A Royal Wish - Make-A-Wish® Central New York

®
Wishnews
Central New York
Winter 2014
A Royal
Wish
Princess Annie gets
her royal dance. 6
4
Chasing Down a Dream 9
Bake Me a Wish... 5
Running for a Wish
Brenda Dann Photography
The Impact of a Wish
For over twenty-two years, I’ve had the privilege of
watching wishes come true. Listening to wish granting
volunteers giddy with excitement over meeting a new
family is infectious. Hearing feedback from medical
professionals who say the wish experience can
improve their patients’ state of mind, their willingness
to comply with treatment protocol, their response to
treatment, and their physical health validates that
wishes are more than a “nice thing to do.” They are
necessary. Witnessing the excitement as a child is
told their wish will come true etches a snapshot in
my heart that fuels my soul. Reading letters from
parents describing that the wish experience brought
their families back together and provided simple joy
in watching their child smile, laugh and play is better
than any book I’ve ever read. Meeting adult wish kids
who say their wish made them feel better emotionally,
improved their health, gave them confidence and the
will to pursue more challenging life goals, made them
more philanthropic, and even helped to save their
lives emphasizes the importance of a wish at a critical
time in the treatment process. But perhaps the most
incredible ride of human emotion comes from the
actual participation in watching the wish itself unfold.
This past year, my very gifted colleagues initiated
a campaign to grant a wish in my name in honor of
my fiftieth birthday. It took me awhile to gather my
composure – not because my real age was revealed
Revenue
Wishes do change lives. We are fulfilling wishes for
100% of the eligible kids referred, yet somehow, we are
not reaching 100% of the eligible kids living throughout
the fifteen counties we serve. Help us reach those kids.
It will make a difference to them and in turn, I assure
you, it will make an impact on you too.
Diane E. Kuppermann
President & CEO
Expenses FY 2013
Other Income 2%
In-Kind Support 14%
but because it was truly the most perfect, thoughtful
and meaningful gift. I floated on a high for months
not thinking about a particular wish, but rather all the
wishes that come true in our chapter and the others
across the country every single day, nearly 14,000
times each year, and of all the people it takes to make
them happen. Being part of this organization is quite
simply gift enough. When I thought it couldn’t get any
better, it did. On December 6th, a wish was granted in
my name AND I had the honor of watching the actual
wish occur. Princess Annie’s wish to dance with a Real
Royal Prince was the experience of a lifetime. Along
with Annie’s family, my colleagues, her wish granters,
and very special friends of the Foundation, the magic of
Make-A-Wish® unfolded before our very eyes. Every
possible human emotion converged on that day and
it changed me, and I suspect everyone in that room,
forever. The simplicity of a very special little girl’s wish
coupled with the selfless generosity of Prince Lorenzo
Borghese and so many others is the very foundation on
which the organization was built.
Fund Raising 13%
Different Types of Wishes
Mgmt & General 7%
I wish to have 22%
Individual Support 19%
I wish to be 1%
I wish to meet 8%
Corporate Support 14%
Events 48%
Grants 3%
Wish Granting 80%
I wish to have
Above Ground Pool ( 2)
iPad (1)
Bad Boy Buggy (1)
Playset (3)
Golf Cart (1)
Pets (2)
Higher Education Scholarship ( 1) Shopping Spree (6)
2
I wish to go
Cruise (5)
International Travel (6)
US Travel (8)
Walt Disney World (34)
Make-A-Wish® Central New York
I wish to be
Storm Chaser (1)
I wish to go 69%
I wish to meet
Meet a Celebrity ( 6)
Where Are They Now?
Mya, 24, remembers everything about her wish
that was granted in 2000. Mya was eleven when she
received her wish to go to the Australian Olympics
with her family to see Marion Jones win gold. For a
week and a half she created countless memories while
watching the excitment of the Olympic games unfold
right before her eyes. While there, Mya had the chance
to meet and talk with her role model, Marion Jones.
She also wore Marion’s gold medal and got to watch
her compete in many events. Marion was more than just
an Olympic runner to Mya; she was an inspiration and
an encouraging symbol of strength during her fight with
Leukemia.
