Kids Wish Network, Inc.

They were honest, and open. I know they have had bad ratings over the10 years ago, but they have come a long way!!

I have seen so many wish granted and real stories out there of people loving them!!

It's sad that i can't put a zero star review in they are scammer and they will harass you for days and days even though you alredy donated. And you donated for what?? For them to cash in the money they're not in here to help the kids they are in here to scame you
iilluminaughtii on youtube made an amazing video on the subject look up this video The Make-A-Wish Clone Who Pockets The Money

Disgusting charity that lines its own pockets. Do NOT trust this charity!

I think it's horrible how much your CEO's get paid vs how many kids you help in a year. Make A Wish is far superior and less greedy. Don't waste your money here, they only pay out themselves.

We were nominated and approved for Kids Wish Network. To say we were disappointed is a complete understatement. We were initially devastated. We ended up declining their wish and getting approved with a different organization almost immediately. When we were initially nominated, we were told the organization was like "xyz.. insert organization name" and that another organization wouldn't approved us because they specialize in "life altering" illness and the other one is for "life threatening" illness. This turned out to be a lie. The organization that they were referring to also assists with life altering illness and are not affiliated with Kids Wish Network.

Once we were approved and spoke to a wish coordinator, the process took over a year. Once we talked to someone again, it was the same introductory talk with my child that took place the year prior. Over the year and a half Kids Wish Network never called to check in or even say "hi". They spoke to my child very briefly and were very secretive about getting his wish to him. It wasn't really what he wanted and they didn't speak to me before granting it. To top it off the air fair gift card they provided was only for 2 people and we are a family of 4. Not to mention they tried to play it off as them gifting us a trip but it was a bunch of gift cards. I had to email them and decline it because of all the money we would come out of pocket.

Lastly, there is a place where children who have their wishes in Orlando can stay for free. Hundreds of organizations partner with them. Oddly, Kids Wish Network is not one of them. It's very odd because they are in the same state. Not only that but none of the theme parks in Florida offer perks to people traveling with Kids Wish Network because they don't consider them a "wish granting organization".

Hello. In 2003, I worked at a Telemarketing company called Organizational Devolpment which use to be a call center which called people to collect donations for various children's charities which included Kids Wish Netwotk, Childhood Lukemi Foundation, Cancer Recovery Foundation, and etc. After all of the overhead was done, the money for the kids turned out to be 11% of the donation dollar. So, if you donate $100.00, $11.00 dollars is what really goes to these children. Moreover, the Organizational Devolpment INC, in Tampa, Florida was owned by the same owner from The Florida PBA regional fundraising, meaning the Florida Police Benevolent Association. All which are not scams but very small portions of the money goes where they say. 40% of the money you donate goes to the telemarketer who calls you. They all get paid in part on commission. My advice is not to donate to these rip off artists.

My son had a stroke and brain surgery at 2 years old, he is now 4 and doing better than we ever could have imagined. Kids Wish Network has gone above and beyond to make my boys dream of a playground at home come true! Going to the park used to be a regular thing for us, but with my little guy not being able to use his right side, the park is more of a struggle with all the extra people. I cannot thank this foundation enough for all they have blessed my boy with! I highly recommend this charity. It's a process that is worth it!

-A mother trying to make this world a better place for her babies.

If I could give 0 stars, I would. This company preys on elderly. My Mom is 89 with Alzheimers, and in spite of the fact I have written and called them to ask them to stop communicating with her, they continue to contact her in writing and by telephone, making her feel bad over not paying a $10 pledge. She is not legally competent to contract and I have power of attorney over all of her financial affairs. They have been told this and provided a copy of the Power of Attorney. The last person from Kids Wish Network that called her today was ugly to her and hung up on her.

All the news stories make me very sad about what this organization does with the money it gets. I have donated in the past, but I wouldn't donate again. Thanks investigative journalism.

