2013 FALL ISSUE

OFFIcIAL nEwSLEttEr OF MAkE-A-wISh® OrAngE cOUnty And thE InLAnd EMpIrE

warm wishes

Jacob, 5immune system disorder

I wish to fight the mean guys with Spider-Man

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As we see our 30-year celebration come to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who so generously supported our chapter throughout the year so that we could reach a record number of wishes for our chapter – yes, we broke yet another record granting 316 wishes in our fiscal year ending August 31!

We actually experienced several firsts this year. In addition to our record number of wishes, we ended the year with a record number of wish assists as well – 630! We also held our inaugural Evening of Wishes gala; we officially launched a new fundraising arm with the Women’s Circle of Wishes; and more recently we launched our new Young Professionals group. These new initiatives will continue to help us raise the much-needed funds to continue to grow our wish numbers.

Additionally, this year we established an independent Volunteer Department. We realize the incredible effort put forth by our volunteers and wish granters and want to recruit, train, recognize and retain these wonderful individuals who work so hard

year after year. With this department, we are certain we can better serve all who serve us!

And finally, as we see our intern program and staff resources grow to meet the needs for our organization, the Board made the decision that we needed a larger space for our work. As a result, our Tustin location has been put on the market and is for sale. This is both sad and exciting as well! In order for us to continue to meet the needs of our families and grow as an organization, it has become imperative that we find a larger facility. We are currently planning our next steps toward a relocation. As of this date, we have not had any offers on the property as it has only been on the market for a short while. We are optimistic that it will sell in the upcoming year.

So in closing, again a heartfelt thank you to the Board, the volunteers, the staff, our wonderful donors and all who helped to get us to this point of growth! This upcoming year will be a great one as we continue to focus on granting more wishes, continuing to grow our revenue, and working toward operational excellence!

Stephanie McCormickPresident & CEO

From the cEOTo our donors, volunteers, wish families and friends,

OUr StAFF & bOArdPresident & CEOStephanie McCormick

Finance & Administration:Jeff Wacha, Director of FinanceEvelyn Morad, Office ManagerMaria Ruvalcaba, Operations AssistantRossana Powell, Receptionist

Program Services Department:Christina Sandoval, Program Services ManagerMonica Cabral, Wish Assist SupervisorMonica Fierro, Assistant Program Services ManagerMichelle Cuellar, Senior Wish CoordinatorHeather Craven, Wish CoordinatorLillianna Gomez, Program CoordinatorRachel Messina, Program Coordinator

Development Department:Sarah Pizzaruso, Director of DevelopmentRebecca Kwait, OC Development ManagerFrancine Gobert, IE Development ManagerTina Robinette, Senior Development CoordinatorChristine Gaxiola, Donor CareSusan Brand, Development Associate

Volunteer Department:Melissa Gallagher, Volunteer Services ManagerMarissa Euperio, Volunteer Services Coordinator

Board of Directors:Ferril Onyett, ChairpersonSieg Weber, Vice ChairMelvin Tobaru, SecretaryJohn Link, TreasurerJeff Larson, Development Committee ChairMike Lednovich, Audit Committee ChairKathleen Bardsley, DirectorJoan Donnellan, DirectorKimberly Motta, DirectorMichael Rapacz, DirectorJessica Reicher, DirectorTerri Sacks, DirectorJC Timmons, DirectorCheryl Watton, Director

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At 15 months old, Jacob was diagnosed with a genetic immune system disorder. The condition puts Jacob at constant risk for infection and disease, and much of his young life has consisted of antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiation and two bone marrow transplants. Jacob has bravery beyond his five years – he has to be a superhero every day. It’s no wonder that Jacob finds encouragement in his idol, Spider-Man.

Jacob’s wish was to meet and spend the day with the Amazing Spider-Man. He wanted to shake his hero’s hand and become best friends – to have a fun day eating In-N-Out burgers and fighting the mean guys together. He wouldn’t be scared, Jacob assured his wish granters. They would climb buildings, shoot webs, and save the city.

Before long, Jacob received a phone call

from the chief of police. The city was in peril, and Spider-Man needed Jacob’s help! In his blue and red spider-suit, Jacob responded to the call. At the Ontario Convention Center with his mom, dad and brother, helicopters swarmed above and Spider-Man could be seen crawling down the side of the building to meet him. Face-to-face with his hero, Jacob shook hands with Spider-Man and they were off on an incredible crime-fighting adventure.

