Wishnews - CONTENTS I wish to have a fishing boat! - Make-A-Wish Central New York
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Wishnews
®
FALL 2018
I wish to have a
fishing boat!
Joseph, 18
Onondaga County, Leukemia
2 WISH VOICES 8 DONOR SPOTLIGHT
CONTENTS
3 WISH SPOTLIGHT 9 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
4 EVENTS 10 NOTEWORTHY
6 MAKING WISHES COME TRUE 11 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers/Executive Committee
Wish Voices
Laura Wittenbeck - Chair
Account Executive – NBT-Mang Insurance
Deborah E. Moore, Esq.* - Vice Chair
United States District Court
Debra Rao - Secretary
Business Development Executive
Strategic Accounts, Comfort Systems USA
Debra Colón
2nd VP Compliance / Asst. Secretary
Columbian Financial Group
Mark Colombo, CPA - Co-Treasurer “The gift you give to children
Principal - Firley, Moran, Freer & Eassa
and their families is truly
Wendy Riccelli, CPA, CVA - Co-Treasurer indescribable! We have a memory
Principal - The Bonadio Group of a lifetime. In Aiden’s words
‘that trip was totally epic’!”
Trustees
Ray Watkins,
Adam Barkley Dad of wish kid Aiden
Vice President, Mirabito-Gresham Insurance &
Bonds Agency, LLC
Caitlin Sgarlat DeLuca, DO
Asst. Professor Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Bill Evans
General Manager, NewsChannel 9 WSYR
Stan Goettel, MA, EMT-P
Director of Education Programs, Department of Emergency
Medicine - Upstate Medical University
Steve Heath
Director of Commercial Sales, Annese & Associates – “Thank you for making my
A ConvergeOne Company daughter Amanda's wish
come true. A truly amazing
Paul Mullin, Esq. organization you are. I will
Partner, Sugarman Law Firm, LLP
always donate in the future so
Gregory A. O’Leary other kids can have their wishes
Senior Advisor, Assurance Services, Ernst & Young, LLP come true as well.”
Joseph J. Saya Laurie Ineich,
Wish Dad, Owner, Saya Real Estate Mom of wish kid Amanda
Kevin Smith
Solutions Specialist, Eastern Managed Print Network
Rei Thompson
Wish Sibling, Quality Assurance Director
ElderChoice
Lisa A. White
VP Chief Compliance / Risk Officer
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
*Advisory Committee Member “Tyler's attitude and energy did a 180
after the reveal. Once we got to the
campsite he was full of energy. Since
Staff we have been home Tyler has given
Diane Kuppermann - President & CEO many tours of his camper and his
excitement for it has not diminished
Katie Aiello, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager one bit. We are so extremely thankful
for everything the Make-A-Wish
®
Kelly Collins, Operations & Program Coordinator n
Foundation and every single perso
Robin Mulpagano, Finance & Operations Director from the Poker Run did for our family.
It was truly an unforgettable event.”
Heidi Robinson, Program Services Manager
Steven English, Dad of wish kid Tyler
Debbie Simon, Events Manager Surprise wish reveal at 1,000 Islands
Dyana Smolen, PR/Communications Manager Charity Poker Run event
2
WISH
SPOTLIGHT
Joseph’s wish comes true
It had been a daunting senior year for Joseph. After being diagnosed with leukemia before the start
of his senior year of high school, the easy-going 17-year-old began treatment that hit him hard.
At a low point, Joe and his family were referred to Make-A-Wish® Central New York. The connection
provided the East Syracuse teen with an opportunity to take his mind off illness and treatment, and
think about something happy, something amazing.
With a love for the outdoors and fishing as a favorite hobby, Joe didn’t have a hard time deciding
what his wish would be. His vision: A fishing boat to enjoy with family and friends.
With help from Bass Pro Shops of Auburn, Make-A-Wish Central New York staged a surprise wish
reveal for Joe at Emerson Park in Auburn. Thinking he was attending a graduation party in his
honor, Joe was met at the park by Make-A-Wish volunteers who rolled in, airhorns blaring, with
an impressive tow: A brand new 2017 Tracker Super Guide V-16 SC fishing boat!
