A Royal Wish - Make-A-Wish® Central New York
Transcription
A Royal Wish - Make-A-Wish® Central New York
® Wishnews Central New York Winter 2014 A Royal Wish Princess Annie gets her royal dance. 6 4 Chasing Down a Dream 9 Bake Me a Wish... 5 Running for a Wish Brenda Dann Photography The Impact of a Wish For over twenty-two years, I’ve had the privilege of watching wishes come true. Listening to wish granting volunteers giddy with excitement over meeting a new family is infectious. Hearing feedback from medical professionals who say the wish experience can improve their patients’ state of mind, their willingness to comply with treatment protocol, their response to treatment, and their physical health validates that wishes are more than a “nice thing to do.” They are necessary. Witnessing the excitement as a child is told their wish will come true etches a snapshot in my heart that fuels my soul. Reading letters from parents describing that the wish experience brought their families back together and provided simple joy in watching their child smile, laugh and play is better than any book I’ve ever read. Meeting adult wish kids who say their wish made them feel better emotionally, improved their health, gave them confidence and the will to pursue more challenging life goals, made them more philanthropic, and even helped to save their lives emphasizes the importance of a wish at a critical time in the treatment process. But perhaps the most incredible ride of human emotion comes from the actual participation in watching the wish itself unfold. This past year, my very gifted colleagues initiated a campaign to grant a wish in my name in honor of my fiftieth birthday. It took me awhile to gather my composure – not because my real age was revealed Revenue Wishes do change lives. We are fulfilling wishes for 100% of the eligible kids referred, yet somehow, we are not reaching 100% of the eligible kids living throughout the fifteen counties we serve. Help us reach those kids. It will make a difference to them and in turn, I assure you, it will make an impact on you too. Diane E. Kuppermann President & CEO Expenses FY 2013 Other Income 2% In-Kind Support 14% but because it was truly the most perfect, thoughtful and meaningful gift. I floated on a high for months not thinking about a particular wish, but rather all the wishes that come true in our chapter and the others across the country every single day, nearly 14,000 times each year, and of all the people it takes to make them happen. Being part of this organization is quite simply gift enough. When I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did. On December 6th, a wish was granted in my name AND I had the honor of watching the actual wish occur. Princess Annie’s wish to dance with a Real Royal Prince was the experience of a lifetime. Along with Annie’s family, my colleagues, her wish granters, and very special friends of the Foundation, the magic of Make-A-Wish® unfolded before our very eyes. Every possible human emotion converged on that day and it changed me, and I suspect everyone in that room, forever. The simplicity of a very special little girl’s wish coupled with the selfless generosity of Prince Lorenzo Borghese and so many others is the very foundation on which the organization was built. Fund Raising 13% Different Types of Wishes Mgmt & General 7% I wish to have 22% Individual Support 19% I wish to be 1% I wish to meet 8% Corporate Support 14% Events 48% Grants 3% Wish Granting 80% I wish to have Above Ground Pool ( 2) iPad (1) Bad Boy Buggy (1) Playset (3) Golf Cart (1) Pets (2) Higher Education Scholarship ( 1) Shopping Spree (6) 2 I wish to go Cruise (5) International Travel (6) US Travel (8) Walt Disney World (34) Make-A-Wish® Central New York I wish to be Storm Chaser (1) I wish to go 69% I wish to meet Meet a Celebrity ( 6) Where Are They Now? Mya, 24, remembers everything about her wish that was granted in 2000. Mya was eleven when she received her wish to go to the Australian Olympics with her family to see Marion Jones win gold. For a week and a half she created countless memories while watching the excitment of the Olympic games unfold right before her eyes. While there, Mya had the chance to meet and talk with her role model, Marion Jones. She also wore Marion’s gold medal and got to watch her compete in many events. Marion was more than just an Olympic runner to Mya; she was an inspiration and an encouraging symbol of strength during her fight with Leukemia. Mya grew up loving track and field and all of