Foundation helps fill gap in unfulfilled wishes

Fayetteville-based nonprofit Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation Inc. will give up to $500,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South Inc. The nonprofit grants wishes to critically ill children in the region. The gift is part of the Wishes are Waiting campaign that’s expected to address the gap of children waiting for wishes.

“Every child deserves to be a child,” said Mandy Macke, executive director of the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. “They deserve to have happiness and hope for a better today and a healthier tomorrow. The Walker Foundation is pleased to play a small role in that journey. We are honored to partner with Make-A-Wish in their efforts impacting children across our region.”

According to a news release, the gift will “match dollar for dollar up to $500,000 over the next two years” in campaign contributions. The three-year Wishes are Waiting campaign launched in 2022 and is supported by donors who give at least $10,000. By Aug. 31, 2024, Make-A-Wish Mid-South has a goal to raise $4.3 million and grant 315 wishes annually.

“This campaign is essential in transforming the future of our organization,” said Casey Tansey, CEO of Make-A-Wish Mid-South. “It will allow Make-A-Wish Mid-South to think bigger and shore up our future, ensuring wish kids can continue to dream big and experience the life-changing medical impact a wish offers.”

According to the nonprofit’s 2022 annual report, more than 6,500 families in the region have received a wish, and 400 children are waiting for their wishes to be granted. In 2022, the number of children who were granted wishes rose by 25% to 229 from 182 in 2021. The nonprofit’s revenue was flat at about $3.9 million in 2022 from 2021.

Make-A-Wish Mid-South has offices in Fayetteville, Little Rock and Memphis. The Northwest Arkansas office has one employee.