“The day he received his boat was his moment,” said Joe’s mom, Kristy. “I have not seen him smile
the way he did that day in a long time.”
After breaking in the boat on a fishing adventure with his dad, Joe has since taken it on many lake
rides with family and friends. Here’s to many more fishing trips, Joe! Wishes really do come true!
3
3
EVENTS
FIFTH ANNUAL WALK ON THE
WILD SIDE IS THE BEST YET!
In July, we celebrated our fifth annual “Walk on the Wild Side” fundraising event at The Wild Animal Park in
Chittenango. Held in honor of longtime supporters The Heitkamp Family, the event provides a fun, outdoor
gathering for the whole family while raising funds for local wishes. This year, “Walk on the Wild Side” raised
more than $57,000 in support of wishes for local children with critical illnesses! This success could only be
possible through the generous support of sponsors like Trusted Choice and Gary and Mary Heitkamp and
family, as well as the following businesses and individuals: 93Q, DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury
Lawyers, Dunkin’ Donuts, Express Save Industries, Gary’s Auto, Hiawatha Fasteners, NAPA Auto Parts, Panda
Postage/Express Small Parcel, Inc., Paul Luteran, Richard T. Ranucci, Sugarman Law Firm, and Tarson Pools.
4
JUST A FEW MORE SPOTS LEFT FOR
MS. ORANGE FAN!
On October 21st, we’ll gather with Coach Jim and Juli Boeheim and the Syracuse
University Men’s Basketball Team for the 27th Annual Ms. Orange Fan® Luncheon, a
ladies-only event that has raised more than $1.5 million for wishes since inception!
The event kicks off with a crowd warm-up featuring The Sour Sitrus Society, cheer
and dance teams, and Otto the Orange. An autograph session with players and coaches
follows, then transitions to a live auction where attendees can place bids to have a
player or coach join their table for lunch. Raffles, a silent auction, and merchandise
sales also take place during the event.
To join us, call today to see if we still have tickets available: 315-475-WISH or
800-846-9474. More information about the event is available online at cny.wish.org.
We hope to see you there!
5
WISHES
MAKING WISHES COME
Make-A-Wish Central New York is dedicated to creating life-changing wishes for
TRUE!
children with critical illnesses. The following wishes were granted during our last
business quarter. Not all wishes granted in this time frame are represented here.
ANNABELLE, 4 - Onondaga County
Seizure Disorder
Wish Granters: Terry Baum &
Sandy Joslyn
BELEN, 14 - Oneida County
daga County
AMANDA, 17 - Onon “I wish to have a sensory room
Congenital Heart Disease
Cancer Wish Granters: Lynn Moretz &
makeover."
ttiaccio, Dena Gorea
Wish Granters: Leah Ma
r & Me liss a MacMillan "I wish to go to Walt Disney
Roberta Wilbu
." World® Resort."
“I wish to go to Belize
COLE, 7 - Cayuga County
Congenital Heart Disease
Wish Granters: Kelly Hirsch & Georgena, 8 - Onondaga County
BRODY, 10 - Tompkins County Meghan Wilson
ld® Cancer
Blood Disorder "I wish to go to Walt Disney Wor Wish Granters: Terry Baum &
Wish Granters: Kelly Hirsch & Resort." Sandy Joslyn
Meghan Wilson
"I wish to go to Walt Disney Wor ®
“I wish to have a hot tub." ld
Resort."
6
LEVI, 9 - Lewis County
ga County
JOSEPH, 18 - Ononda Neuromuscular Disorder
Leukemia Wish Granters: Kelli Bell, MADELYN, 13 - Broome
Bender & Coun
Wish Granters: Debbie Vickie Devlin & Laura Oram Cancer ty
Marilyn San son “I wish to have an Alaskan Wish Granters: Deb Co
boat." lón & Chris Pilotti
“I wish to have a fishing Wilderness Adventure." “I wish to go to the Nic
kelodan Resort
in Punta Cana ."