Mya grew up loving track and field and all of the
events it had to offer. While Mya was going through
her treatments she continued to run until she could
compete again, and followed Marian Jones’ career and
path to Olympic fame. Not only did Marion stand as
an inspiration for Mya, but the Olympics games as a
whole did as well. Mya realized that the Olympic games
could truly change someone’s life. This realization has
influenced the way she has carried out her life since those
few weeks spent at the Australian games that summer.
Mya has continued a very close relationship with
Make-A-Wish® Central New York and the staff. After
her wish, she became a very active member of the
Foundation. Mya stands as a national spokesperson
for Make-A-Wish®, which gives her the opportunity to
travel and share her stories of the magical experience
she had through the Foundation. This past year, she
had the opportunity to visit London and meet with many
Make-A-Wish kids. While speaking, she also explained
her journey and how her life has changed since her wish
came true.
Make-A-Wish Central New York has truly been life
changing for Mya. She believes Make-A-Wish has an
underlying power not only to help lift spirits but to also
endlessly impact a person’s life. Mya noted, “one thing
that people don’t realize is that Make-A-Wish really has
a power to not only change a child’s life the instant they
have their wish, but also have an impact on everything
they do in the future. It is one of those launching pads
to help them figure out not only how to get better, but
really to create hope of potential things they can do with
their future, from what they’ve learned and experienced
through Make-A-Wish.”
Macy’s Brings Home the Magic!
Macy’s has donated more than $10 million to Make-A-Wish® as a result of its 2013 Thanks for Sharing and
Believe holiday campaigns helping to grant wishes in Central New York. Since 2003, Macy’s has donated more
than $73 million to Make-A-Wish nationwide. We are proud of our long-standing relationship and thank Macy’s
customers and associates for all that they do to help make wishes come true.
cny.wish.org
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Running for a Wish
The highly popular and challenging Boilermaker 15k
run was an amazing race yet again. From beginners,
to professionals, everyone who participated was
anxious for the second weekend in July, when they
“took their mark” at Utica, New York’s 35th annual
Boilermaker.
Earl C. Reed established the Boilermaker 15k race
in 1978 as a way to give back to the Utica community
that has supported his family business, Utica Boilers,
now known as ECR International.
The greatly
anticipated race is known for hosting up to 17,000
world-class runners, record holders, Olympians, and
all kinds of people who have a passion for running.
Over the years, the Boilermaker has earned its position
as being one of the most competitive road races in the
world.
Although the event sold out in a record-breaking
three days, that didn’t mean there wasn’t still a chance
for eager runners to take part. Boilermaker’s founder,
Tim Reed, earmarked 200 bibs for local charities to
sell. Although Make-A-Wish® was alotted 50 bibs, we
were able to surpass that, with 59 bibs sold due to
high demand. This program is unique in that it is the
first charity running partner program for a 15k race in
the country.
Make-A-Wish was thrilled to have so many
generous runners take part in the charity bib program,
and 51of 59 of runners are new donors to Make-AWish Central New York. These participants came
from seven states and 32 different towns and cities in
New York State. The bibs could be used in either the
5k or 15k race.
Each runner who raised money to participate in the
charity bib program was required to raise at minimum
$500, but were encouraged to continue fundraising
as much as possible. All funds raised through July
14, 2013 were eligible for prizes. The top male and
female runners who raised the most money to support
Make-A-Wish® Central New York were David Ayoub
and Lauren Kincaid, both board members, and were
each awarded a $1,000 prize. Make-A-Wish Central
New York raised over $45,000 through this program!
Make-A-Wish Central New York also sponsored a
$1,000 scholarship awarded to one high school senior
or recent graduate who demonstrated a commitment
to serving the community. The charity partners
2014 registration opens on March 8th with general
admission to follow on March 22. We have submitted
our application and hope to be chosen as a Charity
Partner for the 2014 Boilermaker Charity Partner Run.
Watch for charity run details.
Campus Wide Wish Granting
Make-A-Wish® is proud to announce that campuses within Central
New York can help make a child’s wish come true. Wishmakers On Campus®
are students who spread the Make-A-Wish mission through certain campus
activities and fundraising events. This program can be a rewarding and
uplifting experience for all college students in an attempt to give back to their community while also putting
skills such as leadership and fundraising to use. Become a Wishmaker today by calling our Make-A-Wish®
Central New York office at (315) 475-9474.
