25th Anniversary

In 1983, a group of individuals from the Cleveland area petitioned the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America to start a chapter in Northeast Ohio.  We received our charter that year, identifying us as the eleventh chapter formed within the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.  Our territory was defined as the 13 contigous counties in the northeastern part of the state.

In January of 1984, we granted our first wish.  Six-year-old George wished to go to Walt Disney World, starting a long tradition of magical Disney memories.

Days before George's wish came true, his mother wrote:

"Words cannot express my regard for your efforts and concern. Keep doing what you do - there will be other after George to whom you will provide a great deal of happiness despite their daily heartbreak."

There were others after George - many others. Since George's first wish, we have granted over 6,300 wishes to children and families all over Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.