we grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to

enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy

Make-A-Wish Mississippi

Annual ReportFiscal Year 2013September 2012-August 2013

®

Make-A-Wish Mississippi576 Highland Colony Parkway Suite 120

Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157

Southern Region OfficePO Box 7488

Gulfport, Mississippi 39506

www.ms.wish.org

welcome

Since 1985, Make-A-Wish Mississippi has granted over 1,650 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Over these past years, we have seen that the wish not only impacts the life of the child, but also the life of the child’s family, the volunteers and the donors who provide the very necessary financial support to make wishes come true. Without these influential people, we would not have been able to grant 109 wishes in Fiscal Year 2013, making a huge difference in the lives of 109 wish kids and families in Mississippi.

Each year, over 200 children are diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in our chapter’s territory. It is our vision that we would reach each eligible child and grant their most heartfelt wish. A recent study confirms that the power of a wish is an important part of a child’s treatment process. A wish come true empowers a child with a life-threatening medical condition to fight harder against their illness. And fight they do. We like to refer to our wish kids as heroes, and they truly embody the definition of a hero: a person who is admired for great or brave acts.

We hope you enjoy reading about what Make-A-Wish Mississippi has accomplished in the past fiscal year. In this year’s annual report, we share the wish of La’Kyra, a thirteen year-old who wished to go to Walt Disney World. Her story shows just how much a wish can impact a family. We are so appreciative of you for giving to this incredible mission; thank you for helping share the power of a wish.

Best wishes,

Jarrod Gray Brent WilsonBoard Chair President & CEO

by the numbers

NeoplasmsNervous System & Sense Organ DiseasesCongenital AnomaliesEndocrine/Nutritional/Metabolic/Immunity DisordersGenitourinary DiseasesTransplants & Other Health FactorsBlood/Blood-Forming Organ DiseasesInfectious/Parasitic DiseasesRespiratory System DiseasesDigestive System DiseasesMusculoskeletal & Connective Tissue DiseasesInjury & Poisoning

53%17%9%5%5%3%3%1%1%1%1%1%

Delta (blue)North (green)Central (orange)Southwest (yellow)Southeast (red)Coast (purple)

201044

71117

2.5-5 years24%

6-8 years18%

9-11 years18%

12-14 years16%

15-17 years19%

18 + years5%

revenue: $1,437,767

wishes by age:

wishes by diagnosis:

wishes by category:

Cruise6%

Travel7%

Shopping24%

Celebrity7%

Disney51%

Animal1%

Computer1%

MusicalInstrument

1%

Playset/Playhouse

1%

Room Redo1%

wishes by region: wishes granted in FY 2013: 109

16%

8%

26%35%

11%4%

Chart Title

Direct Public Support

Corporate Gifts

In-Kind Gifts

Special Events

Wish Assists

Other

58%24%

4%

3%3% 2%

6%

Chart Title

Direct Wish Expense

Payroll Expense

Rent

Professional Fees

Printing & Publications

National Partnership Dues

Other Expenses

16%

8%

26%35%

11%4%

Chart Title

Direct Public Support

Corporate Gifts

In-Kind Gifts

Special Events

Wish Assists

Other

58%24%

4%

3%3% 2%

6%

Chart Title

Direct Wish Expense

Payroll Expense

Rent

Professional Fees

Printing & Publications

National Partnership Dues

Other Expenses

16%

8%

26%35%

11%4%

Chart Title

Direct Public Support

Corporate Gifts

In-Kind Gifts

Special Events

Wish Assists

Other

58%24%

4%

3%3% 2%

6%

Chart Title

Direct Wish Expense

Payroll Expense

Rent

Professional Fees

Printing & Publications

National Partnership Dues

Other Expenses

16%

8%

26%35%

11%4%

Chart Title

Direct Public Support

Corporate Gifts

In-Kind Gifts

Special Events

Wish Assists

Other

58%24%

4%

3%3% 2%

6%

Chart Title

Direct Wish Expense

Payroll Expense

Rent

Professional Fees

Printing & Publications

National Partnership Dues

Other Expenses

expenses: $1,387,065

financials:

La’kyraAge 13

I wish to go to Walt Disney WorldDiseases of the nervous system

“Thank you for brightening my family’s world”In a Wish Impact Study released in 2013, a survey showed that 96% of families said that the wish experience strengthened their family. La’Kyra and her family wholeheartedly agree.

