DONATE NOW
 

April 2025 | Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas

 
 

Wish kid Oliana (center) and her family on wish day

HEALING WATERS OF HOPE

For 17-year-old Oliana, the soothing feeling of warm, moving water brings peace in the midst of constant pain. Living with a gastrointestinal disorder, Oliana is also legally blind and non-verbal, making it difficult for her to express herself.


Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas worked to make her wish for a “giant warm bathtub with a waterfall and jets” a reality and give her a source of daily comfort and joy.


See the joy on Oliana’s face as her wish comes true in this heartwarming video shared by her family


“Everyone should know how special this wish is,” shared her mom, Shannon. “It’s a difference maker for a kid who is, honestly, suffering most days and in constant pain. To see that smile on her face when she’s in the hot tub — it’s priceless.”

For Oliana, the magic of her wish isn’t just in the water or the jets. It’s in the moments of peace, joy, and relief that remind her and her family that even amidst the struggles, there is beauty, love, and hope. Help us grant more wishes like Oliana's.
DONATE NOW
 
 
 

APRIL IS WORLD WISH MONTH

One Wish Inspired a Movement

On April 29, 1980, a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius, facing leukemia, wished to be a police officer. His community rallied to make it happen and sparked a global movement that continues today. That first wish led to the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has since transformed millions of lives.

This World Wish Month, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas proudly celebrates 40 years of wish granting in our central and south Texas community. Thanks to the incredible support of donors, volunteers, partners, and friends like you, we’ve granted more than 6,500 wishes across 40 counties — each a powerful reminder of the joy and hope a single wish can bring.


Right now, more than 400 local children are waiting for their wishes — wish kids like Violet, Logan, Jamari, and Natalie. Their wishes have the power to uplift, to heal, and to inspire, but we need your help to grant more wishes!

DONATE NOW

Become a WishMaker during World Wish Month! Here are some great ways to get involved and bring hope and joy to children with critical illnesses across central and south Texas.

WISH YOUR WAY

Create a personal or team Wish Your Way fundraising page to support life-changing wishes in your community.

VOLUNTEER

Become a wish-granting volunteer and bring strength, hope, and joy to children facing critical illnesses.

DONATE TODAY

Make a direct contribution to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas and help grant a life-changing wish for a child in your community.

WORLD WISH MONTH

Rally your team or community and go blue for wishes on April 29, World Wish Day. Or, light up your office building in blue to make a bold statement of support.

HOST A FUNDRAISER

Plan a happy hour, pickleball tournament, 

or social event in your community to raise funds and grant more wishes.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Shop, dine, and round up while supporting local businesses giving back to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas during World Wish Month. Every dollar helps grant life-changing wishes for children in our community.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

Whether you can offer a memorable experience like a limo ride, bakery treats for a wish reveal, or supplies that enhance a wish experience, your generosity helps create extra special moments for wish kids and their families.

Many companies match employee donations, which can double your impact and grant even more wishes! Check with your company to see if they offer a giving match.

 
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT WORLD WISH MONTH
 
 
 

OUR MISSION

We are busy creating life-changing wishes for children across central and south Texas! We’ve already granted more than 100 wishes since September 1 and are on track to reach 200 by August 31.


From wishes to go to fun destinations to wishes to have a “furever” best friend, we’re working hard to create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for wish kids and their families.

101

Wishes Granted from Sep 1-Feb 28

413

Children Across Central and South Texas Waiting for Their Wishes

$12,986

Average Value of a Wish

 
 

CALLING ALL WISH ALUMNI

It is our pleasure to invite those who have experienced their wish to the next stage of the wish journey! We encourage you to stay connected and build relationships with other wish families, participate in exclusive alumni events, and express gratitude by making sure the next child receives their wish.


Share Your Story

Your story is powerful, inspiring, and needed.


Connect Your Community

Involve your school, workplace, and neighbors.


Exclusive Events

Gather, meet, and raise funds needed to grant more wishes.


Volunteer Opportunities

Help make sure every eligible child experiences the power of a wish. 