I just got a solicitation call that sounded like a real person having a conversation withe me. It started with, "Oh what a nice voice. The last person I was talking to sounded like my Mother-in-Law." But after a few answers I could tell it was automated. DISGUSTING!!! I have been a fundraiser for 30 years. This is not the way top raise money!!! And I am sure their fundraising costs are tremendous!

I know 1st hand that this organization does not grant wishes entirely how they make themselves out to. Even though they help you financially for incidentals, you shouldn't have to use that money to make your actual wish take place. They do not get to know you on a personal level to find out about your child's disease to know how to accommodate you. They do it their way with all of their donated services and then make you feel as if you've done something wrong when there are issues. I've had a child that was able to go through Make a Wish and let me tell you, this place doesn't even come close. Very unprofessional.

Kids Wish Network was named as THE worst charity in America by The Center for Investigative Reporting and was featured on CNN as such: "Every year, Kids Wish Network raises millions of dollars in donations in the name of dying children and their families. Every year, it spends less than 3 cents on the dollar helping kids. No charity in the nation has siphoned more money away from the needy over a longer period of time." (http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/13/us/worst-charities) They play off the name of well-established honest charities to confuse donors. They are in the midst of several lawsuits and investigations and should not be trusted with their money.

They keep calling and calling and calling. They even told me I donated $25 last May which is false. They were insistent I had donated previously and wanted me to make the same pledge. I asked to be put on the do not call list. We'll see if they do.

All you have to do is do a search on "charity navigator" and view the IRS tax statements for any of these organizations. Kids Wish Network is run by a Anna Lanzatella in Florida. The tax statement for 2012 seems to show that their expenditures are excessive. Anna's salary was $119,000 aprox. in 2012
Secretary Barbara Askin's compensation was appox $89,000 in 2012.
The charity navigator site also lists the ratings of many organizations.
Each individual has to investigate, have an accountant look at the figures and then decide for themselves.

Yes, they are a scam, and they also call us night and day after 5 years since we donated to them. They are currently under investigation by the government. Also: THESE REVIEWS ARE MOSTLY FAKE, SEVERAL REVIEWS COME RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER IN THE SAME TIME INTERVALS.

My husband contributed to this charity last April and after figuring out that many ask for multiple donations each year, we keep a record. After he informed them that we donate once a year, they pressed for a "current fund drive" donation. When he started to refuse again, she rudely hung up on him. Tonight they called again, and when i told them he was not interested in talking to them, and that I was requesting that we be removed from their phone list, she rudely said that they just wanted to thank him and hung up. Such manners do not reserve support.

I was called several years ago and asked for a donation. I mistakenly thought I was talking to the "Make a Wish Foundation" and gave $15. When I got my receipt in the mail I realized my mistake. Now they call me at least twice a year, I have asked them to put me on their "do not call list" with no results. They continue to call and tell me that I have been donating for years which is false, I only donated once. I have threatened them with legal action, and they contiune to call. I finally found out how to block their number thru my phone service--what a nuisance.

isn't it interesting that all the people who have written "positive" reviews never provide their full name, address, organization name or address, or any other way of someone actually being able to contact them to verify that in fact donations were made? i think the Breiners probably either wrote these themselves or paid other people (as part of their "expenses") to write them. What a complete sham! i can't believe KWN continues to be able to exist.

Kids Wish only gets 12% of the donated revenue! This is a scam! Simple as that.

They are currently under investigation. Check out the "Kids charity worker turns whistleblower" story on TBA.com

My daughter Kaylee's appendix burst and she had to have surgery after being lifeflighted to the hospital. After what seemed like forever she was finally able to leave the hospital 4 weeks later on her birthday. She is doing well now and it was to her excitement when the hospital chose her as Kids Wish Network's Hero for the month. They gave her a cute shirt and a medal that she really likes along with a $100 gift card. She really enjoyed shopping with her Walmart gift card after her final visit to her surgeon. Thank you, Kids Wish Network and a great big thanks to Janet Weiss Childrens Hospital in Danville, PA.

