Make-A-Wish Foundation Of Orange County

Programs: The make-a-wish foundation of orange county and the inland empire has fulfilled more than 6,000 wishes since its inception in 1983. The chapter employs 30 staff members and is supported by a constituency of approximately 700 volunteers. Twenty one of these volunteers dedicated their time and treasure serving on the board of directors and overseeing the chapter's governance, development, and management activities. Directors may serve up to six consecutive years on the board with one-year, three-year and two-year terms respectively. Our mission is delivered almost entirely by our wish granting volunteers. Wishes are granted at absolutely no expense to the family. All costs such as airline tickets, hotels, transportation, meals, and spending money are covered by donations to the organization. As the chapter receives no federal or state funding wishes are granted solely through individual, group and corporate donations. Over 79 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to making wishes come true. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and in-kind donations to keep costs low. During the 2017 fiscal year, the chapter delivered 325 wishes for children in our three county, 28,000 square mile territory. Additionally, the chapter assisted approximately 696 wish children and their families from make-a-wish chapters around the country and the globe by coordinating support and planning services, facilitating access to local attractions and accommodations, and a host of other wish enhancements for their orange county and inland empire wish experiences. The chapter continued its efforts in 2017 to build on its vision to "offer a wish to every medically eligible child in the territory" through ongoing medical outreach efforts, by developing community relationships, and by continuously refining its wish granting processes to ensure a mission delivery of the highest standard.