Thirteen year-old La’Kyra was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in September 2010. Since then she has battled valiantly through dialysis, kidney biopsy, chemotherapy and many additional medical treatments. When approached by Ms. Betty, her Wish Granter, La’kyra was filled with bliss. She never imagined that someone would make her wish come true! This meeting was where the whole experience began. La’Kyra’s mom said, “Most of all, the way she and the volunteer showed love and understanding for my child and my family…that was priceless.”

La’Kyra and her family literally jumped around the house in excitement when they realized they would be spending Christmas week in Orlando, Florida, visiting Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. “There was not one dull moment on the trip”, exclaimed La’Kyra’s mother. The family was thrilled with the perfect accommodations of Give Kids the World Village. They were all smiles while they celebrated at Sea World’s Christmas Celebration, had fun in the sun at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and of course posed for a family picture with none other than Mickey Mouse himself.

One of the greatest joys of the trip could not have been planned. La’Kyra’s parents had been separated for some time. When La’Kyra was able to choose who would participate on the trip, she decided it would be best for her parents to set aside their differences and all attend the trip together. When asked if the wish had an impact on the family or wish child’s life, La’Kyra’s family answered, “It gave our family a chance to bond in a way we were never able to do. We are so busy with work and other things in our lives that we never really get the chance to be around our loved ones. Having the opportunity to go on this wish is what brought our family together.” After the trip, La’Kyra’s mother and father revived their relationship and have plans to get married, again!

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation not only granted La’Kyra’s wish, but it also granted a wish that saved a family.” – La’Kyra’s Mother and Father.

The following donors generously contributed gifts of $1,000+ between September 1, 2012 and August 31, 2013. Make-A-Wish Mississippi is funded entirely by private donations. We extend our deepest thanks to the many donors who supported our mission through financial contributions. For a complete list of FY 2013 donors, please visit www.ms.wish.org. Please accept our sincerest apologies should you discover any errors or omissions.

Our Supporters

Wish Trustee - ($100,000.00 + ) Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Wish Visionary - ($50,000.00 +) Anonymous Make-A-Wish America Wish Benefactor - ($25,000.00+) Anonymous Chi Omega - Mississippi State UniversityChi Omega - USM Wish Innovator - ($10,000.00 +) AnonymousAnonymousBilly AtwoodElton G. BeebeWade CreekmoreCruisin The CoastCharles G. GatesInternational Association of Workplace Professionals of MSIP Mississippi Charities, LLCMadison County School DistrictMake-A-Wish AlabamaParagon, LLCCraig M. RozierMike RozierTyson FoodsTyson Foods, Inc. Jackson, MS ComplexUnited States Marine, Inc.

Wish Pacesetter - ($1,000.00 + ) Brenda J. Adair Adams and Reese, LLP Advanced Healthcare Management Anne Andrews Black CLUT Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Balch & Bingham LLP BancorpSouth Bank of Franklin BankPlus