the events it had to offer. While Mya was going through her treatments she continued to run until she could compete again, and followed Marian Jones’ career and path to Olympic fame. Not only did Marion stand as an inspiration for Mya, but the Olympics games as a whole did as well. Mya realized that the Olympic games could truly change someone’s life. This realization has influenced the way she has carried out her life since those few weeks spent at the Australian games that summer. Mya has continued a very close relationship with Make-A-Wish® Central New York and the staff. After her wish, she became a very active member of the Foundation. Mya stands as a national spokesperson for Make-A-Wish®, which gives her the opportunity to travel and share her stories of the magical experience she had through the Foundation. This past year, she had the opportunity to visit London and meet with many Make-A-Wish kids. While speaking, she also explained her journey and how her life has changed since her wish came true. Make-A-Wish Central New York has truly been life changing for Mya. She believes Make-A-Wish has an underlying power not only to help lift spirits but to also endlessly impact a person’s life. Mya noted, “one thing that people don’t realize is that Make-A-Wish really has a power to not only change a child’s life the instant they have their wish, but also have an impact on everything they do in the future. It is one of those launching pads to help them figure out not only how to get better, but really to create hope of potential things they can do with their future, from what they’ve learned and experienced through Make-A-Wish.” Macy’s Brings Home the Magic! Macy’s has donated more than $10 million to Make-A-Wish® as a result of its 2013 Thanks for Sharing and Believe holiday campaigns helping to grant wishes in Central New York. Since 2003, Macy’s has donated more than $73 million to Make-A-Wish nationwide. We are proud of our long-standing relationship and thank Macy’s customers and associates for all that they do to help make wishes come true. cny.wish.org 3 Running for a Wish The highly popular and challenging Boilermaker 15k run was an amazing race yet again. From beginners, to professionals, everyone who participated was anxious for the second weekend in July, when they “took their mark” at Utica, New York’s 35th annual Boilermaker. Earl C. Reed established the Boilermaker 15k race in 1978 as a way to give back to the Utica community that has supported his family business, Utica Boilers, now known as ECR International. The greatly anticipated race is known for hosting up to 17,000 world-class runners, record holders, Olympians, and all kinds of people who have a passion for running. Over the years, the Boilermaker has earned its position as being one of the most competitive road races in the world. Although the event sold out in a record-breaking three days, that didn’t mean there wasn’t still a chance for eager runners to take part. Boilermaker’s founder, Tim Reed, earmarked 200 bibs for local charities to sell. Although Make-A-Wish® was alotted 50 bibs, we were able to surpass that, with 59 bibs sold due to high demand. This program is unique in that it is the first charity running partner program for a 15k race in the country. Make-A-Wish was thrilled to have so many generous runners take part in the charity bib program, and 51of 59 of runners are new donors to Make-AWish Central New York. These participants came from seven states and 32 different towns and cities in New York State. The bibs could be used in either the 5k or 15k race. Each runner who raised money to participate in the charity bib program was required to raise at minimum $500, but were encouraged to continue fundraising as much as possible. All funds raised through July 14, 2013 were eligible for prizes. The top male and female runners who raised the most money to support Make-A-Wish® Central New York were David Ayoub and Lauren Kincaid, both board members, and were each awarded a $1,000 prize. Make-A-Wish Central New York raised over $45,000 through this program! Make-A-Wish Central New York also sponsored a $1,000 scholarship awarded to one high school senior or recent graduate who demonstrated a commitment to serving the community. The charity partners 2014 registration opens on March 8th with general admission to follow on March 22. We have submitted our application and hope to be chosen as a Charity Partner for the 2014 Boilermaker Charity Partner Run. Watch for charity run details. Campus Wide Wish Granting Make-A-Wish® is proud to announce that campuses within Central New York can help make a child’s wish come true. Wishmakers On Campus® are students who spread the Make-A-Wish mission through certain campus activities and fundraising events. This program can be a rewarding and uplifting experience for all college students in an attempt to give back to their community while also putting skills such as leadership and fundraising to use. Become a Wishmaker today by calling our Make-A-Wish® Central New York office at (315) 475-9474. 