Wish Granting Make-A-Wish Officially the Largest Wish-Granting Organisation
Make-A-Wish – the global organisation that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses – is thrilled to announce a Guinness World Record title achievement of being named the largest wish-granting nonprofit organisation.
Since its creation in 1980, the organisation has granted nearly 450,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses around the world. Incredibly, a wish is granted every 17 minutes globally with the help of more than 40,000 volunteers and countless donors.
Last year alone, the organisation granted more than 30,000 wishes to children from 62 chapters located in the US and its territories, as well as 41 international affiliates serving more than 50 countries worldwide.
“Make-A-Wish is proud to be named a Guinness World Records title holder for the largest wish-granting organisation in the world. This designation recognises so many people who have worked tirelessly over the years to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
“Whilst it marks a great milestone for us, it also serves as a strong reminder that there is much work ahead to grant the wish of every eligible child,” said David Williams, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America.
Even though the organisation has earned a Guinness World Records title, the organisation is currently only halfway to its vision of granting the wish of every eligible child.
Today 1 out of every 2 eligible kids receive a wish, the majority of whom go on to beat their illness. This includes 45-year old Tiffany Rowe, who this month is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her wish to meet Michael Jackson.
Tiffany was the first wish child elected to the Make-A-Wish America National Board of Directors and today serves as the Chair of the Make-A-Wish National Board Alumni Association.
The Guinness World Records title announcement comes after a month-long celebration leading up to the 29 April celebration of World Wish Day. The organisation hosted a campaign with the theme: “Wishes take muscle.”
Throughout April, the organisation granted more than 1,800 wishes around the globe and focused on the fact that a wish can give kids the mental strength to fight their illness.
The campaign also honoured the donors, doctors, volunteers and other supporters who, together, lend their muscle – whether it be their time, energy or resources – to make wishes possible.
The campaign included a brand-new PSA that was developed in partnership with TBWA\Chiat\Day LA aimed at granting as many wishes as possible both in front of the camera, and during the production process.
The PSA stars Make-A-Wish kids, including a superhero, marine and superstar showing off the emotional, psychological and physical muscle they gained from their wish experience.
The wish kids appear alongside WWE Superstar John Cena, who has granted more than 580 wishes. Celebrity wish granters Johnny Depp – whose support through wish granting and fundraising at studio premieres and movie screenings spans 30 years – Steve Harvey, a longtime wish granter, and multi-platinum recording artist and actress, Becky G lent their voices to PSAs in the series as well.
The PSA effort, the largest production in the organisation’s history, would not have been possible without significant in-kind resources donated by more than 100 supporters organised by TBWA\Chiat\Day LA and the support of WWE.
Also in April, the organisation challenged people around the world to participate in the #ArmWrestleChallenge, a fun, family-friendly social media competition that encouraged people to show their muscle to raise awareness and funds for the organisation.
With the help of WWE Superstar John Cena, this challenge has seen participants such as YouTube duo Rhett and Link; chef, Guy Fieri; the Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo; photographer, Nigel Barker; WWE Superstars Dana Brooke, Brie Bella, Sheamus and Cesaro; actress, Lilly Singh and many more.
