May 4, 2022
This newsletter is intended for registered Make-A-Wish volunteers only.
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Good morning volunteers,


We've heard feedback from our eventsonly or informal volunteers that they'd like more contact from the office, so we're premiering this abridged newsletter with top volunteer highlights!


It's spring, whether the sun wants to acknowledge it or not, and that means that soon Walk for Wishes will be here! That's right, on June 4 we'll be holding our annual fundraising walk that celebrates the wishes granted in our state, while raising funds to fulfill future wishes of children with critical illnesses in Minnesota. It's a fun, family-friendly event with many volunteer positions, from event set-up to greeters, course marshals and more! You don't have to be an official Make-A-Wish volunteer to help out, so sign up a friend or a partner too! Plus, volunteers as young as 14 can volunteer alongside an adult, so why not make it a day to give back as a family? Take a look at the schedule and sign up here.


And don't forget to take this quick survey about National Volunteer Appreciation Week!

Resources Guide
Take care,
Gabby Santiago - Volunteer Services Manager
Upcoming Events
Walk for Wishes
Walk For Wishes will be here in June! We invite you to join us at Walk For Wishes at Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 4, 2022! Walk For Wishes is an annual fundraising walk that celebrates the wishes granted in our state, while raising funds to fulfill future wishes of children with critical illnesses in Minnesota. It's a fun, family-friendly event with many different volunteer shifts available. Check out the schedule and sign up to help out here.
*Wish kids walk for free. Contact Elizabeth Rohrer at erohrer@mn.wish.org for more information.
New Did You Know...
Wish Ball was a HUGE success and over $1,000,000 was raised for Minnesota wish kids! Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make the night a great one!
Employment Opportunities

Temporary Donor Database Support Make-A-Wish Minnesota
 
Make-A-Wish Minnesota is looking for a contractor to provide donor database support from late May through August while our Donor Database Administrator is out on maternity leave. 
 
Duties would include:
  • Creating and updating constituent records
  • Coding and entering cash and in-kind donations
  • Creating queries, exports and reports as needed
  • Assisting with donor acknowledgement
 
Make-A-Wish Minnesota is transitioning from Raiser’s Edge to a new CRM in SalesForce the beginning of June. SalesForce Training will be provided.
 
Hours: 25 – 32 hours a week. 
Hourly rate: $24
Most work can be performed remotely after training.
 
If interested in this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Wixon Carlson at jwcarlson@mn.wish.org or 612.767.2762.
Donations & In-Kind Needs
Current In-kind and Resource Needs for Wishes:

Make-A-Wish Minnesota has a number of needs for current children who are waiting for their wishes. We are seeking help from donors, community, volunteers or anyone with connections or resources that maybe able to help. The most pressing needs at this time are for Boats & Pontoon donations and/or discounts. Contact Lachelle with any leads.

Boat & Pontoon Needs: 5 kids still waiting. We would like to secure these items within the next month.
  1. 3 fishing boats needed at donated or steeply discounted pricing for wish kids. Boats must be new in order to be given for wishes. Motor speed may not exceed 30 mph.
  2. 2 pontoons needed at donated or steeply discounted pricing for wish kids. Pontoons must be new in order to be given for wishes. Motor speed may not exceed 30 mph.
Corporate Match Programs
Do you want to maximize the impact of your charitable donations and/or volunteer service to Make-A-Wish Minnesota? Many companies have a matching gift program. These programs are corporate philanthropy initiatives that reward an employee's gift of volunteer service to a non-profit organization. What a great way to support Make-A-Wish Minnesota! Contact Pete Johnson with questions.
Amazon Wish List
Many of our in-kind needs can be purchased directly from our Amazon Wish List. Items can be purchased online and shipped directly to the Make-A-Wish office at 1919 University Avenue W, Suite 415, St. Paul, MN 55104.
Training Opportunities
Virtual Training for New Wish Granters
Do you know someone who would be a great wish granter? Volunteer Services will be hosting a virtual wish granter training for new wish granters on May 16 from 12-1 p.m. If they're not already volunteering in another position send them an application and they can sign up for a slot on our Sign Up Genius. Contact Gabby Santiago with questions!
Volunteer Spotlight
We are grateful for the contributions of every volunteer! To help you get to know one another and share your incredible work with the community, we highlight a different volunteer on the Make-A-Wish Minnesota website monthly.

This month, check out our feature on volunteer Heather Kilber!
Staff to Know

Are you wondering who is working behind the scenes at the chapter office? Meet Alex Jenson, our Referral Intake Coordinator!

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