Make-A-Wish Foundation

Last updated
Make-A-Wish
FormationApril 29, 1980;44 years ago (1980-04-29)
Type 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
PurposeFulfilling the wishes of children with critical illnesses and emergency situations
Headquarters Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Region
International
President & CEO
Leslie Motter [1]
Website wish.org
President Barack Obama with Make-A-Wish recipient Nick Wetzel and his older brother Stephan on December 9, 2016 Barack Obama gives a Presidential coin to Nick Wetzel.jpg
President Barack Obama with Make-A-Wish recipient Nick Wetzel and his older brother Stephan on December 9, 2016

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in the United States that helps fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children. [2] Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980 [3] and is headquartered in Phoenix. [2] The organization operates through its 59 chapters located throughout the United States. Make-A-Wish also operates in about 50 other countries through 39 international affiliates. [4] Professional wrestler John Cena holds the title for the most wishes granted by a single individual, at over 650 wishes. [5] [6]

Contents

Hunting and fishing

U.S. Marines involved in the Make-A-Wish activities for children Marine for a day, young boy has wish granted 130328-M-HQ478-187.jpg
U.S. Marines involved in the Make-A-Wish activities for children

Make-A-Wish stopped granting wishes involving hunting-related activities, including fishing, use of firearms or other weapons that are designed to cause animal injury in 1996. This was largely due to concerns over child safety, pressure from animal-sensitive donors, and criticism from animal rights groups. [7] In response, three organizations were formed: Hunt of a Lifetime, which arranges hunting trips for terminally ill children; [8] Catch-a-Dream, [9] which was conceived by Mississippi outdoorsman Bruce Brady and formed by his loved ones following Brady's death from cancer to grant hunting experiences to ill children; and Life Hunts, founded by the Buckmasters American Deer Foundation.

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References

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  3. Contact Us. Make-A-Wish. Retrieved on October 9, 2020,
  4. "The Make-A-Wish Story - Make-A-Wish International". 21 September 2020.
  5. Sandy Cohen (2018-03-19). "John Cena shares his love for kids and how they inspire him". AP NEWS. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
  6. Traina, Jimmy (4 May 2020). "Pandemic Can't Stop John Cena From Continuing to Grant Wishes". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  7. "Herald-Journal - Google News Archive Search" . Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  8. CNN.com – Hunting organization grants wish that Make-a-Wish won't – December 15, 2000 Archived March 4, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  9. "Catch-A-Dream Foundation".
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  17. Buddy Valastro Helps Kids Make A Wish November 30, 2017.
  18. "'Survivor' host Jeff Probst explains why he stopped that reward challenge". EW.com. Retrieved 2020-12-15.