Who We Are
Make-A-Wish® America was founded in 1980 when a group of caring individuals helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon and is now the largest wish granting charity in the world. With the help of generous donors and nearly 30,000 volunteers worldwide, Make-A-Wish grants a wish every 38 minutes and has granted more than 310,000 wishes.
Make-A-Wish® Greater Virginia is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that has been granting wishes since August 1987. Through fundraising, donor support, and the help of volunteers, Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia has been able to grant the wishes of over 4,200 children. Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia serves the entire Commonwealth of Virginia except for the counties immediately surrounding Washington, D.C.
What We Do
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. There are four steps to ensuring an incredible wish experience for each child and family.
HOW WE GRANT WISHES
Step 1: Referral
We rely on medical professionals, parents and children themselves for referrals. Children who have reached the age of 2½ and are under the age of 18 at the time of referral – and have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization – may be eligible for a wish.
Step 2: Medical Eligibility
We determine a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. To receive a wish, the child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition (i.e., a progressive, degenerative or malignant condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy).
Step 3: The Wish
We send one of our enthusiastic wish teams to learn the child’s one true wish. These committed volunteers connect with wish children, awaken their imaginations and help them envision an experience with the power to change lives.
Step 4: Creating Joy
Our wish granters create an unforgettable experience driven by the child’s creativity. They strive to personalize each wish and to make it match the wish kid's idea of a perfect day.
Details
| (804) 217-9474 | |
| (804) 217-9484 | |
| jpeterson@va.wish.org | |
| Jenna Peterson | |
| Volunteer Coordinator | |
| http://www.va.wish.org |
