This has been a whirlwind week. We’ve been interviewing and have hired an addition to our Development Department as a Wish Funding Specialist. This is exciting for a number of reasons but mostly – we can fund more wishes. We have an enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated department and we look forward to having a new person working with us.

Donna
Development Department

Many of the wishes Kids Wish Network grants are wishes to go to Disney World. I recently returned from a trip to Disney World, and I had a wonderful time. Walking into Disney, I instantly felt like a little kid again. I can imagine now what a great time our wish kids and their families must have, getting to visit this magical place!

Melissa
Development & Donor Relations

Sometimes my job at Kids Wish Network is tough and it can also be heartbreaking. Everyday we face the fact that our wish kids are suffering from life-threatening illnesses, and it’s only natural that it can take an emotional toll on all of us.

However, there are little things Kids Wish Network does to lift its employees spirits when they’re a little low. In our department we do little things and it’s kind of a rule: we dance and shake our “groove things” when we get really good news from a sponsor – we celebrate every donation and this helps keep our spirits high so we can do the best job possible for our wish kids! After all, every donation puts us one step closer to fulfilling a child’s wish!

And, the “Development Divas” also praise each other through the roof and that puts a bit of joy in our hearts. Another thing is our great Morale Committee (it’s actually just Kathleen) brings us delicious treats every Friday and that really helps boost our morale after a rough week. And Kathleen, I mean our Morale Committee, also plans special lunches where everyone makes their favorite recipes to share!

But, it’s not just treats and dances and shaking our groove things that bring us up when we’re feeling down – we also love reading stories about our wish kids and seeing their photos with huge smiles on their faces and those are the best “pick-me-ups” to get us through the tough times!

Megan
“Development Diva”

I am always amazed at just how many wonderful donors we have at Kids Wish Network. They’re always willing to help! It’s no secret that many people are struggling financially, but I’ve spoken with people who are calling to apologize that they are only able to give $5.00 or $10.00 and I always tell them that it’s ok and their contribution counts and they’re helping to make a difference for our wish kids. And it’s so true; with out their support we wouldn’t be able to help so many kids.

So, I just wanted to say thank you to anyone who has supported Kids Wish Network and has continued to do so. I would also like to say a special thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors. And, if you are one of those people who called to apologize, just know that you truly make a difference and you really are appreciated!

Melissa
Development & Donor Relations

Today’s my first year anniversary here at Kids Wish Network and I’m still wondering where this entire year went! It seems like only yesterday when I began to work on fulfilling wishes and, believe it or not, I can remember each child’s name and each child’s wish that I’ve worked on this past year.

I’m so looking forward to seeing what the next year brings and how many more smiles I get to see on those little faces. And even with the challenging economy this year, the generosity and thoughtfulness of our many sponsors and donors has really shined through and I know that the coming year will be even better.

Doris
Development Department

I love when people ask me how much of their donation goes towards the wishes; it’s the question I enjoy answering the most!!

I always tell people that KWN’s Guardian Angel Fund is one of the things that sets Kids Wish apart from other charities — and it’s wonderful to be able to say, with confidence that 100% of the donation from our sponsors goes towards fulfilling a wish for a very special child. That means if you send in $223.65 then $223.65 goes into the Guardian Angel Fund to fulfill children’s wishes. Oh yea, I love their reactions when I say that. It’s usually like, “WOW you never hear that nowadays,” or “that’s very impressive.” Yea, it’s definitely one of the questions I love to answer!

Megan
Development Department

One of the nicest parts of being with Kids Wish Network is the wonderful notes, letters, calls, and emails we receive from the wish kids & their parents. When their wishes have been fulfilled they are gracious enough to send us these “thank-yous” and pictures. The pictures are worth more than a thousand words and we all look forward to receiving them.

Donna
Development Department

So I found myself in bed for a few days last week. I was feeling pretty sick and I have to tell you that when you’re sick, there really isn’t much you can do but lay around. At the very most for minimal entertainment and a little distraction I was able to watch television. Mostly all you can really do is rest, rest, rest.

I know this sounds pretty boring and what makes it even worse is you’re not feeling well. I found my thoughts wandering many times to our wish kids. See at the end of the day I knew I was going to feel better; I was able to say, this too shall pass and I knew I would be able to have fun again.

But what about all of our wish kids who don’t have the opportunity to think like that? They have to lie in bed a lot longer than I had to and for many they never get to go outside and play or run around with their friends. Being sick really put things in perspective for me. We all complain and whine when we have the sniffles or a headache, but these children suffer with real diseases and have a much worse time of it than most of us – their illness never goes away!