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Make-A-Wish® Central New York
Bake Me a Wish as Fast as You Can...
Make-A-Wish® Central New York has granted
more than 1,400 wishes since 1985. This monumental
achievement deserves an entire week of recognition
to honor the lives that have been changed due to the
hard work of countless volunteers and donors who
instill hope, strength, and joy in the lives of children.
This past April, Make-A-Wish Central New York and
Dunkin’ Donuts teamed up to host the most delicious
week out of the entire year. What is this satisfyingly
sweet week’s purpose? It’s World Wish Day, a time
when people have a perfect excuse to treat themselves
to a mouth-watering treat, and donate to a great cause
at the same time.
From April 22nd to April 29th, hundreds of people
dropped by with an appetite to one of the 120
participating Dunkin’ shops and gave a $1 donation,
which benefited Make-A-Wish Central New York
and the many Wish Kids waiting to have their wishes
granted. In return for their generosity, customers
received a rewarding snack; a blue and white frosted,
star-shaped donut. Many Wish Kids, along with
volunteers, were present at the door and ready to
greet eager customers with a star that would represent
their donation.
Ciara, mother of a Wish Kid, commented on how
thrilled she was with World Wish Day and Make-AWish Central New York for what they do. “I have a
daughter that has fought cancer and Make-A-Wish
granted her a wish. If they raise money with the donuts,
they are going to make lots and lots of children happy
and make more wishes come true.”
The appetizing seven-day event was a huge
success. Diane Kuppermann, CEO of Make-A-Wish
Central New York, revealed that the donut craving
customers helped raised more than $42,000 total!
Thanks to the big hearts and appetites of Central New
York’s people, many wishes will come true.
Hot Out of the Oven!
Dunkin’ Donuts® will again host a week long
Make-A-Wish® Star Donut Fundraiser beginning on
World Wish Day, April 29th through May 5th. Make
sure you come get your donuts while they are still hot!
cny.wish.org
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Princess Annie Gets Her Royal Dance
December 6, 2013 was a special day for Wish Kid,
A.K.A. Princess Annie. Annie knew right away that her
wish was to “Dance with a REAL Prince at a Ball”. That
is a magical wish for any 11-year-old girl and Make-AWish® staff knew this wish would be extra magical for
the Realm of Central New York.
First, a Royal Herald (David Lowenstein) announced
her wish was being granted at the Ms. Orange Fan®
Luncheon joined by Lord Jim and Lady Juli Boeheim.
Soon after, Princess Annie, her sisters and mom were
shopping for the perfect Ball gowns, a dream of every
girl, young or old. The Wish Department knew early
on that this wish would require an extraordinary team
of volunteers to complete the task, so staff members
Olivia Colabufo and Amanda Timmerman set out to
assemble a marvelous committee. The committee: Angie
Champion, Mary Drescher, Pragya Murphy, Anna
Rose Salerno, Diane Wladis, and wish granters Mike
Hanna and Dawn Roessing, teamed up to create an
enchanted evening. Their collective resources resulted
in detail beyond what even we could dream. Her 3D,
hand-designed invitations donated by Lydia Johnson
were stunning. Specially packaged and uniquely
addressed using all royal titles, they were mailed to the
royal guests. There is no question that all the stars were
aligned that night.
The day began when their chariot (All American
Limousine) picked-up Princess Annie, sisters Sadie and
Emma, and Mom and Dad, Marie and Daniel. They
arrived at the Jefferson Clinton Hotel where they dined
in their room for lunch, held interviews with Good
Morning America, and then whisked off to spend
the day at the spa! Princess Annie, her sisters and
mom were given the royal treatment at SpaZend and
Hair Habitat being pampered with massages, facials,
manicures, pedicures, and royal hairdos. To keep up
their energy, Strong Hearts Café provided the most
delicious cupcakes!
At 5:15PM the Royal family again entered their
chariot and headed for Greystone Castle in the
Kingdom of Canastota, New York. The streets were
lined with villagers waving signs and cheering for the
arrival of Princess Annie and her Royal Family. Wish
Mom Norma Christian and all grown up Wish Kid
Jillian Christian rallied the villagers including the fine
men and women of the police and fire departments and
made hundreds of luminaries that lined the streets and
the front of the castle. On the steps of the castle, Mayor
Carla DeShaw gave Princess Annie the Key to the
Village of Canastota.