MATTILYNN, 4 - St. Lawrence
PATRICK, 19 - Otsego County
County Respiratory Disorder
t
Genetic Disorder
Wish Granters: Karla West & PAUL, 13 - Wish Assis
Wish Granters: Angie Guimond & Genetic Disorder
Steven West
man
Jamie Fairchild
“I wish to have a jet ski." Wish Granter: Doug Lay
“I wish to be a princess at Walt Disn Ba seb all
ey “I wish to go to the
World® Resort." Hall of Fame."
PAYTIN, 5 - Oswego County TYLER, 6 - Oswego Co
Cancer STEPHANIE, 21 - St. La unty
wrence Congenital Heart Diseas
Wish Granters: Brittany Streeter & e
County Wish Granters: Laura Or
Aliki Ilios am,
Cystic Fibrosis Vickie Devlin & Kelli Be
"I wish to go to Walt Disney World ll
®
Wish Granters: Benny “I wish to have a campe
Resort." Fairchild & r."
Jamie Fairchild
“I wish to go to Hawaii."
7
DONOR
SPOTLIGHT
1000 Islands Charity Poker Run
raises more than $35,000 for wishes!
The second annual 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run took place in July on the scenic St. Lawrence River in Clayton, NY.
The boating event attracted participants from around the country and raised more than $45,000 for local charities,
including $35,000 for Make-A-Wish Central New York, $7,500 for River Hospital’s Community Wellness Program, and
$2,500 for local emergency medical and fire service agencies.
During the event, the poker run committee and event attendees helped Make-A-Wish Central New York stage a
surprise wish reveal for six-year-old Tyler, who wished to have a camper.
“I’m amazed by the generosity of our participants,” said committee member Nolan Ferris. “I feel like this event
has an incredible camaraderie between the participants, the community, the charities and the local agencies and
departments. I can’t wait to see what happens next year.”
The event returns for its third year, July 18-21, 2019. For more information, visit 1000islandsrun.com.
8
VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT
VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to our volunteers of the month. Thank you for
going above and beyond to make wishes come true!
SH IN IN G A LIG HT ON JULY: Mary Ann Egan
AN GE LA TO W NL EY
Johnson City resident Mary Ann Egan has served our chapter for
the past four years as chair of the Nelcorp Make-A-Wish Open
golf fundraiser. In this role, Mary Ann has logged many hours of
planning and preparation, and has risen to every occasion. Her
can-do attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes have
helped make the event a success. Coupled with her passion for
Stop in to the Make-A-Wish Central New York office her work and the Make-A-Wish mission, Mary Ann is deserving of
any evening during event season and you’ll find recognition. Thank you, Mary Ann!
Angela Townley creating masterpieces with wicker and
cellophane. Using donated goods and a collection of
baskets, Angela crafts the finished pieces for virtually
every Make-A-Wish Central New York basket raffle.
She began volunteering in 2001, but Angela fell in love
with the Make-A-Wish mission long before her first
official volunteer role. In 1991, Angela was working with
US Airways and gathering with fellow employees at the
Syracuse International Airport to send wish kids and their
families off on flights. The group would hold 50/50 raffles
to raise money for wish kid activity bags, ensuring the kids
had fun things to do as they traveled.
Since then, Angela has played a crucial role in events such
as the annual Make-A-Wish Open in Syracuse, Sugarman
Law Firm Wish Ball, the Dunkin Donuts Spare Change
Campaign, and the Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon. For Angela,
the reason she spends so much of her time volunteering is
simple.