Side-by-side, Jacob and his new friend saved firefighters from poisonous smoke. They climbed up and down walls and laughed together in a Spider-Man bounce house. They captured a mad scientist and got him safely into the custody of the police. “Shoot him with your web!” Spider-Man told Jacob. He shot out his arm, and a giant net flew down and captured the villain. The pair even

met up with Spider-Man’s nemesis, Venom, who Spider-Man fought with all his might. When it looked like Venom was about to win, Jacob and his brother grabbed their magic thundersticks and hit them together as hard as they could. The loud noise weakened Venom, and Spider-Man won!

At the end of a long adventure, Jacob was awarded a special medal for bravery from the police department. His courage helped him to save the city that day, just as it has helped get him through all of the obstacles of his illness.

Spider-Man is a hero to Jacob, but to everyone else in the Convention Center, Jacob was the one with super strength and bravery that day. And the best way to celebrate a day full of victories? Enjoying In-N-Out with a new friend.

Jacob saves the day with his new friend, Spider-Man

On the cover

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The inaugural Wish Society Evening of Appreciation hosted by Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire took place on August 8 at the Historical Wilcox Manor home in Old Town Tustin.

The evening was dedicated to celebrating the members of Wish Society, our chapter’s exclusive membership for individual annual donors of $1,000 or more.

Tours of the historical Wilcox Manor were given by members of The Tustin Area Historical Society. The evening was

generously underwritten by Lindburgh McPherson and Michael Demoratz, owners of The Wilcox Manor, and Suzanne Beukema of Suzanne Catering.

For more information or to become a member of the Wish Society, please contact Christine Gaxiola at cgaxiola@wishocie.org or 714-573-WISH (9474).

As a member of the Wish Society, you will be essential to the continuation of our chapter’s legacy while receiving benefits according to your membership level.

Dedicated members enjoy the atmosphere of a beautiful summer evening at the inaugural Wish Society Evening of Appreciation.

Below left: Alfredo Molina and Renee Dee. Below center: Mary O’Callaghan and Jim Grant. Below right: Joan Donnellan, Stephanie McCormick, Katie Storbeck, Jon Storbeck and Nicholas Kramer. Bottom left: Shari Simmons.

Photos by sarahlower.com

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JOIn cLUb 365 tOdAy!

did you know that a charitable bequest is one of the easiest ways to leave a lasting impact on local Make-A-wish children?A bequest can be made in your will or trust directing a gift to Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire.

benefits of your bequest:• receive estate tax charitable deduction • Lessen the burden of taxes on your family • Leave a lasting legacy

You can help make wishes come true by naming Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire as a beneficiary. Consult your attorney and use this sample bequest language.

I give the sum of $__ or __% to the Make-A-wish Orange county and the Inland Empire, to be used or disposed of as its board of directors deems appropriate in its sole discretion.

To learn about other ways that you can make a legacy gift, please contact Christine Gaxiola at cgaxiola@wishocie.org or 714-573-WISH (9474).

I have included Make-A-WishOrange County and the Inland Empire in my will

Club 365 is a monthly giving club that allows you to become a sustaining member and make a difference in the lives of local children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions – without writing checks or mailing envelopes.

The steady source of automatic monthly support enables our chapter to plan and ensure that we can fund the wishes of all eligible children. There are many advantages to joining!

For more information on Club 365, or to join please contact Christine Gaxiola at cgaxiola@wishocie.org or 714-573-WISH (9474).

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18th Annual we care For kids golf tournament raises $85,000The Tax & Financial Group (Newport Beach) hosted the 18th Annual We Care For Kids Golf Tournament and Auction on May 13. This year’s event featured a perfect day of golf at the Mesa Verde Country Club, followed by an incredible (and spirited!) live and silent auction. We are so thankful to tournament chairman and Tax

and Financial Group’s CEO, Richard McCloskey, and his incredible planning team who work for months to put on such an amazing event to benefit our wish kids. Since the tournament’s inception, they have donated more than $1.2 million to our chapter! Watch our website for details about how to get involved next year.

Every year on the 4th of July, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department hosts a very special cruise through Newport Harbor just for wish children and their families. More than 200 guests board a triple-decker yacht, courtesy of Electra Cruises, and spend the day out on the water. The families are also treated to a delicious pancake breakfast by the wonderful people at the American Legion.

