn how you can join our wish family as a volunteer.
Alaska’s News Source for hosting the MILLION MILEAGE CHALLENGE sponsored by Bailey’s Furniture. Throughout April, they raised nearly 2.5M miles so that wish families can leave the hospital for someplace better.
Events to Remember
Wish Night Gala & Auction – What Hope Created ✨
“A wish might not have saved me from dying, but it saved my life.” With that poignant remark, you could feel the entire room of Wish Night guests lean in, hungry to know more details about Mercy’s life-changing wish. Add in a show-stopping vocal performance by wish alum Laura, Ruby’s heartfelt story about her wish to publish a children’s book, and some one-of-a-kind silent and live auction items, and you have a Wish Night to remember.
Together we raised more than $2.1 million. Because of your generosity, more wish kids will find their smiles again.
Heartfelt thanks to Wish Night Gala and Auction chairs, Bryan and Heather Adams, who championed the event with passion and positivity.
EXCITING NEWS!
Wish Night 2025 will be at the Sheraton Grand Seattle on March 15th. Tell your friends – now – so you can join the fun and be a part of something life-changing for kids.
Wish Heroes Luncheon – Serving Up Soul Food 🦸♂️
On October 11th, 2024, ditch your desk and dine with purpose at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. From 12-1 p.m., enjoy a catered lunch while listening to wish kid, Krystin, share her heroic journey – a story peppered with joy and sprinkled with generosity. Minimum suggested donation is $200.
Learn more at wish.org/akwa/wish-heroes-luncheon
Did you say Happiness Hour? 🥂
Glass clink! Back by popular demand, Happiness Hour returns to Anchorage AND Spokane. Tell your friends, save the date, and get ready to fill your cup with inspiration, food, tasty beverages, and a fun-loving community. Bid on exciting, unique auction items and enjoy hearing special guests share their Make-A-Wish stories.
Tickets and sponsorships are on sale at wish.org/akwa/our-events.
Reserve your spot and mark your calendar today. It’s for the kids. Cheers!
Looking Back & Looking Ahead
Dear Friends,
Since my first day in 2018, I knew that Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington was remarkable – composed of a strong team, outstanding volunteers, and a generous community of supporters. With your trust and support over the last six years, I’m proud to say that we have doubled our revenue and granted a record number of wishes. I’m incredibly grateful to you for the role you played in making this possible.
But the time has come for me to take on a new role to advance our organization. Effective September 1, I will leave our chapter and join Make-A-Wish America as the Chief Chapter Advancement Officer. In this new position, I will support chapters across the United States in continuing to bring hope, strength and joy to children facing critical illnesses. While I am sad to no longer lead our chapter, I am excited for the future of Make-A-Wish both locally and nationally.
This transition could not come at a more exciting time for Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. The passion for the mission and commitment to the chapter’s success is evident with record-breaking wish granting and fundraising. Our Board of Trustees is actively seeking a new leader to join this incredible team and continue our growth into a flourishing future. I am here through the summer, spearheading our goals and the work of the amazing staff, volunteers, and partners.
Please know that your support has been inspiring. None of the success achieved or wishes granted would have been possible without YOU! I look forward to supporting the chapter as a donor and wish-granting volunteer – cheering for its continued success.
With deep gratitude,
Melissa Arias
Will YOU Become a Monthly Wish Maker? Totes, Yes!
Every day, you give – your time, thoughts, and funds to what you believe in. If you believe in what Make-A-Wish does for extremely sick kids, their families and our community, become a monthly WISHMAKER. For every wish granted, there are two more kids facing critical illnesses. In their time of struggle, your generosity matters.
When you sign up to give at least $22 a month – and reach your third month in a row – you will receive a WishMaker tote bag. You’ll feel good, give good and look good. Totes, yes!
Sign up today at wish.org/akwa/givehope
Connecting the Dots of Diversity
If you have ever created connect-the-dot art, you know the excitement of seeing scattered dots transform into something cohesive. With diligent effort, the bigger picture emerges.