4 Make-A-Wish® Central New York Bake Me a Wish as Fast as You Can... Make-A-Wish® Central New York has granted more than 1,400 wishes since 1985. This monumental achievement deserves an entire week of recognition to honor the lives that have been changed due to the hard work of countless volunteers and donors who instill hope, strength, and joy in the lives of children. This past April, Make-A-Wish Central New York and Dunkin’ Donuts teamed up to host the most delicious week out of the entire year. What is this satisfyingly sweet week’s purpose? It’s World Wish Day, a time when people have a perfect excuse to treat themselves to a mouth-watering treat, and donate to a great cause at the same time. From April 22nd to April 29th, hundreds of people dropped by with an appetite to one of the 120 participating Dunkin’ shops and gave a $1 donation, which benefited Make-A-Wish Central New York and the many Wish Kids waiting to have their wishes granted. In return for their generosity, customers received a rewarding snack; a blue and white frosted, star-shaped donut. Many Wish Kids, along with volunteers, were present at the door and ready to greet eager customers with a star that would represent their donation. Ciara, mother of a Wish Kid, commented on how thrilled she was with World Wish Day and Make-AWish Central New York for what they do. “I have a daughter that has fought cancer and Make-A-Wish granted her a wish. If they raise money with the donuts, they are going to make lots and lots of children happy and make more wishes come true.” The appetizing seven-day event was a huge success. Diane Kuppermann, CEO of Make-A-Wish Central New York, revealed that the donut craving customers helped raised more than $42,000 total! Thanks to the big hearts and appetites of Central New York’s people, many wishes will come true. Hot Out of the Oven! Dunkin’ Donuts® will again host a week long Make-A-Wish® Star Donut Fundraiser beginning on World Wish Day, April 29th through May 5th. Make sure you come get your donuts while they are still hot! cny.wish.org 5 Princess Annie Gets Her Royal Dance December 6, 2013 was a special day for Wish Kid, A.K.A. Princess Annie. Annie knew right away that her wish was to “Dance with a REAL Prince at a Ball”. That is a magical wish for any 11-year-old girl and Make-AWish® staff knew this wish would be extra magical for the Realm of Central New York. First, a Royal Herald (David Lowenstein) announced her wish was being granted at the Ms. Orange Fan® Luncheon joined by Lord Jim and Lady Juli Boeheim. Soon after, Princess Annie, her sisters and mom were shopping for the perfect Ball gowns, a dream of every girl, young or old. The Wish Department knew early on that this wish would require an extraordinary team of volunteers to complete the task, so staff members Olivia Colabufo and Amanda Timmerman set out to assemble a marvelous committee. The committee: Angie Champion, Mary Drescher, Pragya Murphy, Anna Rose Salerno, Diane Wladis, and wish granters Mike Hanna and Dawn Roessing, teamed up to create an enchanted evening. Their collective resources resulted in detail beyond what even we could dream. Her 3D, hand-designed invitations donated by Lydia Johnson were stunning. Specially packaged and uniquely addressed using all royal titles, they were mailed to the royal guests. There is no question that all the stars were aligned that night. The day began when their chariot (All American Limousine) picked-up Princess Annie, sisters Sadie and Emma, and Mom and Dad, Marie and Daniel. They arrived at the Jefferson Clinton Hotel where they dined in their room for lunch, held interviews with Good Morning America, and then whisked off to spend the day at the spa! Princess Annie, her sisters and mom were given the royal treatment at SpaZend and Hair Habitat being pampered with massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and royal hairdos. To keep up their energy, Strong Hearts Café provided the most delicious cupcakes! At 5:15PM the Royal