“This year’s holiday cruise around Newport Harbor was a wonderful experience, as always, for Make-A-Wish,” said Make-A-Wish CEO, Stephanie McCormick. “We would like to thank everyone at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Electra Cruises and the American Legion Post 291 for providing an unforgettable experience for our wish children and their families.”

Wish children and their families were all smiles after meeting officers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol Division at this year’s 4th of July holiday cruise in Newport Harbor.

wish children and community celebrate 4th of July

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Volunteer spotlight

how yOU can help!You can be a part of our volunteer team too! We are always in need of volunteers to support our chapter as wish granters, event volunteers and Speaker’s Bureau members.

Currently, our highest need for wish granter volunteers is:

• Bi-lingual – Spanish-English in BOTH Orange County and the Inland Empire

• Residents of San Bernardino, Riverside and north Orange County

To get started, visit ocie.wish.org/volunteerinfosession to find an upcoming Volunteer Information Session near you!

GROUP NAME: AIMcO cares

CITY: Irvine

VOLUNTEER ROLE: corporate partner

AIMCO Cares volunteers have assisted with our Walk For Wishes® events since 2011. Not only are they phenomenal event prep volunteers – assembling walk goodie bags, event passes and walk signs – but they also have an AIMCO Cares walk team each year! This incredible group has been great to work with and so supportive of our cause and mission. We are grateful for our partnership with AIMCO!

“We cannot think of a better way to spend our days than to help make wishes come true for all these courageous kids!”

Rosanna Diaz, AIMCO Cares

Howard Malberg – Volunteer from 1998 to 2013

In July we lost Howard Malberg, a beloved member of our volunteer team. Howard lived and breathed Make-A-Wish for the past 15 years as a speaker, wish granter and event volunteer. He was a special part of our Make-A-Wish family and will be dearly missed by the volunteers, staff and wish families whose lives he touched.

In Loving Memory

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Local wishes

Jessica, 5acute lymphoblastic leukemia

I wish to go to walt disney world resort

Anthony, 14Hodgkins lymphoma

I wish to meet Mike trout

Merak, 12acute lymphoblastic leukemia

I wish to have a shopping spree

Alexander, 6rare blood disorder

I wish to have passes to the woodbridge Lagoons

Sara, 10PNET of the abdomen

I wish to have a Macbook pro

ryan, age 8 – Illinois

I wish to go to Disneyland

Anthony, age 11 – new york

I wish to go to a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim game

robert, age 17 – new Jersey

I wish to go to the Element headquarters

This year, our chapter welcomed 630 children from around the world to have their wishes granted in our own backyard. These wishes are in addition to the hundreds of wishes granted for children who live in Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Wish Assist

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Emma, 7end stage renal disease

I wish to go to disneyland

Akira, 3brain tumor

I wish to have a shopping spree

hannah, 19tuberous sclerosis

I wish to go to the billboard Music Awards

cyrus, 5hypoplastic left heart syndrome

I wish to have disneyland annual passes

Michelle, 12acute lymphoblastic leukemia

I wish to go to Aulani

Dear Make-A-Wish,

We would like to thank everyone that made

our trip to Hawaii possible. My children had

an amazing and unforgettable experience!

Sammy loved all the activities that he was able

to do thanks to generous people! Once again,

thanks to everyone from the bottom of our

hearts!– Samuel’s mom

Samuel, 7leukemia

I wish to go to hawaii

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Community eventsWe’d like to recognize the following events in our community for outstanding support of Make-A-Wish. Each of these events raised $5,000 or more, helping us get closer to our goal of granting every eligible wish. The following events took place between May 1 and August 31.

(Left) Jedi young and old, including our own wish kid, Marcelo, joined Nerdist Industries, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Octagon Events for the 2nd annual Course of the Force, an Olympic-torch-style relay run – with lightsabers! The event raised more than $80,000 to benefit the Southern California chapters of Make-A-Wish. Check our website for details to register for the 2014 run next July. May the force be with you!

Kaleidoscope Center in Mission Viejo hosted Wines and Wishes and the Kaleido-Kids Mini Carnival. Both events were a great success, raising $15,000!

We were honored to be one of the recipients of proceeds from the Annual Pechanga Resort and Casino Golf Classic – where Pechanga presented us with a $50,000 donation!

This year’s Mike Thompson RV Super Stores Drive for a Cause Charity Golf Tournament benefited the Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire chapters of Make-A-Wish!

