Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia

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 29 years ago, more than 161,000 wishes have been granted throughout 65 chapters in the United States and in 33 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 his famous piggy-back rides. Today, the chapter has granted more than 11,500 wishes. We are the first chapter in the world to fulfill more than 700 wishes in one year.

Recent Awards and Accolades

June 2010
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater PA and Southern WV received the Good Neighbor Award on behalf of State Farm and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

August 2009
For the third year in a row, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater PA and Southern WV receives a four-star (highest rating) from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest independent charity evaluator. Only one-fourth of all charities evaluated receive this top rating.

January 2009
During its 25th anniversary year, the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted its 10,000th wish to Jacob of Connellsville, PA,  who wanted to be a Pittsburgh Penguins player for a day.

August 2008
For the second year in a row, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater PA and Southern WV receives a four-star (highest rating) from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest independent charity evaluator. Only 18% of non-profits sustain a four-star rating for two years in a row.

May 2008
The Make-A-Wish Foundation begins a year-long celebration of its 25th Anniversary. The first wish was granted in 1983.To read more, please click here.

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 and 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

Stella! the Make-A-Wish Mascot 

Stella!, the newest member of the Make-A-Wish family, was delivered in the summer of 2008 and is the newest celebrity in town.  She has become so popular with our donors, volunteers and wish families that it is impossible to keep up with her appearances, including our December Light Up A Child's Life campaign.   A special thank-you to the Stella! Brigade, our fleet of star drivers who escort our new superstar to all of her Pittsburgh-area appearances.

Become a Make-A-Wish Facebook Fan

Check out our chapter's Facebook page, which was recently updated with new wish stories, wish kid and event photos, wish art, event listings and a personal story from four wish kid interns, who are now healthy young adults.