Princess Annie and the royal family arrived at nearly
the same time as Prince Lorenzo Borghese, a real Prince
from Italy who currently resides in New York City. They
met in the castle balcony and as you would imagine
Princess Annie smiled with delight and curtseyed to
her Prince. Prince Lorenzo quickly responded, “Oh no
Annie, it is I who bows to you.”
Announced to all the Royal Guests by the
magnificent Herald, Princess Annie and Prince Lorenzo
took to the dance floor and danced to Galen Crew’s
song very fittingly entitled, “Princess.” There was not
a dry eye in the castle which was decorated in royal
pink fashion, complete with signature pink drinks, and a
royal feast.
They dined in Royal Prince and Princess chairs
alongside the head table of royal family members.
After dinner, music played and everyone, including the
Princess and Prince, line danced to the Cha Cha Slide.
Dessert was served and to the Princess’ delight, it was a
s’more and candy bar.
And to end the Grand Ball, Princess Annie and
Prince Lorenzo had one last dance before they
waved good bye to the royal guests. Everyone who
attended will never forget that night! As one royal guest
commented, “It was Annie’s wish, but we all have a
new fairy tale to share for the rest of our lives.” This
night was what wishes are made of… MAGIC!
Princess Annie & Prince Lorenzo meet
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Princess Annie waves to the villagers
®
Make-A-Wish Central New York
Princess Annie & her royal family
Splashing into Summer
Six-year-old Wish Kid Abby will be beating the summer heat this upcoming
season in style. Sure, she loves activities like playing outdoors, reading inside,
and dancing around, but nothing compares to splashing around in a brand
new Tarson swimming pool to escape the hot sun.
At her favorite restauront, KFC, Abby received the news that her wish was
going to be granted. There were many friends and family in attendance, along
with fun decorations, balloons, cake and loads of goodies. She also received
tons of new inflatable pool toys, a bathing suit, beach balls, sunglasses, and
all sorts of items to help celebrate her wish coming true! The news of the
new pool was so exciting to Abby, especially since swimming is her favorite
activity!
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On June 5th, she had the chance to swim in her new above ground pool.
At her very own reveal party, Abby, her family, and friends spent the day
together admiring the new addition to their backyard and celebrating Abby’s
wish coming true!
Sugarman Law Firm Wish Ball
Make-A-Wish® Central New York hosted its annual Sugarman Law Firm Wish Ball and the night began
with the reveal of the 2014 Wish Kid Calendar, where nearly all 12 star studded Wish Kids were on hand
to autograph their calendar page. The evening included a silent auction and raffle - Jewels are a Girl’s Best
Friend Raffle with three amazing prizes, a $4,000 shopping spree, $1,000 shopping spree, and a beautiful
pair of diamond earrings.
The program began with President and CEO, Diane Kuppermann, welcoming everyone and presenting
Applebee’s as the 2013 Wish Ball Honoree. Their invaluable support hosting wish reveal parties, providing
lunch for volunteers at the Southern Tier Walk/Run, and for achieving the $1 Million mark in regional
donations made them deserving of this recognition. That award was followed by the presentation of The
Cindy Award, recognizing one outstanding volunteer. Jack Gray was this year’s recipient honored for the
countless hours spent, including personal vacation time from his job, on the Foundation’s newly designed
website. The joint project between the National office and chapters created the opportunity for National
office team member Alex Cabal to visit upstate New York and present the award to Jack. They had never
met but worked together daily for over a year on the project. Jack has volunteered for the chapter in many
capacities for over ten years. He and his wife Cheryl attended the Ball without any idea of Jack’s award.