JOIN THE WISH IT FORWARD ALUMNI COMMUNITY
 
 
 

Partner Spotlight: Chi Omega

Since 2002, Chi Omega has been a proud national partner of Make-A-Wish, dedicating their time, energy, and fundraising efforts to granting life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Chi Omega encourages both collegiate and alumnae chapters to actively volunteer, raise funds, and connect with local Make-A-Wish chapters to make an impact in their communities, including right here in central and south Texas.


At The University of Texas at Austin (UT), the Chi Omega sisters are passionate about supporting Make-A-Wish, knowing their efforts help give wish kids moments of happiness and hope. â€śWe love supporting Make-A-Wish because it gives kids and their families a chance to escape from their difficult circumstances and focus on the excitement of their wish,” shared the UT chapter. One recent unforgettable moment was celebrating with wish kid Anna before her dream trip to Hawaii — an experience that meant the world to Anna and her family!

UT Chi O sisters with wish kid Anna

Texas State Chi O sisters at The Color Run

Chi O San Antonio chapter alumnae gathering

At Texas State University, Chi Omega's commitment shines through during annual events like The Color Run, where sisters and wish families come together for a magical day of fun and impact. “Being able to work with Make-A-Wish is SO special, and we are so lucky to be able to work with such an amazing organization,” shared the Texas State University chapter after a colorful day celebrating wish kid Gabriel and his family. 


Beyond their collegiate years, Chi Omega sisters remain dedicated to supporting Make-A-Wish. In San Antonio, the Chi Omega alumnae chapter continues to make a meaningful impact by fundraising and advocating for Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. Through events like their annual luncheon and by attending and supporting our signature events, they help bring hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses.


Thank you, Chi Omega, for all you do to make wishes come true!

Volunteer Spotlight: Anne Meiteen

For Anne Meiteen, the mission of Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas is personal. In 2004, her daughter Elyssa was granted a wish to go to Walt Disney World Resort, creating lasting memories of happiness and relief for their family. Anne recalls, “Going on a wish trip was the first time we weren’t saddled with sadness, but instead had zero worries or concerns. Make-A-Wish CSTX took care of it all and we were truly full of joy.”


Shortly after Elyssa’s wish experience, Anne was invited to join the Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas regional council. She accepted the opportunity and jumped in full force — becoming a dedicated volunteer, donor, and advocate for our mission. She has played a crucial role in fulfilling life-changing wishes, especially through Builders of Hope, a coalition of volunteer experts and professionals who provide industry knowledge and resources to help fulfill construction-related wishes.

Anne at Wishes Under the Stars Gala

Eloisa’s wish to have a room redo

Noah's wish to have a tree for birdwatching

Chloe's wish to have a dance studio

Some of Anne’s favorite moments include Eloisa’s wish for a room redo, Noah’s wish to have a special tree for birdwatching, and Chloe’s wish to have a dance studio. Through these wishes and more, Anne has been hands-on in creating meaningful experiences for wish kids and has provided invaluable in-kind support for home and backyard renovation wishes, ensuring that every child’s wish is met with care and compassion.


Volunteers like Anne embody the heart of Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas — bringing hope, joy, and renewed strength to children facing critical illnesses. We are incredibly grateful for Anne’s unwavering support and the magic she helps create, one wish at a time.

As our wish-granting efforts grow, so does our need for volunteers — especially Spanish-speaking volunteers in Bexar County. If you’re looking to make a difference in your community, click below to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and join us in granting wishes!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
 
 
 
 

Best Wishes

From Andrea and Petri


As the season of renewal and hope blossoms, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support. Together, we continue to bring life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses, giving them strength, joy, and renewed hope for the future.


This April, we are celebrating World Wish Month, a time to reflect on the incredible impact of a single wish granted that ignited a global movement. For 40 years, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas has been part of this mission, bringing hope and joy to children and families when they need it most.

Andrea Taurins, Chief Executive Officer

Petri Darby, Board Chair

We invite you to join us in celebrating the power of a wish as we share inspiring wish stories, highlight the dedication of our volunteers, and offer opportunities to get involved. Take a moment to explore the ways you can become a WishMaker, whether through giving, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness.


