DONOR SPOTLIGHT: WHY WE DONATE
Sue and Rich Jones
In July 2000, Sue and Rich were on an anniversary cruise that
left them speechless and eager to see how they could get
involved with Make-A-Wish.
While on the cruise, a child’s wish to reenact the iconic
scenes from the movie The Titanic was taking place. As the
little girl walked to the front of the ship in a blue dress which
matched that of the female lead character, Rose, everyone
applauded. There was not a dry eye in the crowd of onlookers
who had the opportunity to watch this wish experience unfold.
LEADING THE WAY FOR CORPORATE INVOLVEMENT
Seeing the impact this wish had on the wish child and her
family inspired Sue and Rich to get involved with their local
Colorado chapter. Make-A-Wish Colorado has become a part of their family. “It is wonderful to work with
like-minded people, who are so devoted to what they do,” said Sue.
Sue and Rich believe it is their duty to leave a positive mark on our world. Being a part of bringing a wish to life,
to create lasting memories for a child and their family is a very special honor.
Julie & Bill Bachman
Julie and Bill have always had a desire to give annually to
organizations that help children in need. They were familiar
with Make-A-Wish, however, it was not until they got involved
three years ago, that this passion for helping children evolved
into an incredible relationship. “There is a real friendship that
has occurred,” said Bill. “With some other organizations, you
never hear from them, but this is not the case with
Make-A-Wish Colorado.”
There is a feeling of having a real impact as a supporter of
Make-A-Wish. Being able to put a smile on the face of not
only the child but everyone connected to the wish is an
unbelievable pleasure. “My wife and I feel good being part
of such an incredible organization,” Bill shared.
Thank you to ICOSA Media and the Colorado Business Round Table for your
incredible support. It has been a pleasure and treat appearing on Connect
& Collaborate radio show Denver Money Talk 1690 AM KDMT, and we look
forward to our continued partnership.
ICOSA MEDIA
Grace, 13
kidney disease
I wish to go to Hawaii
Help wish kids
take flight.
Give your air miles now.
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Visit colorado.wish.org/miles
Pictured, front: Vice President of Loveland Products, Brent Smith, wish kids, Bo, Madison
and Koryn. Back: Make-A-Wish committee members.
Loveland Products prides itself on having a business model that is deeply ingrained in its philanthropic values.
They have given to many charitable organizations, but were looking to find a cornerstone cause around which
their employees could rally. In 2015, they found what they were looking for in Make-A-Wish Colorado.
Now in their second year supporting Make-A-Wish Colorado, the employees of Loveland Products have become
more and more engaged. They are organizing additional fundraisers and donating airline miles, all while
continuing to sponsor wishes. This past year, Loveland Products set a record by donating 930,000 airline miles. This
is monumental as 71% of all Colorado wishes involve traveling out of state. ”Working with Make-A-Wish Colorado
has created a larger opportunity for us to get the community around us unified in our efforts to grant wishes,”
said Vice President of Loveland Products, Brent Smith. The partnership with Make-A-Wish Colorado is so popular
at Loveland Products that they have created an internal committee that dedicates countless hours to planning
and executing fundraising campaigns and wish events.
I WISH TO GIVE...
Eliza, 18-years-old, was a devoted ballerina who had mastered plies and pirouettes until she was diagnosed with
a medical condition that would ultimately rob her of her ability to dance. After
being diagnosed with a disease of the nervous system, she had to work towards
her new normal. Part of starting this new chapter was receiving and learning to
maneuver a wheelchair. “I remember what it was like not to be able to keep up,
and how my wheelchair gave me freedom again,” she recalled. Regaining her
independence is what drove Eliza to look for a way that she could give the same
feeling to those in need. Everything fell into place when she was referred to
Make-A-Wish® Colorado and came across an organization called Joni and Friends
who specializes in the distribution of wheelchairs in developing countries. Here
Eliza’s wish to give wheelchairs to those in Poland was fulfilled.
Arriving in Poland, Eliza was overcome with mixed emotions. On the one hand,
she was thrilled to be there, but on the other hand, she felt that she could do more
for these people if she were not confined to a wheelchair. Joni, Eliza’s mentor,
told her just the opposite was true. She is the exact role model these recipients
need. Who else can relate and speak to their experience more than Eliza, who
is living the same battle every day? With that in mind, Eliza had a new found
strength. Her bond with Joni propelled her to fulfill her wish and experience all
that Poland had to offer.
Eliza instantly fell in love with the Polish culture and architecture of old town
Warsaw. She also enjoyed venturing out to try some of the local cuisines. Eliza
spent six days traveling around Poland and dedicated four days to connecting
with locals who were in need of a wheelchair. “While there was a language
barrier, no language was required,” said Eliza, “It was a common experience that I shared with them.”
Because of her wish experience, Eliza realized the strength within her and found a purpose to her condition. “I
came back with a new view o n my life,” she shared. Now she hopes to continue to share her story in hopes of
inspiring others, while continuing to help give others their freedom back through wheelchair donations.
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