Thoroughly enjoyed participating in an organization that has helped so many people in Monroe County. It's so rewarding to take part in an organization that can make a difference in our community. Looking forward to participating again! - Monroe County Mayor Tim Yates

We love Kids Wish Networks Hero Program!! My name is Crescent Rossiter. I am a Case Manager for a one-to-one mentoring program. Children are refered to my program becaue they have suffered or are suffering from a variety of different issues mostly involving abuse. I learned about the Hero Program because of an email I recieved from another youth serving agency in my community. I immediatly looked into signing up my program. Our children have been served by Kids Wish Networks Hero Program over 2 years now. It is so wonderful to be able to present this kind of award to children who have been dealth such unfair circumstances that are out of their control. These Hero awards not only brighten their day; they encourage these children to move forward toward a better life for themselves, where most adults would give up. Thank you Kids Wish Network! You are an amazing Program!

I am a Child Life Specialist that is employed at a children's hospital in Wisconsin. We have been enrolled in the Hero of the Month program for a very long time now.
It is amazing to see the looks on the patients AND family members faces when you tell them they have been selected to be the "Hero" for that month. Parents are so appreciative of the thought of a just a nomination.
There are many wonderful programs that acknowledge patient's that have life-threatening illnesses. Not many are for family's and patients who don't experience a life-threatening illness, but rather a traumatic event or unexpected stay in the hospital that can be just as stressful.
This program is PRICELESS and we hope to be able to continue to nominiate our "Hero's" every month and continue to put those smiles on their faces!
Thank you VERY much!

Kids wish network recognizes our patients who endure many things, but wouldn't otherwise get recognition. They are wonderful to work with, and we really appreicate their support.

Kids Wish Network is an amazing organization. Our facility feels incredibly lucky to have a rapport with them and the ability to nominate and have recognition for these hospital hero's. Currently, I work on a general 31 bed medical/surgical/cardiac unit with kids of all ages and varying diagnoses. When I nominate kids for this special award, they truly light up. Kids Wish Network helps these kids hospital stay and all the tests/procedures they endured become validated.

I had a wonderful experience volunteering for Kids Wish Network! Handing out gift bags to needy families really made me think about how blessed I am. Kids Wish Network is a great organization that I hope I get to work with in the future!

The Kids Wish Network's Hero of the Month program has been a tremendous success at our facility. We are a not-for-profit pediatric outpatient rehabilitation facility that serves children of all ages with special needs. However, most of the children we serve are not eligible for large "wishes" granted for children with life-threatening diagnoses. The Kids Wish Hero of the Month allows us to formally recognize and honor the children who work hard each and every day, striving to overcome non-life-threatening disabilities. This program has been a trememdous benefit to our clinic and the patients we have been lucky enough to be able to recognize as our heroes.

An amazing organization. Kids Wish heroes program has empowered the lives of scores of children at our Freedom House and Secret Garden programs, which serve disabled victims/surivors of domestic violence and their families. Keep up the amazing work.

While working at the homeless shelter, I am given the opportunity to meet children who continue to inspire me each & every day. I recognize young leaders and amazing individuals, despite their difficult living circumstances. Because of the Kids Wish Network, I am able to acknowledge and nominate a deserving child. When I present a child with a Hero of the Month certificate, along with the package sent from the KWN organization, the biggest smile appears on the child's face. It is great to see a child be proud and stand tall as they are awarded. Not only are they ecstatic about being recognized, they also appreciate the love and support that is given to them.
We truly appreciate the tremendous support the Kids Wish Network has provided for our families. You are our Hero!

CAUTION! Read the archived reviews.

This charity has a terrible record of enriching itself and related fundraisers at the expense of donors and kids whose dreams could be made true with sincere leadership and effective management.