family again entered their chariot and headed for Greystone Castle in the Kingdom of Canastota, New York. The streets were lined with villagers waving signs and cheering for the arrival of Princess Annie and her Royal Family. Wish Mom Norma Christian and all grown up Wish Kid Jillian Christian rallied the villagers including the fine men and women of the police and fire departments and made hundreds of luminaries that lined the streets and the front of the castle. On the steps of the castle, Mayor Carla DeShaw gave Princess Annie the Key to the Village of Canastota. Princess Annie and the royal family arrived at nearly the same time as Prince Lorenzo Borghese, a real Prince from Italy who currently resides in New York City. They met in the castle balcony and as you would imagine Princess Annie smiled with delight and curtseyed to her Prince. Prince Lorenzo quickly responded, “Oh no Annie, it is I who bows to you.” Announced to all the Royal Guests by the magnificent Herald, Princess Annie and Prince Lorenzo took to the dance floor and danced to Galen Crew’s song very fittingly entitled, “Princess.” There was not a dry eye in the castle which was decorated in royal pink fashion, complete with signature pink drinks, and a royal feast. They dined in Royal Prince and Princess chairs alongside the head table of royal family members. After dinner, music played and everyone, including the Princess and Prince, line danced to the Cha Cha Slide. Dessert was served and to the Princess’ delight, it was a s’more and candy bar. And to end the Grand Ball, Princess Annie and Prince Lorenzo had one last dance before they waved good bye to the royal guests. Everyone who attended will never forget that night! As one royal guest commented, “It was Annie’s wish, but we all have a new fairy tale to share for the rest of our lives.” This night was what wishes are made of… MAGIC! Princess Annie & Prince Lorenzo meet 6 Princess Annie waves to the villagers ® Make-A-Wish Central New York Princess Annie & her royal family Splashing into Summer Six-year-old Wish Kid Abby will be beating the summer heat this upcoming season in style. Sure, she loves activities like playing outdoors, reading inside, and dancing around, but nothing compares to splashing around in a brand new Tarson swimming pool to escape the hot sun. At her favorite restauront, KFC, Abby received the news that her wish was going to be granted. There were many friends and family in attendance, along with fun decorations, balloons, cake and loads of goodies. She also received tons of new inflatable pool toys, a bathing suit, beach balls, sunglasses, and all sorts of items to help celebrate her wish coming true! The news of the new pool was so exciting to Abby, especially since swimming is her favorite activity! sor: ® Spon h is ly t- A -W Supp Adop Welding n u Ha On June 5th, she had the chance to swim in her new above ground pool. At her very own reveal party, Abby, her family, and friends spent the day together admiring the new addition to their backyard and celebrating Abby’s wish coming true! Sugarman Law Firm Wish Ball Make-A-Wish® Central New York hosted its annual Sugarman Law Firm Wish Ball and the night began with the reveal of the 2014 Wish Kid Calendar, where nearly all 12 star studded Wish Kids were on hand to autograph their calendar page. The evening included a silent auction and raffle - Jewels are a Girl’s Best Friend Raffle with three amazing prizes, a $4,000 shopping spree, $1,000 shopping spree, and a beautiful pair of diamond earrings. The program began with President and CEO, Diane Kuppermann, welcoming everyone and presenting Applebee’s as the 2013 Wish Ball Honoree. Their invaluable support hosting wish reveal parties, providing lunch for volunteers at the Southern Tier Walk/Run, and for achieving the $1 Million mark in regional donations made them deserving of this recognition. That award was followed by the presentation of The Cindy Award, recognizing one outstanding volunteer. Jack Gray was this year’s recipient honored for the countless hours spent, including personal vacation time from his job, on the Foundation’s newly designed website. The joint project between the National office and chapters created the opportunity for National office team member Alex Cabal to visit upstate New York and present the award to Jack. They had never met but worked together daily for over a year on the project. Jack has volunteered for the chapter in many capacities for over ten years. He and his wife Cheryl attended the Ball without