For the second year, the Citizens Business Bank Charity Golf Classic was a hole-in-one, raising $12,500 for Make-A-Wish! We’re so grateful for our continued partnership!

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2nd Annual Riverside’s Got Talent Farrell’s 4th annual ice cream challenge Corona Gourmet Food Truck Festival

NCL Rancho Irvine’s annual fashion show Morton’s 3rd annual Winemaker Dinner 5th Annual Lobsterfest at Newport Beach

Students & Schools

Make-A-Wish high school club officers participated in our Summer Junior Internship program this July and August, building skills in leadership, teamwork and goal-setting. Schools represented included: Beckman, Corona del Mar, Garden Grove, Katella, Marina, Rosary and Sunny Hills high schools.

Through many club events including a community Shave-A-Thon, the Make-A-Wish club of Tarbut V’Torah raised an incredible $31,000 in the 2012-2013 school year – the most funds raised in one year by any club in our chapter’s history! They adopted the wishes of six local wish children.

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cOMMUnIty grOUpS: Harley Owners GroupKiwanis Club of Uptown Riverside

National Charity League Rancho Irvine Chapter

cOrpOrAtE dOnOrS: Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP

ArrowmacBJ’s Restaurants FoundationCar Donation FoundationCBS Radio Riverside-KFROG FM

Comerica BankCommunity BankEdison International Employee Contributions Campaign

First American Title Insurance Company

Haskell & White LLPHom Real Estate Group, Inc.Hunter-BrokerKaleidoscope CenterManheimMerchant ServicesNew American FundingNorm Reeves Acura of Mission Viejo

Ingram Micro Philanthropic Committee

McGladrey LLPOCD RealtyOne Eighty Business Solutions, Inc.

Orange County’s United WayPacific ContoursPeople Clothing Co.RalphsRe/Max Terra SolSamiyatexSeashore Pest Control, Inc.Stater Bros. Charities Tax & Financial GroupTrojan Battery CompanyWells Fargo Home Mortgage

EvEntS:4th Annual Farrell’s Splendiferously Superific Summer Spectacular Ice Cream Eating Challenge

15th Annual Pechanga Resort and Casino Charity Golf Classic

18th Annual Tax & Financial’s We Care For Kids Golf Tournament

Citizens Business Bank Charity Golf Classic

Corona Gourmet Food Truck Festival

Course of the ForceFood Truck SquadKaleidoscope Center’s Wines and Wishes

Kaleido-Kids Mini CarnivalLobsterfest at Newport BeachNational Charity League Rancho Irvine Chapter Fashion Show

Mike Thompson Golf Tournament

Morton’s Steakhouse 3rd

Annual Charles Krug Winemaker Dinner

Riverside’s Got Talent

FOUndAtIOnS And grAntS:Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation

Character and Courage Foundation

H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation

Michael Sweig FoundationOrange County Community Foundation

Thagard FoundationThe Walt Disney Company Foundation

Wells Fargo Bank FoundationYum! Brands Foundation, Inc.

IndIvIdUALS:Marcellus BestLawrence BraunRichard GodberDaniel KimJohn LincolnJoseph LozowskiRita MarchettiRichard McCloskeyStephanie McCormickCharles MeyerKimberly MottaClayton PapeMichael PaselkVictor Perrillo

Terri SacksCharlene SavageStephen SmithTim ThompsonSieg WeberBeverly Wiesen

In-kInd dOnOrS:Acker-Stone Industries, Inc.Airline Miles - National OfficeAulani A Disney Resort and Spa

Avis Car RentalBradford Renaissance PortraitsClassique LimousinesCore Fitness Integrated Training

Dave & Buster’sDisneyland Resort - Public Affair Dept

Dolphin Quest - OahuGive Kids The WorldGrand Wailea ResortHansen Beverage CompanyHomewood SuitesKnott’s Berry Farm/ Soak City USA

Leis of HawaiiLorin Backe PhotographyMarriott HotelMarriott Ko Olina Beach ClubMedieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Mike Gillmore PhotographyOld Ranch Country ClubParadise Pier Hotel

Pirate’s Dinner AdventureRobert LangSea Life ParkSheraton WaikikiSoka Performing Arts CenterSouthwest Airlines Travel Vouchers

Swarovski North America LTD.Tri State MaterialsUniversal Studios HollywoodWells Fargo Business Card Rewards

