Hoops for Hope
	A Benefit for:
	The Hoops For Hope Tournament Will Be Held
	Saturday, July 19,2008

What does the Make-A-Wish Foundation do?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization, grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.  These children – like all children – dream of meeting celebrities, taking trips, or receiving special presents.  But their families, coping with the pain and stress of battling their illness, often can’t make those dreams come true.  The Foundation’s goal is to provide each child and his or her family with a wonderful experience – a bright oasis of happiness and normalcy in the midst of a difficult time.

How does Make-A-Wish find out about the children who are sick?

Requests can be made by a parent, legal guardian, the wish child, or a medical professional.  If the initial call comes from someone other then the people listed, we ask that the wish family be notified to call directly on their behalf.

How do you “grant” wishes?

Any child who is between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 who has a life-threatening illness and has not received a wish from another wish granting organization qualifies for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  It is the child’s primary doctor who determines whether or not a child has a life-threatening illness.  Once qualified, a team of two Make-A-Wish volunteers visits the child to determine his or her wish.  Then, Make-A-Wish works with local businesses, volunteers, and generous hearts to help fulfill the wish of the child.

What do children wish for?

The wish requests we receive are as unique as the children who make them.  The majority of wishes fall into four categories:

            Destination:                I want to go…….

            Occupation:                I want to be…….

            Celebrity/Hero:          I want to meet…..   

            Special Gifts:              I want to have a…

A wish is limited only by the child’s imagination.  Make-A-Wish provides the structure, but it is the child’s request that determines what Make-A-Wish will do.  Some examples of recently granted wishes include: magical journeys to Disney World…super computers…going to the Super Bowl…swimming with dolphins…a play house!

Where do you get funds?

Our Foundation is supported through local donations from individuals, corporations, small businesses, civic organizations, churches, schools, social and service clubs, fund-raising events, memorial contributions, foundations, and pay-roll deduction programs as well as our own special events.  It is possible to support Make-A-Wish during the United Way campaign by utilizing the Donor Voice option.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation does NOT engage in door-to-door or telephone solicitation.

If I donate money to your chapter, does it stay in Ohio?

Absolutely!  All money donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Ohio is used to fulfill the wishes of children from this area.  Currently over 83% of each dollar goes directly toward fulfilling wishes. 

National History:

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America was founded in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona.  A small group of people helped a very ill little boy achieve his wish – to be a state trooper for a day.  Since that time, the Foundation has grown into the largest and most professional wish granting organization in the world with 74 chapters in the United States and its territories, and 28 international affiliates on five continents.  To date, the Foundation has granted more than 127,000 wishes worldwide.

Region History:

The Central Ohio office, located in Columbus, was formed in 1997.

• Since Central Ohio's inception, over 737 wishes have been granted to local children.  We are projecting over 110 wishes will be fulfilled in Central Ohio this year.

What can I do to help?

Make-A-Wish needs the support of the community in a variety of ways.

·        If you know a child who could use the services of Make-A-Wish, please encourage them to call or write.

·        Contributions of money or goods and services are always welcome.  Donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.

·        Consider volunteering for Make-A-Wish.  Volunteers grant wishes and assist with fund-raising projects.