The Chippewa Valley Post provides news of area nonprofit organizations in order to increase public awareness of their missions and activities, and to provide information that otherwise might not be made available.
Our “6 of Substance” series is part of this effort. It will present answers from nonprofit organizations, in their own words, to six questions we asked about who they are and what they do. The responses will be edited only for length, grammar and style concerns.
This series will be updated regularly to introduce Chippewa Valley residents to the many nonprofit organizations and people working to serve the needs of our area. If you have a favorite nonprofit organization that you’d like to see featured here, please let us know at cvpostwi@gmail.com.
Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
Who do you serve?
Make-A-Wish Wisconsin is a state-wide organization that serves children between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 who are living with a life-threatening medical condition as confirmed by their treating physician. We also serve the community because a wish has a ripple effect, touching all who are involved, including medical professionals, volunteers, donors and extended wish families and friends.
How long have you been established in the Chippewa Valley?
Make-A-Wish Wisconsin opened its doors in 1984 and has been granting wishes throughout Wisconsin since that time.
What are the major issues you will be facing over the next 18 months?
Last year, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin granted a record-breaking 378 wishes; however, according to national statistics, about 500 Wisconsin children will be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition this year alone. This means we need to continue reaching more wish kids and their families and we need to continue raising the necessary funds and resources to grant those wishes.
Aside from financial support, how can the Chippewa Valley Community support you?
Make-A-Wish Wisconsin needs more volunteers in the Chippewa Valley to help grant wishes. The community can also help share our story by connecting with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sharing posts with family and friends.
Who are some of the key people in your organization?
Patti Gorsky is the President and CEO, Kathy LaPorte is the CFO, Jenni Parulski is the Volunteer Manager, Forrest Doolen is the Director of Marketing and Communications, Wendy Cozzens is the Director of Development and Nicole Wagner is the Director of Mission Delivery.
What is the most important thing about your organization that people should know, but don’t?
Make-A-Wish deals with the wishes of children living with a life-threatening medical condition. Often, people have misperceptions about this and don’t realize that many wish kids survive their conditions and go on to live productive lives. The wish is often part of the healing journey, leading them to the rest of their lives.
— by Forrest Doolen, Director of Marketing & Communications
If you would like more information about Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, go to www.wisconsin.wish.org.
To download a copy of the “6 of Substance” questionnaire, click here.
To see earlier “6 of Substance” listings, click here for the Archives.