any idea of Jack’s award. The program didn’t end there. Eric Stensland, Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin Brands, unveiled the 2014 Wish Calendar which Dunkin’ Donuts sponsored. Wish Kid Mya Thompson later took the podium as the keynote speaker. Mya spoke enthusiastically about her amazing journey with Marion Jones, a professional track Olympian who had become Mya’s mentor/pen-pal enabling her to remain positive during her cancer treatments. As a surprise, Marion Jones joined Mya onstage via video to talk about their meaningful friendship and how Make-A-Wish® impacted her life as well. The program ended with a dance performance by Wish Kid John Wonka who nearly lost his leg to cancer and is now a professional dancer. The evening was a funfilled mission driven night to celebrate Hope, Strength and Joy! (Mya’s Story on Pg. 2) cny.wish.org 7 I see London, I see France Wish Kid GanLi, an ambitious and adventure seeking 15 year old, had always dreamed of traveling to far away places where she’d have the ability to explore new cities and experience the sites they have to offer. GanLi, now in remission after being treated for acute myloid leukemia, was given the trip of a lifetime when her wish came true this past March. With her family at her side and a mind full of wonder, she flew across the Atlantic to the historically rich cities of London and Paris. With a chock-full itinerary, GanLi and her family had an entire week to visit the places she’d wished to see most. On her journey, GanLi saw the Changing of the Guards in front of Buckingham Palace, Kew Garden, the London Eye, and many other exciting locations. While in Paris, she journeyed to the Eiffel tower, took a sky-high hot air balloon ride over the beautiful city, and enjoyed a delicious chocolate tour. Her number one must-do activity while in Europe was to ride the Chunnel, a one of a kind train that connects England to France and is 31 miles long! GanLi’s entire family was thrilled with Make-A-Wish for making it possible for her to witness first hand what other places the world has to offer. Her mother, satisfied and excited for her daughter, commented, “She was able to have a “grown-up” travel experience with her family and explore old and new places. She was strong and full of energy, as well as wonder.” This once in a lifetime opportunity left GanLi excited for more. In her thank you email, she expressed how this Make-A-Wish trip was not only an enjoyable adventure but also a learning experience for her future travels, “All in all, the trip was an amazing experience, that definitely gave at the least me and my sister some good travel know-hows, and lots of really fun memories.” Adopt-A-Wish® Sponsor: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Kids Can Make a Difference! The Kids For Wish Kids® program puts kids in charge. They take the lead in brainstorming fundraising ideas, developing plans of action, and then watching their ideas come to life. Participants will see how their time and enthusiasm can change the lives of kids in their community. Creating a fundraiser can be part of classroom work, a communuity sports organization, community service hours for school, or just a desire to help other kids. Participation in the Kids For Wish Kids program will bring Make-A-Wish® Central New York one step closer to the goal of fulfilling wishes of kids 21/2 to 18 years old. A Make-A-Wish experience can help wish kids feel empowered and renewed. Wishes are transformational events that can help them live with – or even overcome – their medical conditions. And it can also be life-changing for everyone who helps 8 share the power of a wish ® . Make-A-Wish® Central New York Chasing Down a Dream While most people run away and hide from big storms, 16-year-old Wish Kid Nick likes to hunt them down and chase them instead. His love for the weather has made this courageous teen curious to witness nature’s largest storms first hand. Nick has always had a passion for weather. Ever since elementary school, he has been reading the forecast over his school’s morning announcements, staying in touch with local Meteorologist Bill Kardas, and avidly watching storm chasing shows on TV. He was diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), a disease that causes Nick to lose his eye sight, but nothing can stop Nick from taking part in what he is most passionate for in life. His biggest wish was to sit alongside his favorite Discovery Channel show host, Reed Timmer of Storm Chasers, and accompany him in tracking