
With more than 50 chapters throughout the United States, Make-A-Wish is one of the most widely known nonprofits in the world. Yet there’s probably a lot you didn’t know about this organization.
The Jacksonville community has played a vital role in the mission of Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida since 1980. Because of this shared goal, we wanted to share a few lesser-known facts about our chapter.
1. Many Wish Kids Grow Into Happy, Healthy Adults
Make-A-Wish is honored to grant wishes to children living with critical illnesses. And while these conditions are often life-threatening, they are not always terminal.
The term “critical illness” refers to a wide range of diagnoses and the majority of the children we help go on to live happy, healthy lives. However, during their darkest days, wish kids often face treatments and symptoms that drastically impact their daily lives.
By granting a wish, Make-A-Wish offers joy, hope, and strength, bringing light when they need it the most.
2. Wishes Support Kids’ Health
Granted wishes are more than just a day at a theme park or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation; they help support the physical and mental health of children living with critical illness.
Research has shown that a granted wish has a profound impact on a child’s mental and physical health. Just looking forward to their wish can make a child more willing to comply with necessary medical treatments and gives them a positive experience to look forward to. In fact, 94% of wish alumni say that their wish made them feel more “joyful, confident, and hopeful” about the future.
When families feel seen and supported throughout a child’s critical illness, a special magic happens. Wishes help to provide renewed strength and motivation, helping children face these challenges with hope and confidence.
3. Make-A-Wish Is a Unique Nonprofit Organization
While we often collaborate with businesses and nonprofits throughout North Florida, Make-A-Wish is a distinct organization with its own leadership and goals.
Since 1994, Make-A-Wish Central and North Florida has granted more than 7,400 wishes, with support from organizations like Walt Disney World. Disney even donates proceeds from their specialty Florida license plate to our local chapter.
Such partnerships allow Make-A-Wish to create unforgettable experiences and make wishes come true.
4. Fundraising Efforts Stay Local
Throughout the country, countless fundraising efforts to support each local Make-A-Wish chapter. However, you may not have known that all donations to your local chapters directly benefit kids within that region.
Jacksonville is part of the Make-A-Wish Central and North Florida® chapter which also includes Orlando and Tallahassee. Donations, volunteering, and wish referrals made in Jacksonville are all to the benefit of local Jacksonville families.
Whether you attend the Wishmaker’s Ball, make a “purchase with a purpose”, or make a pledge, every dollar raised by our chapter goes toward a child in Central or Northern Florida.
Focusing on local fundraising not only has a tangible impact on local families, it helps create a sense of community. Your support helps us create even more magical moments!
5. Donations and Volunteers Are Crucial To Our Mission
The mission of Make-A-Wish is simple: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Fulfilling that mission together with members of the local community is one of the many things that make Make-A-Wish so special.
The generosity and dedication of volunteers and donors are what allow us to bring hope and joy. Monetary and in-kind donations help strengthen our impact and expand our reach, enabling us to tailor each wish to the child’s biggest expectations.
Our partners in the Jacksonville community as well as our local sponsors for our annual Wishmaker’s Ball are crucial to every wish granted.
This collective effort from the community ensures that each wish is not only granted but is also a transformative experience for the child and their family. Together, through donations and volunteerism, we can make a lasting impact and create moments of pure happiness for children who need it most.
Bringing Wishes to Life: The Heart of Make-A-Wish
For the hundreds of families we help each year, Make-A-Wish Central and North Florida is more than a charity. Each wish represents hope, strength, and determination.
Every day, Make-A-Wish stands as a testament to the power of collective kindness and generosity. Together, we can ensure that every eligible child experiences the joy and strength that comes from having their one true wish come true.
To help us further our mission to grant a wish to every eligible child, please consider donating, volunteering, or attending one of our many events.