AUGUST: Doug Layman
“Recent studies indicate that the health of many wish kids For more than 20 years, Doug Layman, a retired New York
improves after a wish has been granted,” she said. “That State Trooper, helped orchestrate the Northeast Police Ski
is a wonderful feeling, but over time I’ve seen wishes Championships with friend and fellow volunteer Bill Manley. That
event raised more than $63,000 for Make-A-Wish
not only impact the child and family. They also have a Central New York. Upon retirement in 2016, Doug signed on to
tremendous impact on the volunteers and members of the become a wish-granting volunteer - one of the few we have in
community.” Otsego County. In his role as wish granter, Doug recently jumped
in to provide a wish assist for Wisconsin wish kid Paul, who
Thank you for all you do and have done for Make-A-Wish wanted to attend the 2018 National Baseball Hall of Fame and
Museum Induction Weekend in Cooperstown. Doug served as
Central New York, Angela! We appreciate you… and your gracious Make-A-Wish host and tour guide. Thank you, Doug!
beautiful baskets! 9
NOTEWORTHY
We can’t grant wishes without the support
of a generous community. Thank you to the
following for their ongoing support!
Ice Cream for
Breakfast Fundraiser
A few years ago, four-year-old Noah experienced his wish
to go to Walt Disney World. After what she says was “an
amazing experience,” Noah’s grandmother Sarah Axtell was
inspired to pay it forward for other wish kids. The Axtells
began an “Ice Cream for Breakfast” fundraiser that this year
generated more than $2,000 in support of wishes! Thank you
Axtell Family!
Practice Resources
Golf Tournament
Each year, Practice Resources in Syracuse supports
Make-A-Wish Central New York through its annual
golf tournament. Thank you for the ongoing support!
Servpro Golf Tournament
For 13 years, Servpro of North and East Onondaga and
Oswego counties has held a gold tournament with proceeds
going to Make-A-Wish Central New York. The event, held in
June at Pompey Golf Club, has raised more than $130,000 for
wishes. Thank you, Servpro!
Pictured, from left to right, are Make-A-Wish Central New York Events
Manager Debbie Simon, Practice Resources Operations Manager
Nicholas Barletta and Make-A-Wish Central New York President &
CEO Diane Kuppermann.
10STUDENT
SPOTLIGHT
Student Fundraisers
Make Wishes Come True
In the 2017-18 school year, students and school groups across the country made wishes come true by
participating in the Kids for Wish Kids® and Wishmakers on Campus® programs. They learned the
importance of teamwork, community service, and leadership skills while raising funds to help grant
wishes for children fighting critical illnesses.
Last year, students from throughout our 15-county territory generated more than $75,000 for wishes!
No matter the size, these events help ensure our ability to say YES to every eligible child! If you
know a student group at the K-12 or college level, encourage them to get involved with Make-A-Wish
this school year! For more information, contact Dyana Smolen at dsmolen@cny.wish.org or
call 315-475-WISH or 800-846-9474.
Students make wishes come true in many ways! Here are some schools
and students who fundraised and raised awareness for us this past year:
1. Susquehanna Valley High School National Honor Society held a talent show.
2. Chance (right) and his brother Parker (left) donated their birthday gifts.
3. Binghamton University Wishmakers on Campus conducted one of the largest Macy’s Believe letter drives
in the country via their “Letters to Santa-thon” event.
4. LeMoyne College Wishmakers on Campus Club sponsored a lacrosse game tailgate party for wishes.
1 2 3 4
A SPECIAL THANKS!
A special shout-out to the following students as they coordinate their Fall 2018 fundraisers:
Binghamton University Wishmakers on Campus, Cazenovia College Senior Capstone Gala, Hamilton
College Wishmakers on Campus, East Syracuse Minoa High School DECA, Jamesville DeWitt Kids for
Wish Kids Club, Section III Boys Volleyball, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute-Wildcats Care.
11Make-A-Wish® Central New York
5005 Campuswood Drive
East Syracuse, NY 13057
@makeawishcny
Facebook.com/MakeAWishCNY
Instagram.com/makeawishcny
315-475-WISH | 800-846-9474 | cny.wish.org
Special thanks to Kaelyn Willcox for the design and layout of our
Fall 2018 newsletter | kaelyndessena.com
TRANSFORM LIVES
One Wish at a Time
We create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
With more than 130 wishes in process, we need your support now more
than ever. Help us create magical, once-in-a-lifetime wishes for
kids facing daunting life experiences!
CNY.WISH.ORG
Wishnews
®
FALL 2018You can also read