That is the goal of our Chapter’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force (DEITF). We are passionate about connecting the dots of our differences – from staff to volunteers to donors to wish families, spanning from Eastern Washington to rural Alaskan communities – so that we can serve every eligible child more equitably. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and working together to achieve this goal.
“We are a stronger Chapter the more our staff is educated (about DEI), which trickles into how we educate volunteers and donors about the diverse families we serve,” said Andi Blija, multimedia & creative manager and DEITF co-chair, alongside Janine Lee, assistant director of people & culture.
View our DEITF steps toward equitable change.
Your continual support paves the way.
Giving a Fresh Twist to Lemon-AID
Initiate something good in your neighborhood by hosting a lemonade stand that benefits Make-A-Wish. Your kid(s) will stay busy, become philanthropic heroes, and experience the joy of helping others. Sweet!
Last year, 19 lemonade stands raised nearly $31K. With your help, we can do more!
Ready to feel those zesty peel-good-vibes? Sign up TODAY at wish.org/akwa/lemonade to receive a Make-A-Wish banner, mobile fundraising page, stickers and more! Email Jessica Quijada at jquijada@akwa.wish.org with questions.
When Life Gives You Lemons:
EVERGREENS!
Your Northwest neighborhood spot for salads, wraps & warm bowls – is teaming up with Make-A-Wish with a summer campaign at all locations! Five lemon-inspired menu items will be featured with $1/item benefiting local wish kids.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for special events and engagement opportunities throughout the campaign, running late June to mid-September.
Learn more at evergreens.com/makeawish
VISIT ONE OF OUR HOSTED LEMONADE STANDS
JULY 31ST – AUGUST 1ST
EVERGREENS @ FREMONT (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
AUGUST 15TH – AUGUST 16TH
EVERGREENS @ FACTORIA (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
AUGUST 24th – AUGUST 25th
EVERGREENS @ UNIVERSITY VILLAGE (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
SEPTEMBER 4TH – SEPTEMBER 5TH
EVERGREENS @ BELLEVUE NE 4TH (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
A Company on Par for Wish Kids ⛳
Fore! 24 years, the Pacific Plumbing Supply Golf Tournament has benefitted Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington. Last fall’s record-breaking event raised $30k – bringing their total contributions to more than $337k!
“It’s important to us to be able to support an organization that helps to make meaningful impacts on people’s lives. Make-A-Wish does amazing things for kids, and we’re honored to be a part of it,” said Daniel Sherman, Owner of Pacific Plumbing Supply. “Make-A Wish is passionate about their mission. Working with their teams has always made us feel like our time and effort are sincerely appreciated,” said Sherman.
We are grateful for Pacific Plumbing Supply’s ongoing support.
Is your company looking to make a difference? Contact Molly Morovick at mmorovick@akwa.wish.org to learn more.
Could it be You?
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: LIDIA HERNANDEZ
“It will put a smile in your heart,” said volunteer Lidia Hernandez about what you feel as a Make-A-Wish volunteer.
Sporting her blue Make-A-Wish T-shirt, Lidia beamed, reflecting on her journey. “My cousin’s son received a wish. They went to Disneyland and came back so happy. I thought, “how can I be part of this?”
Lidia’s musings turned to action. With 30 wishes under her belt from volunteering with the Make-A-Wish N. California & Nevada Chapter, Lidia contacted our Chapter soon after moving to Spokane. Knowing that wish families plod through dire trenches – emotionally, physically and often financially — Lidia shows up at the first meeting, asking, “How can we make this better for you?” or “¿Cómo podemos hacer esto mejor para ti?”
Lidia is one of our few bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) volunteers in Eastern Washington, and she’s hoping others will join this impactful opportunity. Lidia said, “I have grandkids now. What if one of them got sick? Someone’s got to help. It might as well be me.”
Could it be YOU?
Put a smile in your heart and on a wish child’s face. Become a Make-A-Wish volunteer today. We need more bilingual volunteers in every territory.
Contact Lindsey Goss for more information at lgoss@akwa.wish.org
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