So, next time you’re feeling kind of crummy, put some of our wish kids’ stories in your head and thank your lucky stars that you’ll get through it in a short period of time, then put out a good vibe for the children who are really sick, who suffer with life threatening illnesses on a daily basis.

Megan
Development Department

I love it when I work on a child’s wish and when the wish is fulfilled their family shares their pictures with all of us at KWN. It’s great to see the pictures of the wish kid and all the fun they had on their wish. It lightens my heart and brings such joy to know that I’ve helped to put that smile there. It doesn’t have to be a celebrity wish. It could be as simple as a shopping spree or a trip to Disney. Their smiles say it all! It’s one of the many reasons why all of us love to work here at Kids Wish Network. I love to spread smiles around !

Doris
Development Department

I receive many calls a day regarding our sweepstakes mailings, direct mailings and donation inquires; I talk to people from all over the nation. I like speaking to these people and many have interesting stories they share with me. While the “Development Divas” are busy making calls, there’s always someone who wants to talk to me (how nice). What I like most is listening to their voices, knowing they are from a different part of the country. Also, I hear a lot of unique names, which I love. I feel like I visit all 50 states every day (it’s exhausting!).

Melissa
Development & Donor Relations

My favorite part of what I do is seeing all these unique wishes come true! It’s the anticipation of getting all those loose ends tied and watching everything finally come together after months of hard work. I’m especially excited for the month of October because it seems like we have lots of children going on their wishes then. I can’t wait to see all those pictures!

Angela
Development Department

Even though we work with children who have life-threatening illnesses on a daily basis, Kids Wish Network has an upbeat atmosphere and a team of individuals who love to laugh. Our team will find a bright side to every challenge. Can you imagine being able to positively impact the lives of hundreds of children and their families? Can you imagine the joy of seeing a child swim with dolphins when that child lives in a wheelchair? Can you imagine how it can warm your heart to see a precious little one dress up as a princess and ride in a horse-drawn carriage to her shopping spree destination? Can you imagine being able to provide a hot tub for a little boy with the most progressive form of muscular dystrophy? If you can imagine these things, then you will understand that Kids Wish Network is not only about wishes but also about balloons, rainbows, butterflies and fairy tales.

Donna
Development Department

Today was an awesome day for me and my new wish kid, Dasha!!

When I work on funding a wish kid, I usually make lots of calls to find sponsors, but today was very different. It’s always exciting to start work on a new wish because you encounter many different kinds of personalities.

Ok, so today I called the local Fire Department near Dasha’s home and told a fireman and president of their union, Jeff, about her. Little did I know that Jeff was getting to work right away to help. He called me about an hour later to tell me he wanted to fund Dasha’s whole entire wish! I was overjoyed that it happened so fast!

It just goes to show you that sometimes it only takes that one special phone call and that one special person to make things happen. Today was awesome!

Megan
Development Department

I’m coming up on my one year anniversary at Kids Wish Network. My job is to raise funds for childrens wishes. My first year went by so fast and I have tons of memories, but if I could choose my favorite, I’m reminded of Kim, who turns out to be one of the most favorite wish kids I’ve worked on funding. I couldn’t wait for her to get to go to Disney World!

Kim was one of the first children I ever worked on. I spoke to so many wonderful people who wanted to help her just as much as I did. But it wasn’t just about fund
ng her wish, it was a real learning experience for me and I made a new friend with just about every person I spoke to. My favorite part was seeing the photos Kim took while on her wish. That made it very real for me.

All of these children suffer from life-threatening illnesses. As hard as it is sometimes, you have to try to put yourself in their shoes. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear all the horrible things these children face daily. Many of them have to take medication every single day. Many don’t get to go outside to play and have fun like other children. Try to imagine being sick almost every day; I can barely handle getting the flu. It’s important to remember that each child we fulfill a wish for is a truly courageous. They deal with more in a few days than what some of us deal with in a lifetime.

All the wish kids I’ve helped are special and I hope they all know what a true inspiration they are to those around them!

Megan
Development Department

I truly believe that we are purposely put in the paths of certain people… and such was my destiny with Chris.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Chris, a very special guy from the California Police Youth Charities. When I told him about Ludwick and his wish for a Playstation 3 and a TV, Chris not only got the game console and Ludwick’s favorite games and the TV, but he went way above and beyond.

Because he related to Ludwick’s love of football and everything that goes along with it, he was determined to make Ludwick’s wish special. And boy was it special! Chris scheduled former Denver Bronco player, Glen Cadrez and his wife, model-actress, Brande Roderick, to present Ludwick with his Playstation 3 & TV. It was way more than Ludwick or I ever expected.

Thank you Chris, for being that one special person to make a world of difference!

Doris
Development Department