down monster storms. Thanks to Make-A-Wish Central New York, and our National Celebrity Team, his wild wish came true. Over his spring break, Nick, his step-dad Tim, Reed Timmer and a crew from Viper Tours, drove for miles through the Midwest in hopes of seeking out exciting and dangerous storms. While on his adventure, Nick got to be apart of a weather team, talk about weather with people who share the same passion, look at models and make an actual forecast. He also saw his first tornado and held the large hailstones that were produced from the storm. Nick also made an appearance on national TV when he was interviewed by The Weather Channel. In his interview, Nick expressed how grateful he was to be apart of such an unforgettable experience, “The highlight of the week was being in the group and being there as a team member, that really made me feel special and really made me feel great.” Adopt- A -W ish ® Spon sor: The C harlamb Fa mily Ms. Orange Fan A Huge Success! ® Thanks to Juli and Coach Boeheim for another amazing sold out Ms. Orange Fan® Luncheon. We are also so very grateful to the SU Basketball Team Players, Sour Sitrus Society, Otto, SU Cheerleaders and their dance team for making this event exciting and fun year after year. “The Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon is an amazing event and Coach Boeheim has helped raise over one million dollars for Make-A-Wish®, equating to more than 190 wishes. It’s remarkable,” noted Diane Kuppermann, President and CEO. Since the very first Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon, over 22 years ago, family members and friends who have been touched by the magic of a wish have continued to generate hope, strength and joy. This event helps us share the power of a wish®! We are also grateful to our wonderful sponsors for helping to make this event possible: Manny’s, Trusted Choice, Wegmans, Henry Wilson Jewelers, Corso Cookies, Visual Technologies, Dellas Graphics and Galaxy Communications. Coach Boeheim & Wish Kid Nina cny.wish.org 9 Adventures in Paradise While visiting the lively paradise, Leyla was treated like a princess at the resort’s spa, relaxed on the beach by the salty sea, and explored what the towns of Puerto Rico had to offer. But, kicking back and relaxing wasn’t the only thing Leyla had in mind. At night, she and her family set out and paddled their way to one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomenon, the Bioluminescent Bay. The luminescent light show produced by Mother Nature was Leyla’s favorite part of the trip. Every time she dipped her paddle in the water, a stream of neon blue light swirled around in its trail, and little fish shot through the water alongside her kayak, looking like an underwater meteor shower. Wish Kid Leyla, 15, was ready to set out on a new adventure. She was searching for a place where she could be free to explore and venture, a place where she could discover and witness nature’s beauty like she’d never seen it before; an escape that would allow her to voyage through a tropical paradise most people only witness in their dreams. For Leyla, this place was Puerto Rico. During the day, Leyla sat herself in the saddle of a horse for a Palomino horse riding adventure. She galloped around for hours and miles on wilderness trails, seeing all of the natural beauty Puerto Rico provides its visitors. Witnessing the treasured paradise by horseback was an unforgettable way for Leyla to soak in the sights of the lovely beaches, and appreciate the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Leyla, a very active and ambitious teen, along with her family embarked on a vacation to the vibrant, multicultural and adventure filled land of Fijardo, Puerto Rico. There she was able to relax and unwind with her family. Leyla had an amazing experience, was granted the wish and trip of a lifetime, and was surrounded by the people she loves most in a place she had always dreamed of visiting! If We Had Only Known... Make-A-Wish® Central New York recently received a surprise bequest from the estate of a woman we unfortunately never had the opportunity to thank. Of course we appreciate the gift immensely. It revealed a gracious and generous person who believed in the impact of each wish we grant. And the gift will help us continue to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. But, we feel disappointed because we never had the opportunity to express our gratitude for her kindness. We were unable to let her know how much her gift would mean to one of our wonderful wish children. If we had only known, we could have said, “Thank you.” Have you named Make-A-Wish Central New York in your estate plans? If so, please let us know. We would like to thank you! To speak to someone about your legacy giving or to learn more, please contact Christine Corbett at 315.475.9474 or [email protected]. 