About Us
How it all began
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona. A small group of people there helped a very ill little boy achieve his wish - to be a state trooper for a day. From that one wish made 26 years ago, more than 141,000 wishes have been granted throughout 69 chapters in the United States and in more than 30 countries around the world.
Your Make-A-Wish Chapter
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia was founded in May 1983 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bryan was a seven-year-old cancer patient who wanted to visit his favorite uncle in Texas for one of their famous piggy-back rides. Today the chapter has granted more than 9,500 wishes. We are the first chapter in the world to fulfill more than 700 wishes in one year.
Recent Awards and Accolades
December 2007
Dr. Thomas Starzl, noted transplant pioneer and longtime Make-A-Wish supporter, receives the Bryan P. McClinton Award for his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The award was bestowed at the annual UPMC-sponsored Make-A-Wish Carnival.
November 2007
Volunteer Virginia "Ginny" Kortz receives the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Reitred adn Senior Volunteer Program (RSPV) in Pittsburgh.
September 2007
Outstanding Performance Award from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. Awarded to the top chapter in its category (large markets)
July 2007
Four Star Rating (highest rating) from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest independent charity evaluator
May 2007
Recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times for being the best Pittsburgh-area charity at keeping costs low on special events
October 2006
Anthony L. Bucci Excellence in Communications Ethics Award given by Duquesne University to Vice President of Communications Ann Hohn
September 2006
Power of One Award from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. Awarded to the top performing chapter
Spot Says… Plum Borough School District is the #1 Make-A-Wish fund raising school district in the country.
Allyson, 9, Hawaii Trip
