Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin with Andrea Taurins, CEO, and Petri Darby, Board Chair at the city's proclamation for World Wish Month. | | When school is out and things slow down at work, wishes are ramping up. Wish kids are heading to the beach, embarking on a Walt Disney adventure, embracing staycation wishes, enjoying shopping sprees, or getting the chance to meet their favorite celebrity. Summertime is prime wish granting season and also when we experience the biggest slowdown in support for the Make-A-Wish mission. | This summer, we have an ambitious goal to grant 100 wishes in 100 days for local children facing critical illnesses through our Summer of Wishes campaign. We are halfway there, with 50 wishes already granted thanks to the generosity of our incredible community. | As you'll read throughout this newsletter, wishes are only possible because of supporters like you, from dedicated volunteers and community partners to generous donors and advocates who believe in the power of a wish. | Whether you're planning your own summer adventures or enjoying a slower season, I hope you'll consider helping us grant the next 50 wishes. With your help, together we can discover and grant 100 wishes in 100 days. | Thank you for being part of our wish community. | — Petri Darby, Board Chair, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas |
Wish kid Silas with his oncologist. | | In June, Constellation Society members came together in South Texas to host a special wish send-off event before wish kid Silas took his first flight to meet the New York Yankees. | The Constellation Society recognizes incredible individual donors whose generosity provides the critical resources necessary to grant current wishes, while we grow and innovate to meet the increasing number of wish requests ahead. | The celebration was filled with meaningful surprises, including a visit from Silas's oncologist, who is a member of the Constellation Society. The moment became even more memorable when her sons, who are good friends with Silas, were there to surprise and celebrate alongside him. | Happy 8th Birthday, Silas, and have an incredible time meeting the Yankees! | Read more about how Silas chose his wish and how you can become a Constellation Society member. | | Wish kid Kasanova with pickleball teams from Dell Technologies. | | Two more wishes are set on course thanks to Dell Technologies. | Employees, sponsors, and volunteers from Dell once again showed what can happen when community and the power of a wish come together, raising more than $274,000 through their annual golf and pickleball tournaments benefiting Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. | Everyone is a winner when you're granting wishes. Each event featured a special wish reveal that kicked off the official countdown to a wish experience wish kids and their families will never forget. | At the pickleball tournament, wish kid Kasanova celebrated his upcoming wish to meet musician Forrest Frank. Meanwhile, at the golf tournament, wish kid Jaxson's wish to be a New York police officer was revealed with the help of local first responders. | As one Dell employee, Donovan, shared after the tournament, "Events like this are a powerful reminder of what can happen when community, purpose and a little friendly competition come together." | | Read more about Dell's impact and enjoy photos from Jaxson’s epic ball drop from the bucket of a fire truck. | | Now that Jaxson has overcome leukemia, he is dreaming about his future. "Jaxson has loved the NYPD for the past two years, and his dream is to become a New York police officer when he grows up," wish mom Tiffany shared. | | Brooklyn, 18, nervous system disorder | After missing her prom, Brooklyn wished to design and host one of her very own. "More than anything, Brooklyn wanted to be celebrated and create special memories with the people she loves most," wish mom Erica shared. | | |
Adelyn, 11, heart condition
| "I want a clubhouse because I like to create my art and have time to be inspired," wish kid Addy shared. She dreams of having her own space where she can sew and make memories doing the crafts she loves most. | | Nikki Kelly, CMO, with wish kid Lyla in 2018. | | More than 11 years ago, Nikki Kelly joined Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas as an intern. Today, she serves as our new Chief Mission Officer and is already leading efforts that directly support wish kids, volunteers, and medical partners across Central and South Texas. | From leading events and supporting operations behind the scenes to serving as a full-time Wish Coordinator, Nikki's journey and leadership experience have prepared her for this role as we work toward granting the wish of every eligible child waiting in our pipeline. | Nikki says the answer to what puts a smile on her face when she walks through the doors at Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas is easy. | "It's our wish kids! They are some of the bravest and most inspiring people I've ever met. Our mission changes lives, and I'm humbled every day to be a part of it," Nikki exclaimed. | Read more about Nikki's journey from intern to executive and meet our team. | | |
Tim and Mary Wilks, founders of the Jennifer Wilks Foundation, have spent more than two decades bringing hope and joy to children and families across Central Texas.
In June, the couple was recognized with the KVUE Five Who Care Award for their extraordinary commitment to giving back and supporting local nonprofits, including Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas.
Through the Jennifer Wilks Foundation and its annual golf tournament, Tim and Mary have helped bring hope, strength, and joy to more than 65 local wish kids and their families.
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When Josh and Domonique moved to South Texas, they knew they wanted to continue giving back to the Make-A-Wish mission they first discovered while living in California.
After completing volunteer orientation, the couple recently signed up to serve as event hosts for a giveback event in San Antonio, eager to get involved.
As busy professionals, they appreciate the many ways volunteers can get involved, from events to wish granting opportunities. "Reach out and jump right in! The onboarding process is very easy. Anyone can do it," Josh shared.
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Washes for Wishes
Central Texas
| From June 18 through August 2, $1 from every Car Wash Membership sold at participating WhiteWater Express Car Wash locations will help grant wishes. Keep your car clean year-round while bringing hope, strength and joy to wish kids, their families and communities too! | | |
Foss Golf Classic
New Braunfels, TX
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If you like early tee times, enthusiastic golfers, and bringing life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, then the Foss Golf Classic is for you!
Join the tournament as an individual or a group and make it a hole-in-one event from start to finish.
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Wishes Under the Stars
San Antonio, TX
| Sponsorships for the 5th Annual Wishes Under the Stars gala are now available. Join us for an elegant evening where joy is made possible and hope takes center stage. Reserve your table to bring hope, strength, and joy to wish kids across Central and South Texas. | | From May 21 through August 29, we are working to help discover and grant 100 wishes in 100 days for local children with critical illnesses and we are already halfway to our goal. Join the fun with our family fun activity sheets. | | | Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas | 3600 Bee Caves Rd Suite 100 | Austin, TX 78746 US | | | | |
