Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire

Background

Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire is a regional chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Since its inception, the chapter has granted over 7,800 wishes, aiming to bring hope, strength, and joy to children and their families during challenging times.

Key Strategic Focus

The organization's primary objective is to fulfill the wishes of children aged 2½ to 18 diagnosed with critical illnesses. By creating personalized wish experiences, the chapter seeks to provide emotional and psychological support, fostering resilience and optimism among wish recipients. The chapter operates within the broader framework of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, adhering to its mission while tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of the local community.

Financials and Funding

In the fiscal year ending August 2024, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire reported revenues of $4.69 million and expenses of $4.17 million, resulting in a net income of $525,491. The organization relies primarily on contributions, which accounted for 96% of total revenue. Notably, in June 2023, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians awarded a $375,000 grant to support the chapter's Wish Granting program, enabling approximately 50 children in the Inland Empire to have their wishes fulfilled.

Pipeline Development

The chapter continually works to identify and fulfill the wishes of eligible children within its service area. As of June 2023, there were over 350 critically ill children in the Inland Empire awaiting their wishes. The organization aims to grant these wishes promptly, recognizing the positive impact on the children's well-being and treatment compliance.

Leadership Team

The leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the organization's mission:

• Anne Grey: President & CEO

• Melissa Gallagher: Vice President of Mission Delivery

• Jennifer Garner: Vice President of Development

• Katelynn McDougall Leguizamo: Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

• Kristina Buenrostro: Wish Assist Manager

• Azalea Sanchez: Wish Manager

The Board of Directors includes:

• Jeff Lewis: Chair, Executive Vice President, US Bank

• Andy Nickerson: Vice Chair, President, HdL Companies

• Mike Zemetra: Treasurer, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Veritone

• Dolores Salman: Chair - Gala Committee, Global Head of Environmental, Health & Safety, Netflix Inc.

• Joffre Olaya, M.D.: Chair - Medical Advisory, Neurosurgery Medical Director, CHOC

• Carie Jernquist-Ferry: Director, Community Philanthropist

In April 2025, the chapter welcomed three new board members:

• Don Stolan: Mortgage Banker

• Michael Krouse: President & CEO, Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau

• David Ronco: Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager, Whittier Trust

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit sector dedicated to supporting children with critical illnesses is both diverse and competitive. Organizations within this space focus on providing emotional support, fulfilling wishes, and offering financial assistance to affected families. The demand for such services remains high, with numerous children diagnosed with critical conditions annually.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Starlight Children's Foundation: Provides hospital wear, gaming, and entertainment to hospitalized children.

• Children's Wish Foundation International: Grants wishes to children under 18 with life-threatening illnesses.

• Dream Foundation: Fulfills dreams for terminally ill adults, indirectly impacting families with children.

These organizations, while sharing similar missions, differ in their specific programs, target demographics, and operational scopes.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Collaborations play a pivotal role in the chapter's success. In June 2023, the organization partnered with John Wayne Airport for the "Trips That Transform" campaign, encouraging travelers to donate airline miles to support travel wishes. Additionally, corporate partners like the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have provided substantial grants to fund wish-granting programs.

Operational Insights

The chapter's strategic approach involves:

• Community Engagement: Hosting events and fundraisers to raise awareness and funds.

• Volunteer Mobilization: Recruiting and training volunteers to assist in various capacities.

• Corporate Partnerships: Collaborating with businesses to secure funding and in-kind donations.

These strategies enhance the organization's capacity to grant wishes and support families effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the chapter aims to:

• Expand Outreach: Identify and reach more eligible children in underserved areas.

• Enhance Fundraising Efforts: Develop innovative campaigns to increase donor engagement.

• Strengthen Partnerships: Forge new collaborations with corporate and community partners.

By leveraging its established strengths and exploring new opportunities, the organization seeks to fulfill its mission more comprehensively.

Contact Information

• Website: wish.org/ocie

• Social Media:

• Facebook: Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire

• Instagram: @makeawishocie

• YouTube: Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire

For more information or to get involved, visit the official website or follow the chapter on social media platforms.