The program didn’t end there. Eric Stensland, Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin Brands, unveiled the
2014 Wish Calendar which Dunkin’ Donuts sponsored. Wish Kid Mya Thompson later took the podium as the
keynote speaker. Mya spoke enthusiastically about her amazing journey with Marion Jones, a professional
track Olympian who had become Mya’s mentor/pen-pal enabling her to remain positive during her cancer
treatments. As a surprise, Marion Jones joined Mya onstage via video to talk about their meaningful friendship
and how Make-A-Wish® impacted her life as well. The program ended with a dance performance by Wish
Kid John Wonka who nearly lost his leg to cancer and is now a professional dancer. The evening was a funfilled mission driven night to celebrate Hope, Strength and Joy! (Mya’s Story on Pg. 2)
cny.wish.org
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I see London, I see France
Wish Kid GanLi, an ambitious and adventure
seeking 15 year old, had always dreamed of traveling
to far away places where she’d have the ability to
explore new cities and experience the sites they have
to offer.
GanLi, now in remission after being treated for
acute myloid leukemia, was given the trip of a lifetime
when her wish came true this past March. With her
family at her side and a mind full of wonder, she flew
across the Atlantic to the historically rich cities of
London and Paris.
With a chock-full itinerary, GanLi and her family
had an entire week to visit the places she’d wished to
see most. On her journey, GanLi saw the Changing
of the Guards in front of Buckingham Palace, Kew
Garden, the London Eye, and many other exciting
locations. While in Paris, she journeyed to the Eiffel
tower, took a sky-high hot air balloon ride over the
beautiful city, and enjoyed a delicious chocolate tour.
Her number one must-do activity while in Europe was
to ride the Chunnel, a one of a kind train that connects
England to France and is 31 miles long!
GanLi’s entire family was thrilled with
Make-A-Wish for making it possible for her to witness
first hand what other places the world has to offer.
Her mother, satisfied and excited for her daughter,
commented, “She was able to have a “grown-up”
travel experience with her family and explore old and
new places. She was strong and full of energy, as well
as wonder.”
This once in a lifetime opportunity left GanLi excited
for more. In her thank you email, she expressed how
this Make-A-Wish trip was not only an enjoyable
adventure but also a learning experience for her
future travels, “All in all, the trip was an amazing
experience, that definitely gave at the least me and
my sister some good travel know-hows, and lots of
really fun memories.”
Adopt-A-Wish® Sponsor:
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Kids Can Make a Difference!
The Kids For Wish Kids® program puts kids in charge. They take the lead in brainstorming fundraising
ideas, developing plans of action, and then watching their ideas come to life. Participants will see how their
time and enthusiasm can change the lives of kids in their community. Creating
a fundraiser can be part of classroom work, a communuity sports organization,
community service hours for school, or just a desire to help other kids.
Participation in the Kids For Wish Kids program will bring Make-A-Wish® Central
New York one step closer to the goal of fulfilling wishes of kids 21/2 to 18 years
old. A Make-A-Wish experience can help wish kids feel empowered and renewed.
Wishes are transformational events that can help them live with – or even overcome
– their medical conditions. And it can also be life-changing for everyone who helps
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share the power of a wish ® .
Make-A-Wish® Central New York
Chasing Down a Dream
While most people run away and hide from big
storms, 16-year-old Wish Kid Nick likes to hunt them
down and chase them instead. His love for the weather
has made this courageous teen curious to witness
nature’s largest storms first hand.
Nick has always had a passion for weather. Ever
since elementary school, he has been reading the
forecast over his school’s morning announcements,
staying in touch with local Meteorologist Bill Kardas,
and avidly watching storm chasing shows on TV.
He was diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL),
a disease that causes Nick to lose his eye sight, but
nothing can stop Nick from taking part in what he is
most passionate for in life. His biggest wish was to sit
alongside his favorite Discovery Channel show host,
Reed Timmer of Storm Chasers, and accompany him
in tracking down monster storms. Thanks to
Make-A-Wish Central New York, and our National
Celebrity Team, his wild wish came true. Over his
spring break, Nick, his step-dad Tim, Reed Timmer and
a crew from Viper Tours, drove for miles through the
Midwest in hopes of seeking out exciting and dangerous
storms.
While on his adventure, Nick got to be apart of a
weather team, talk about weather with people who
share the same passion, look at models and make an
actual forecast. He also saw his first tornado and held
the large hailstones that were produced from the storm.
Nick also made an appearance on national TV when
he was interviewed by The Weather Channel.
In his interview, Nick expressed how grateful he
was to be apart of such an unforgettable experience,
“The highlight of the week was being in the group and
being there as a team member, that really made me
feel special and really made me feel great.”
