Mary-Kate O’Leary |
Executive director, A Wish Come True Inc.
1. What makes A Wish Come True stand out to potential donors and the people the organization helps from other wish-granting nonprofits? All donations stay in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and support our local children living with critical illness and their families. It is not just the magical wish that is granted; it is love and care we provide before, during and after the wish that makes us stand apart from other wish-granting organizations.
2. How has A Wish Come True grown and evolved since you took over as executive director 3½ years ago? We have made great strides in creating an incredibly strong and committed board of directors that has an active role in both governance and fundraising. We have had a 43% growth in revenue and the board has been instrumental in attracting new donors to learn more about A Wish Come True. Most importantly, we expanded our services beyond granting magical wishes to also helping wish families as they navigate their complex journey of caring for a child with a critical illness.
3. What challenges did the COVID-19 pandemic bring to the work of A Wish Come True? Like many businesses, we had to pivot. We listened and learned that many wish families are struggling financially as they take care of their sick child. We created the Meghan Duffy Hardship Fund and we have given over $50,000 in support to wish families for rent, utilities, groceries, gas cards, car repairs and home repairs. Many of our families experienced job loss or diminished earning capacity and we provided a lifeline during this difficult time.
4. How is the current economic environment affecting fundraising and the number of contributions the organization is receiving? The cost of wishes has increased just like everything else. Our costs for a child’s wish average $7,500 today. I challenge all businesses to get your employees involved – to give back locally, even if it is a weekly or monthly gift of $25, it adds up and makes a huge impact on our programs for our local families.
5. As A Wish Come True marks its 40th anniversary, what’s next? How do you envision the organization evolving and growing in the future? We see growth opportunities expanding in Massachusetts, as well as providing more wraparound services for our families that may include counseling and advocacy. Ultimately, we are outgrowing our building and we want to have a one-stop shop for our families so they can get time back in their lives.