Barksdale Cadillac Taure BeckhamBessemer Trust Company BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi Juliana W. Bond Boomtown Casino BP American Production Company Julie Brown Brunini, Grantham, Grower, Hewes, PLLC Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLCCentury Club Charities, Inc. Chevron Humankind Chi Omega - Millsaps College John P. Clements Coast Electric Power Association Collado Enterprises Combined Federal Campaign of Warren County Combined Federal Campaign- PCFO Community Foundation of Greater Jackson Community Trust Bank Wayne Cone COPAC, Inc. Copiah County Schools Ernest Coward D.N.P., Inc. Alfred Dantzler Julie M. Davis Melanie and Mike Dowell E. I. Dupont De Nemours & Company Roger D. Earls East Central Community College Eastgroup Properties Mary Ann Eaton Ed Grantham & Associates Ergon, Inc. Excess Risk Reinsurance Exchange Club of Brookhaven Paxton M. Farese Brian Fenelon First Choice Medical First Commercial Bank Flowood United Methodist Church GECAS Asset Management Services General Motors, LLC Brenda Golisch David Gosselin Lexie Gosselin Jarrod Gray Rodney Gray Gulfport Personnel Services, LLC GWRRA MS Chapter Q Hard Rock Casino & Resort Harvey Construction Company Lucian Harvey Jeremy E. Hewitt Hollis Shoemaker, Inc. Horne, LLP Benny Hubbard J. S. Hughes

Margaret Hutton Insurance & Risk Managers Jackson Academy Jackson Metro Area CFC Jackson Touchdown Club, Inc. Chesley R. James Jaudon & Associates, LLCJewelers for Children Michael E. Johnson Jowin Express, Inc. Keesler Federal Credit Union Steve Kennedy Robie Kight Lauderdale County Farm Bureau Lawrence County Schools Rachel M. Leggitt Luxaire Madison Middle School Magnolia Cruisers Shirley and Duffy N. McKenzie Gail Megason Merchant’s Food Service Merrill Lynch & Company Foundation,Inc. MS Coast Mustang Club, Inc. NBES PTO Neshoba County School District North Pike County School DistrictKristie and David Nutt NWR Key Club Pain Consultants of AL, LLC PPS Plus Software Eric B. Prince Progressive Group Mgt., LLC Quality Restaurant Concepts, LLC Bradley W. Rath Stephen Rowell Sam’s Club #4871 Gareth F. Sartin Schwartz & Associates, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.SSS Foundation St. Dominic Health Services, Inc. State Bank & Trust of Brookhaven Structural Steel Services, Inc Tellus Operating Group, LLC The Bates Agency The Campbell Group, LLC The Farese Group, LLC The TatoNut Shop The Taylor Group, Inc.Trusted ChoiceUnited Healthcare VSPORTO LLC Wal Mart #1025 Wal Mart #365 Wal Mart #875 Wal Mart Foundation Walters & Mason Retail, Inc. Ashley N. WicksSharon Wilt

71% of adult former wish kids believe the wish experience contributed to saving their lives

Margaret Hutton Insurance & Risk Managers Jackson Academy Jackson Metro Area CFC Jackson Touchdown Club, Inc. Chesley R. James Jaudon & Associates, LLCJewelers for Children Michael E. Johnson Jowin Express, Inc. Keesler Federal Credit Union Steve Kennedy Robie Kight Lauderdale County Farm Bureau Lawrence County Schools Rachel M. Leggitt Luxaire Madison Middle School Magnolia Cruisers Shirley and Duffy N. McKenzie Gail Megason Merchant’s Food Service Merrill Lynch & Company Foundation,Inc. MS Coast Mustang Club, Inc. NBES PTO Neshoba County School District North Pike County School DistrictKristie and David Nutt NWR Key Club Pain Consultants of AL, LLC PPS Plus Software Eric B. Prince Progressive Group Mgt., LLC Quality Restaurant Concepts, LLC Bradley W. Rath Stephen Rowell Sam’s Club #4871 Gareth F. Sartin Schwartz & Associates, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.SSS Foundation St. Dominic Health Services, Inc. State Bank & Trust of Brookhaven Structural Steel Services, Inc Tellus Operating Group, LLC The Bates Agency The Campbell Group, LLC The Farese Group, LLC The TatoNut Shop The Taylor Group, Inc.Trusted ChoiceUnited Healthcare VSPORTO LLC Wal Mart #1025 Wal Mart #365 Wal Mart #875 Wal Mart Foundation Walters & Mason Retail, Inc. Ashley N. WicksSharon Wilt