Convincing a handful of beneficiaries and volunteers to write letters of support does not make a organization worthwhile. If you care about kids, give to one of the many organizations that will use the vast majority of your money for the kid's benefit instead of to line their own pockets.

In addition to outlandish payments to fundraisers, the Breiners are pocketing over $230K per year off-the-top.

See older reviews for dozens of complaints.

Kids Wish Network is one of the charities that our son and family has had the pleasure of benefiting from. Our son Drew was born with a rare disease, one that is chronic and uncureable. Having a child with a life threatining disease is life changing. No child should spend their kidhood dealing with hospital stays, scary and painful proceedures, the constant flow of strangers poking and proding. Childhood should be a carefree time, a time for play, worry free. But if that is not possible I am so very greateful for organizations like Kids Wish.
At first we applied to Make-A-Wish but were denied, even though we knew of other families that had the same disorder as our son being granted wishes. Our son did not qualify because he was not terminal. Though our friends children were not terminal either. Kids Wish understands that child with a chronic life threating illness need an escape from their pain and illness. Kids Wish recognizes that threat to our childrens lives is real.
They didn't think twice when we placed our application. They contacted us within a few weeks. They interviewed our family and son who is ill and more importantly they paid attention to our daughter (who thank God) is healthy. Having one sick and one healthy child is very hard. The sick one always gets all the attention, though we try to make things even and make special time for our daughter, it never is. Kids Wish get that everyone suffers with an illness not just the one afflicted. Within a couple of months we were on our son's Wish trip to
Legoland inSan Diego County to fullfill Drew's wish to be a Lego designer for a day. It was a wonderful weekend, Mom and Dad enjoyed the time spent at La Quienta Spa and Resort. :) Kids Wish have never pressured us for endoursments or donations. They are kind, respectful and giving. We only have the most wonderful things to say about Kids Wish and spread the word about them at every opportunity.

Kids Wish Network granted my son his Disney World wish in August 2010. Everything was wonderful. It was a first for our family with three special needs children to just go on a vacation. I cannot express enough thianks to all the sponsors and the people at KWN for giving our son and the rest of the family a memory we wil never forget.

Kids Wish Network granted a wish for my child Ebonnyse to go to Disney World. This was the best wish and experience she could ever encounter. I would like to thank all the sponsors that made it possible for Ebonnyse dream to come true. The Kids Wish Network is the only and best organization that helps kids believe that dreams are meant to come true. Thank you for all your help and support, we are most grateful.
With love, Ebonnyse Stafford and Family..

Kids Wish Network granted our son a cruise in August 2010. They went above and beyond anything we could have imagined. They didn't even leave out, our other son. They sent a box before we left filled with so much stuff, it was incredible. It is the trip that Cody will never forget, and
we cannot thank them enough.

My son Sean had his wish granted last April 2010 by Kids Wish Network. He wished that he could visit as many presidents' grave sites as possible and leave a flower to show respect. As a family, we decided to go to DC and VA to cover the most in the shortest amount of distance. They filled the 7 days with so many things for us to do in respect to his wish! he had private tours of the zoo, Washington Monument, Capitol Blg, and of course Arlington, National Cathedral, and Monticello and Mt Vernon. As this was an unusual request and scheduled for 6 weeks from designation of a sponsor, it was quite amazing that so many things were planned in so little time. We were and are very grateful for the experiences our son and we had with several of the people for Kids Wish network.

Kids Wish Network gave my 6 year old son a great trip to Disney/Florida in 2009. They were so gracious and took care of everything! They also sent him an unexpected care package and have kept in touch. It's so heartwarming! We love Kids Wish!

I volunteered for them in their Holiday office one time as part of our companies initiative to help charities by giving back. I was in the warehouse that has tons of toys. I helped prepare packages that were going to be sent to hospitals to give to sick children. It was a great experience, the entire staff was welcoming and very pleasant.