SchOOLS And UnIvErSItIES:The Alpha Phi Sorority at Chapman University

Costa Mesa High SchoolCulverdale Elementary SchoolThe Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at Chapman University

Fountain Valley High SchoolJohn F. Kennedy High SchoolLambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. at Cal State San Bernardino

Newhart Middle SchoolNewport Coast ElementaryNewport Harbor High SchoolNorthwood High SchoolThe Pegasus SchoolRosary High SchoolTarbut V’Torah Community School

Troy High SchoolUCI Greek SongfestUniversity High School

Thank you for making wishes come trueWe extend our deepest appreciation to the following businesses, events, service organizations, foundations and youth groups that have given donations to help fulfill the dreams of our wish children. The following list represents donors who gave $1,000 or more between May 1, 2013 and Aug. 31, 2013. We apologize if we inadvertently left anyone off the list.

We were so pleased to have had Jim Robbins attend the wish of Nicholas who wished to have custom-made drums to play at every Sunday service at his church. Thanks to Jim’s generous contribution as a Strength-level donor in our chapter’s Wish Society, Jim had the opportunity to share in the joy of Nicholas’ wish.

Donor Spotlight

“I’ve had cancer three times. I got so much support and prayers from friends that I believe in giving back. As the executor of a trust that specified support of Make-A-Wish, the feelings I get from helping are tremendously joyful.”

Jim Robbins, Make-A-Wish donor

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Michael Shapiro adopted Joseph’s wish to have his car restored. Manheim Socal/Nevada Market adopted Alyssa’s wish to go to Aulani.

Adopt-A-Wish® supporters

Through payroll deductions, the employees of Norm Reeves Acura of Mission Viejo raised enough funds to adopt Rui’s wish to go to Disneyland.

help make wishes come true with a donation to support local Make-A-wish children. visit us online at ocie.wish.org or call us at 714-574-wISh today!

Individuals, companies and community groups that donate $5,000 or more have the opportunity to adopt the wish of a local child.

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Friday, October 18th • 4pm-10:30pm

A Powerhouse Lineup of Top Industry Experts Converge for The State of Real Estate 2013 to

Benefit Make-A-Wish® and other charities

www.isurvivedrealestate.com

Save the DatesThursday, December 5

The Orange County Wish House14232 Red Hill Ave., Tustin

~Wednesday, December 11The Inland Empire Wish Suite3521 Main Street, Riverside

Please join us for one of our holiday open houses!

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Help celebrate a most heartfelt wish…Become a Wish Presentation Partner!

We are seeking restaurants who can provide:Complimentary meals • Gift Cards •

Discounts • Other in-kind services

Contact us to discuss all details and benefits! 714-573-WISH (9474)

Orange County:Rebecca Kwaitrkwait@wishocie.org

Inland Empire:Francine Gobert

fgobert@wishocie.org

The Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire

Young Professionals are a diverse group of young leaders under the age of 40 who are dedicated to supporting the mission of Make-A-Wish.

Visit ocie.wish.org to learn more,or contact us at getinvolved@wishocie.org.

Women's Circle of Wishes invites you to attend the inaugural This Old Bag – The Power of the Purse event to benefit Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire

Join us for a fun filled afternoon to enjoy high tea, mimosas, entertainment, and the chance to bid on new and vintage purses donated by designers, local philanthropists, retailers, as well as autographed bags from world famous athletes, entertainers and Hollywood celebrities. Visit ThisOldBag2013.kintera.org to purchase tickets!

Tickets: $75 advance purchase through October 15, then $90 until November 1

Sunday, Nov. 10 2 p.m.

The Island Hotel in Newport Beach

14232 Red Hill AvenueTustin, CA 92780714-573-WISH (9474)

ocie.wish.org

Make-A-wish® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

LIKE our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MakeAWishOCIE to find out what’s happening at your local Make-A-Wish chapter!

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MakeAWishOCIE to get updates on events and fundraisers!

Visit ocie.wish.org to fill out a volunteer application or contact our Volunteer Services Team at volunteerinfo@wishocie.org!

Friday, Oct. 25Balboa Bay ClubJoin us for a night of surprises, fabulous live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing.

Purchase tickets at

or contact Sarah at 714-573-WISH ext. 230 or pizzaruso@wishocie.org.

ocie.wish.org

2nd Annual

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SANTA ANA, CAPERMIT NO. 4119