71% of adult former wish kids believe the wish experience contributed to saving their lives

In-Kind DonationsThe following donors generously contributed in-kind gifts of $1,000+ between September 1, 2012 and August 31, 2013. We extend our deepest thanks to the many donors who supported our mission through in-kind contributions. For a complete list of FY 2013 donors, please visit www.ms.wish.org. Please accept our sincerest apologies should you discover any errors or omissions.

Albriton’s JewelryCoast Observer Competitive PrintingBeau RivageFlorence GardenSpencer GrayHard Rock Hotel- Biloxi Thomas HarrisHaynes Integrated TechStacy Hughes

Jernigan Copeland & Anderson, PLLCKnight Abbey Commercial PrintingLamar Outdoor Advertising- CoastSarah McTaggartGlenn MillerMary J. MoahNewk’s CafeNo Strings BandPass Road Mini StorageRandy Watkins

Swarovski North America Ltd.The Prime Time AgencyUSA PawnWyatt WatersWebb Construction Company, IncLeah Katherine WhisenantWindance Country ClubWLOX-TVWXXV Regional Sales Office

Kids for Wish KidsThe following groups participated in the Make-A-Wish Kids for Wish Kids program. Thank you for helping raise over $50,000 for Make-A-Wish Mississippi.Simpson County AcademyWesson Attendance CenterJackson AcademyRosa Scott SchoolMadison Central High SchoolMadison Middle SchoolGermantown High SchoolNorth Pike ElementaryNorth Pike MiddleNorth Pike High

Ridgeland High SchoolLawrence County High SchoolNorthwest RankinNeshoba Central SchoolsEast Central Community CollegeBiloxi Junior High SchoolGirl Scout Troup 5308Gavin Brown Our Lady’s AcademyNorth Bay Elementary School

EventsThe following events were held by Make-A-Wish Mississippi supporters during FY2013. By donating the proceeds to Make-A-Wish Mississippi, the difference of a lifetime was made for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Thank you to these groups for donating their time and talents.

Get Your Wish On USM Chi Omegas - SongfestMississippi State Chi Omegas Millsaps Chi OmegasUSM Chi Omega Alumni - Breakfast with SeymourFlorence Garden- 5K Fairy Dust RunCruisin’ the Coast - Car raffle

MS Coast Mustang ClubGold Wing Road Riders Association Fun DayTyson Foods - Vicksburg Golf TournamentApplebee’s McComb Grand OpeningMississippi Corvette Classic Car ShowMorgan Stanley - 5K Walk/RunMagnolia Cruisers

Thank you to the University of Southern Mississippi Chi Omegas!

Thank you Madison Central for making wishes come true!

Northwest Rankin students pose with wish kid Carter

Make-A-Wish Mississippi576 Highland Colony ParkwaySuite 120Ridgeland, MS 39157

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GET CONNECTED!

Jarrod Gray, CHAIRChesley R. James, CHAIR ELECTJamie Chustz, PAST CHAIRPaxton FareseMatt GrenfellJerri HarveyAshley Wicks

PRESIDENT & CEOBrent Wilson

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGERRod Henderson

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & PROGRAM SERVICESJudy Phillips

CENTRAL MS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERJane Walsh

SOUTH MS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERShellie Moses

COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORSwayze Pentecost

VOLUNTEER COORDINATORBetty Clements

BOARD OF DIRECTORSMAKE-A-WISH MISSISSIPPISTAFF

Joel BoboDanny MitchellStan NeeseChris EspyDianna AinsworthGene Delcomyn

Thank you Luxaire for hosting a wish reveal party for Malia!From left to right: Brian Hammons, Stephanie Lemoine, Malia, Terrell Jones