About Us
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From our humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we’ve evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 40 minutes.
Our Chapter
Founded in 1992, The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Fulfilling a child’s wish provides a joyful and meaningful experience that benefits both the child and the family. Our chapter grants one wish every 2 1/2 days.
The First Wish
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® traces its beginning to one boy’s wish. In 1980, 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius was being treated for leukemia. Every day, he dreamed of becoming a police officer.
Thanks to the generosity of some caring individuals, Chris was sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history.
Thus, the Chris Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial – which later became known as the Make-A-Wish Foundation® – was born.
Fast Facts
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Western New York was founded in the summer of 1992 when a young girl wished to meet her favorite country singer, Reba McIntyre.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York has granted more than 2,000 wishes.
Nationally, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 165,000 wishes since 1980.
In Western New York we currently have 200+ volunteers and welcome other interested individuals.
Recently, we relocated our Rochester Office to Brighton Commons, 1855 Monroe Avenue, Suite #4, Rochester, NY 14618.
Make-A-Wish launched a nationwide campaign on April 1st to raise air miles to enable travel, our most critical wish resource. The campaign culminates on April 29 when we grant wishes around the world to celebrate World Wish Day.