Adopt- A -W
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Ms. Orange Fan A Huge Success!
®
Thanks to Juli and Coach Boeheim for another amazing sold out Ms. Orange
Fan® Luncheon. We are also so very grateful to the SU Basketball Team Players,
Sour Sitrus Society, Otto, SU Cheerleaders and their dance team for making this
event exciting and fun year after year. “The Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon is an
amazing event and Coach Boeheim has helped raise over one million dollars for
Make-A-Wish®, equating to more than 190 wishes. It’s remarkable,” noted Diane
Kuppermann, President and CEO.
Since the very first Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon, over 22 years ago, family members
and friends who have been touched by the magic of a wish have continued to
generate hope, strength and joy. This event helps us share the power of a wish®!
We are also grateful to our wonderful sponsors for helping to make this event
possible: Manny’s, Trusted Choice, Wegmans, Henry Wilson Jewelers, Corso
Cookies, Visual Technologies, Dellas Graphics and Galaxy Communications.
Coach Boeheim & Wish Kid Nina
cny.wish.org
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Adventures in Paradise
While visiting the lively paradise, Leyla was treated
like a princess at the resort’s spa, relaxed on the beach
by the salty sea, and explored what the towns of Puerto
Rico had to offer. But, kicking back and relaxing
wasn’t the only thing Leyla had in mind. At night, she
and her family set out and paddled their way to one
of the world’s most amazing natural phenomenon,
the Bioluminescent Bay. The luminescent light show
produced by Mother Nature was Leyla’s favorite part
of the trip. Every time she dipped her paddle in the
water, a stream of neon blue light swirled around in
its trail, and little fish shot through the water alongside
her kayak, looking like an underwater meteor shower.
Wish Kid Leyla, 15, was ready to set out on a new
adventure. She was searching for a place where she
could be free to explore and venture, a place where
she could discover and witness nature’s beauty like
she’d never seen it before; an escape that would allow
her to voyage through a tropical paradise most people
only witness in their dreams. For Leyla, this place was
Puerto Rico.
During the day, Leyla sat herself in the saddle of
a horse for a Palomino horse riding adventure. She
galloped around for hours and miles on wilderness
trails, seeing all of the natural beauty Puerto Rico
provides its visitors. Witnessing the treasured paradise
by horseback was an unforgettable way for Leyla to
soak in the sights of the lovely beaches, and appreciate
the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Leyla, a very active and ambitious teen, along with
her family embarked on a vacation to the vibrant,
multicultural and adventure filled land of Fijardo,
Puerto Rico. There she was able to relax and unwind
with her family.
Leyla had an amazing experience, was granted
the wish and trip of a lifetime, and was surrounded by
the people she loves most in a place she had always
dreamed of visiting!
If We Had Only Known...
Make-A-Wish® Central New York recently received a surprise bequest from the estate of a woman we
unfortunately never had the opportunity to thank. Of course we appreciate the gift immensely. It revealed
a gracious and generous person who believed in the impact of each wish we grant. And the gift will help us
continue to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
But, we feel disappointed because we never had the opportunity to express our gratitude for her kindness.
We were unable to let her know how much her gift would mean to one of our wonderful wish children. If we
had only known, we could have said, “Thank you.”
Have you named Make-A-Wish Central New York in your estate plans? If so, please let us know. We would
like to thank you! To speak to someone about your legacy giving or to learn more, please contact Christine
Corbett at 315.475.9474 or ccorbett@makeawishcny.org.