10 Make-A-Wish® Central New York BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers David Ayoub, CPA Chair Lauren Kincaid, CPA Co-Treasurer Joseph Chirco Immediate Past Chair Robin J. Toia Secretary Partner Partner Bowers & Company, CPA’s Firely, Moran, Freer & Eassa Commercial Marketing Operations Carrier Corporation Michael Lorenz Vice Chair Principal Auspicium, LLC Michele Flavin, CPA Co-Treasurer Finance Manager Syracuse Orthopedist Specialist Colleen Julian, LEED® AP Member-At-Large Manager Service Marketing & Training Carrier Corporation James R. Reed Member-At-Large Senior Vice President Marketing & Sales Excellus BlueCross BlueShield ADVISORY BOARD Christina Bond William Coon Bob Davidson Frank Discenza Robert P. Fiesinger Kenneth J. Garno Robin Goldberg Donald L. Hamilton Donald Lawless Joseph Maryak George McGuire Deborah E. Moore Jim Ockenden Virginia G. Biesiada O’Neill Lawrence P. Schunck Jason Sciarro Lynda Sturick Susan J. Tormey YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY COIUNSEL (YPAC) Coty Burgess Steven Cucci Jordan Cushman Stephen Daniels Corey Gurrette Tim Monaco Kate Hennigan John Higgins Zachary Long Todd Michalak Margot Selover Morgan Striggles Rebecca Tibbitts Shannon Welch Trustees Mary Jo Bertrand Retired Janet Callahan, Esq. Managing Partner Hancock Estabrook, LLC Darlene Cempa, CPA DELTA Engineers Architects & Land Surveyors Paul Dodd, CLU®, ChFC® Managing Partner Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Dan Kosick, Wish Kid LMSW R.T.S. Middle School Stephen Pesarchick,Esq. Partner Sugarman Law Firm Christopher Pinckney Wish Dad Executive Creative Director Pinckney Hugo Group Cindy Reed Retired Greg P. Scagnelli, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist United Health Services Jessie M. Verna, Esq. Director Regulatory Affairs ConMed Corporation Laura Wittenbeck Strategic Business Advisor Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy Insurance STAFF Diane Kuppermann, President & CEO Christine Corbett, Development Director Bethann Kistner, PR/Communications Manager Robin Mulpagano, Finance & Operations Director Debbie Simon, Events Manager Nancy Smith, Donor Relations/Office Coodinator Amanda Timmerman, Program Services Manager Want to give back to your community? Interested in filling the lives of children with hope, strength, and joy? Make-A-Wish® Central New York needs you! We are currently looking for volunteers and wishgranters in Oneida, Broome, and St. Lawrence counties. If interested contact our office 315.475.9474 800.846.9424 or visit our website. cny.wish.org 11 UPCOMING EVENTS ® Make-A-Wish Central New York 5005 Campuswood Drive East Syracuse, NY 13057 SADA Charity Preview February 12, 2014 OnCenter Syracuse, NY Southern Tier 5K Run/Walk for Wishes® April 26, 2014 Recreation Park Binghamton, NY Onondaga Beverage Corp. Make-A-Wish® Open June 2, 2014 Bellevue Country Club Syracuse, NY Nelcorp Make-A-Wish® Open June 9, 2014 Traditions at the Glen Johnson City, NY Walk on the Wild Side Honoring Tiffany Heitkamp Stay tuned for details July 11, 2014 Rosamond Gifford Zoo Syracuse, NY Boilermaker July 13, 2014 ECR International Utica, NY A Child’s Ticket to A Wish The Wishes in Flight® program enables us to send our wish kids to their dream location by using your donated air miles. Usually air miles expire, but once they’re in the Foundation’s account they have no expiration date. Remember your child’s air miles can be donated too; let them help another child in need. Frequent flyers can donate by calling (315) 475-9474. Sugarman Law Firm Wish Ball September 6, 2014 OnCenter Syracuse, NY Ms. Orange Fan® Luncheon October 26, 2014 OnCenter Syracuse, NY 77% of Central New York wishes require travel. P.S. For every 25,000 miles donated A special thank you to Dunkin Donuts will give the donor a $25 gift card to Dunkin Donuts. Make-A-Wish® Central New York intern Kelly Falconer for article writing and interns Stephanie Connect with us on social media! Spina & Angela Martini for the Make-A-Wish design and layout of the Winter Central New York @makeawishcny 2014 newsletter. ® 315. 475.9474 800. 846.9474 MakeAWishCNY www.cny.wish.org Make-A-Wish Central New York [email protected]