This spring, we are ramping up the pace to grant more wishes this summer — our busiest wish-granting time of the year! From dream vacations to meeting heroes, and even receiving the perfect puppy, every wish we grant is made possible because of you — our dedicated supporters, donors, and volunteers.


Your generosity fuels our mission, and together, we are changing lives one wish at a time. Because of you, hope is alive and wishes come true! Thank you for being part of our community.

Get to Know Our Board Chair

Petri Darby, Make-A-Wish CSTX Board Chair, with his wife, Shannon at Wish Ball

 

What inspired you to get involved with MAWCSTX? 

My history with Make-A-Wish spans almost 

30 years. I’ve worked for Make-A-Wish America (twice), worked with the national office as a client, and served as a wish-granting and PR volunteer. I met my wife Shannon through Make-A-Wish — we were married by a wish mom and had a wish kid as our flower girl. My son played hockey with a wish kid whose dad served on the Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas board and recruited me to join the board.

 

What fuels your passion for our mission? 

I have seen firsthand how the power of a wish transforms lives and how wishes are good medicine. I have seen wish kids find hope again, get stronger, and reclaim joy as their wishes unfold. I have seen how wishes help families temporarily shed the burdens of a critical illness and feel like a normal family again. I have seen communities come together and make magic for kids who need it most. And some wish kids have told me their wishes saved their lives.

 

If you had a wish, what would it be?

I wish to visit and tour former Finnish Karelia, the homeland of my grandfather and great-grandmother. They evacuated in 1939 during the Winter War, and no one in my family has ever visited Karelia since.

 
 
 

Jennifer Wilks Foundation

Annual Charity Golf Tournament


FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Star Ranch Golf Club, Hutto, Texas

Benefiting Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas


Join the Jennifer Wilks Foundation on Friday, April 25, for the 20th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. This milestone event supports the foundation’s mission to assist children and families facing childhood cancer. Play or volunteer and help put smiles on children’s faces! 

JWF GOLF

Ways to Give

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across central and south Texas. Whether you are an individual donor, corporate sponsor, or fundraising advocate, your generous support transforms lives, one wish at a time.

DONATE ONLINE

Donate to our mission and join us in creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across central and south Texas.

WHEELS FOR WISHES

Avoid the hassle of selling or trading and donate your unwanted vehicle through Wheels For Wishes. Each donated vehicle makes a big impact and helps create wishes!

MATCHING GIFTS

Does your company match philanthropic giving? Double your impact with a corporate match. Check with your company to find out if they offer a giving match.

LEGACY OF WISHES 

Including a gift to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas from a will, trust, life insurance, charitable gift annuity, or IRA can ensure a legacy of wishes and transform lives for generations to come.

 

OUR WISH LIST

Our vision is to grant every eligible child's wish. Help us make wishes extra special with celebratory items for wish days and send-offs!


Gift Cards

(H-E-B, Party City, local restaurants)

Wrapping & Tissue Paper

Gift Bags

Greeting Cards

Confetti Poppers

Balloon Sticks


Check out our Amazon Wish List and purchase items that bring smiles and joy to our wish kids!

AMAZON WISH LIST
 
 

Board of Directors

Petri Darby, Chair

Charles Butt Foundation


Brian Schwartz, Vice Chair

SIZE


Andi Ruda, Treasurer

Rainbow CFO


Lorena Kieser, Secretary

Cadaver Lab SA



Dr. Chatchawin Assanasen Chapter Medical Advisor UT Health San Antonio

Jeremy Blackman

Luther King Capital Management (LKCM)/Hester Capital Management


Mike Finke


Amy King

Bazaarvoice


Monroe May

Merit Medical Systems Inc


Ryan Meyer

Frost Bank

Mike Miller

Capital Creek Partners


Bill Paul

Quantum Metric


Albert Swantner

SaveDay


Amy Villarreal

Sinclair Broadcasting Group

 
 

Join us and help grant wishes today!

DONATE NOW
 
 
Facebook      Instagram      Linkedin      Youtube