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Make-A-Wish® Central New York
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
David Ayoub, CPA
Chair
Lauren Kincaid, CPA
Co-Treasurer
Joseph Chirco
Immediate Past Chair
Robin J. Toia
Secretary
Partner
Partner
Bowers & Company, CPA’s Firely, Moran, Freer & Eassa
Commercial Marketing
Operations
Carrier Corporation
Michael Lorenz
Vice Chair
Principal
Auspicium, LLC
Michele Flavin, CPA
Co-Treasurer
Finance Manager
Syracuse Orthopedist
Specialist
Colleen Julian, LEED® AP
Member-At-Large
Manager Service
Marketing & Training
Carrier Corporation
James R. Reed
Member-At-Large
Senior Vice President
Marketing & Sales
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
ADVISORY BOARD
Christina Bond
William Coon
Bob Davidson
Frank Discenza
Robert P. Fiesinger
Kenneth J. Garno
Robin Goldberg
Donald L. Hamilton
Donald Lawless
Joseph Maryak
George McGuire
Deborah E. Moore
Jim Ockenden
Virginia G. Biesiada O’Neill
Lawrence P. Schunck
Jason Sciarro
Lynda Sturick
Susan J. Tormey
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
ADVISORY COIUNSEL (YPAC)
Coty Burgess
Steven Cucci
Jordan Cushman
Stephen Daniels
Corey Gurrette
Tim Monaco
Kate Hennigan
John Higgins
Zachary Long
Todd Michalak
Margot Selover
Morgan Striggles
Rebecca Tibbitts
Shannon Welch
Trustees
Mary Jo Bertrand
Retired
Janet Callahan, Esq.
Managing Partner
Hancock Estabrook, LLC
Darlene Cempa, CPA
DELTA Engineers
Architects & Land
Surveyors
Paul Dodd, CLU®, ChFC®
Managing Partner
Northwestern Mutual
Financial Network
Dan Kosick, Wish Kid
LMSW
R.T.S. Middle School
Stephen Pesarchick,Esq.
Partner
Sugarman Law Firm
Christopher Pinckney
Wish Dad
Executive Creative Director
Pinckney Hugo Group
Cindy Reed
Retired
Greg P. Scagnelli, MD
Pediatric
Gastroenterologist
United Health Services
Jessie M. Verna, Esq.
Director
Regulatory Affairs
ConMed Corporation
Laura Wittenbeck
Strategic Business Advisor
Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy
Insurance
STAFF
Diane Kuppermann, President & CEO
Christine Corbett, Development Director
Bethann Kistner, PR/Communications Manager
Robin Mulpagano, Finance & Operations Director
Debbie Simon, Events Manager
Nancy Smith, Donor Relations/Office Coodinator
Amanda Timmerman, Program Services Manager
Want to give back to your community?
Interested in filling the lives of children
with hope, strength, and joy?
Make-A-Wish® Central New York needs
you! We are currently looking for
volunteers and wishgranters in Oneida,
Broome, and St. Lawrence counties. If
interested contact our office
315.475.9474 800.846.9424 or visit our
website.
cny.wish.org
11
UPCOMING
EVENTS
®
Make-A-Wish Central New York
5005 Campuswood Drive
East Syracuse, NY 13057
SADA Charity Preview
February 12, 2014
OnCenter
Syracuse, NY
Southern Tier
5K Run/Walk for Wishes®
April 26, 2014
Recreation Park
Binghamton, NY
Onondaga Beverage Corp.
Make-A-Wish® Open
June 2, 2014
Bellevue Country Club
Syracuse, NY
Nelcorp Make-A-Wish® Open
June 9, 2014
Traditions at the Glen
Johnson City, NY
Walk on the Wild Side
Honoring Tiffany Heitkamp
Stay tuned for details
July 11, 2014
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Syracuse, NY
Boilermaker
July 13, 2014
ECR International
Utica, NY
A Child’s Ticket to A Wish
The Wishes in Flight® program
enables us to send our wish kids to their
dream location by using your donated
air miles. Usually air miles expire,
but once they’re in the Foundation’s
account they have no expiration date.
Remember your child’s air miles can
be donated too; let them help another
child in need. Frequent flyers can
donate by calling (315) 475-9474.
Sugarman Law Firm Wish Ball
September 6, 2014
OnCenter Syracuse, NY
Ms. Orange Fan® Luncheon
October 26, 2014
OnCenter
Syracuse, NY
77%
of Central New York
wishes require travel.
P.S. For every 25,000 miles donated
A special thank you to
Dunkin Donuts will give the donor a
$25 gift card to Dunkin Donuts.
Make-A-Wish® Central New York
intern Kelly Falconer for article
writing and interns Stephanie
Connect with us on social media!
Spina & Angela Martini for the
Make-A-Wish
design and layout of the Winter
Central New York
@makeawishcny
2014 newsletter.
®
315. 475.9474
800. 846.9474
MakeAWishCNY
www.cny.wish.org
Make-A-Wish
Central New York
info@makeawishcny.org