We want to help you get to know the impact that nonprofits have on our community, the story behind what they do, and how to get involved. By spotlighting stories from various nonprofits, we aim to inspire volunteers to begin and continue making valuable contributions to the community and the people within.

The Story of Angela and Her Brand New Smile.

After being diagnosed with leukemia, 17-year-old Angela knew she wanted a wish that invested in her future – a future she believed in.

“The doctors, at one point, told my family that I was going to die – that I had one week left to live, and that we should plan my funeral,” Angela said. “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t do something because you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

Right before her diagnosis, Angela and her family were discussing ways to finance braces and orthodontic treatment for Angela.

“My brother and mom have always known I wanted braces,” Angela said. “When everything happened, clearly that idea was out of the picture. They knew how insecure I was about my teeth, but it wasn’t like they could snap their fingers, and come up with the money.”

When Angela found out she was receiving a wish, she knew she wanted to wish for her smile.

“My family says that my happiness and self-love have gone up since getting my braces, so this wish means just as much, if not more, to them as it does to me,” Angela said. “Make-A-Wish is truly changing and impacting patients’ lives in ways they probably don’t even understand. Having the thought that your life is as risk and then to be granted one thing in life is amazing.”

Angela is excited for her future, and although her medical journey has been difficult, she has found inspiration and hope in sharing her story.

“Before my [disease] I had started soccer, and I planned on [playing] this sport until college,” Angela said. “Although Leukemia has taken away so many experiences from me, it has granted me new and better ones. It has given me life lessons that you can’t teach anyone. It has given me an outlook on life that is indescribable. With this experience I hope to one day give back and become a nurse or doctor, and perhaps even be a speaker for people going through similar situations.”

Like most teenagers, Angela is most excited about getting her braces off and sharing her smile with the world.

“This wish means a lot to me,” Angela said. “It has boosted my self-esteem, confidence, and self-love. I’m so grateful that when I get my braces off, I will have straight teeth for the rest of my life as long as I take care of them, and believe me, I will.”

You can help make someone’s dream come true, like Angela! Take a look at the upcoming volunteer opportunities from Make a Wish.

Upcoming Make a Wish Volunteer Opportunities

A Night of Wishes – Make-A-Wish Gala

Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas has brought transformational wishes to more than 5,000 children and families. But we’re not done yet. These life-changing wishes wouldn’t happen without the power of generous supporters like you. Join us for an extraordinary evening to remember safely from the comfort of your own home or outdoors at our first outdoor event. Whether you are tuning in from home or joining us in person, we are bringing the magic and wonder right to you with dinner and drinks delivered and an amazing virtual program featuring: powerful storytelling, silent and live auction, wine pull and many hope-inspiring surprises along the way.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sponsorship Committee
- Secure the appropriate number of sponsors to reach sponsorship goal.
- Follow up with potential donor leads.
- Develop, in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish office, a confirmation packet for sponsors once they are secured.
- Report to Event Chair(s) and attend all meetings set by committee.
- Maintain an accurate documentation of position and duties into Smartsheet or chosen platform.
Auction Committee
- Maintain accurate database of contacts and donated items for the Auction in OneCause Platform.
- Facilitate Live & Silent Auction donations through personal letters as well as follow up with all contacts in conjunction with the Auction committee and volunteers.
- Ensure that all donations have an in-kind donation form and are turned into Make-A-Wish office at least one week ahead of the event
- .Attend auction committee meetings.
- Maintain an accurate documentation of position and duties into Google Drive or chosen platform.
- Host & Donor Experience Committee
  - Liaison with event facility, negotiating contracts, required services, layout and communications with facility management
  - Liaison with catering to establish menu and bar service plans (if applicable), negotiating fees and scheduling tastings
  - Oversee seating arrangements, including premier/preferred placement of sponsors and invited guests
  - Develop, in conjunction with the Event Chairs and the Make-A-Wish office, appropriate thank you gifts for the sponsors.
  - Ensure that all information including but not limited to, guest names and sponsor ads are received by the appropriate committee chair.
    
    If you’re interested in joining a gala committee contact Kimberly Romero at kromero@cstx.wish.org

About Make-A-Wish

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in the United States that helps fulfill the wishes of children with a critical illness between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 years old. Make-A-Wish was founded and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The organization operates through its 59 chapters located throughout the United States. Make-A-Wish also operates in nearly 50 other countries around the world through 39 international affiliates.

• Make-A-Wish is the largest wish-granting organization in the world. Make-A-Wish International serves children outside the United States while Make-A-Wish America serves children within the United States.

• Since its inception in 1980, Make-A-Wish has collectively granted the wishes of more than 334,000 children with life-threatening medical conditions around the world.

• For the tenth consecutive year, Make-A-Wish has received the highest 4-star rating by America’s largest independent evaluator of charities, Charity Navigator, for their ability to efficiently grow and manage their finances in the most fiscally responsible way. Only 1% of charities rated by Charity Navigator have received this “exceptional” status of receiving at least 10 consecutive 4-star ratings.

You can learn more about Make A Wish Central and South Texas at https://wish.org/cstx