2016 Annual Report. Changing Lives One Wish At A Time

Transcription

1 2016 Annual Report Changing Lives One Wish At A Time

2 A Message from our Chairman and Executive Director Dear Friends of The Granted Wish Foundation, On any given annual report, you will find statistics and charts outlying an organizations income and expenses. How can any number on a page compare to the heartwarming pleas of those in need that we are able to help by lifting their spirits and changing their lives in some small way? Obtaining donations to fulfill ongoing wishes still remains a continuous struggle. Over the past year, our Board of Governors spent many hours determining the best direction for our foundation. In June, 2016, our mission focus was narrowed to a unique cause unlike any other wish granting organization. The Granted Wish Foundation now Enriches the lives of physically challenged children and young adults by granting Sports and Celebrity Athlete wishes. The growth and awareness of our foundation continues to rise and we embrace any new challenges that come our way. At The Granted Wish Foundation, we believe anything is possible with faith, hope and perseverance. We d like to share a few of these heartfelt stories with you in our report. We hope you will see how the power of a Granted Wish is always in your heart We thank you for your generous and continued support of our foundation. Sincerely, Rodney L. Napier Chairman Stefanie R. Coletti Executive Director 2016 Board of Governors Rodney L. Napier Stefanie R. Coletti Reverend Michael Balash Chairman Secretary Treasurer Jay D. Spencer Governor Margaret DeLillo Storey Governor 1

3 About Us OUR MISSION: Enriching the lives of physically challenged children and young adults by granting Sports and Celebrity Athlete wishes The only Wish Granting Organization dedicated to granting wishes exclusively in the Sports genres. With so many physically challenged children and young adults suffering on a daily basis, we wanted to make a difference. We are here, not only for those individuals who are terminally ill or suffer a life-threatening illness, but also those who simply face a physical challenge.. Fast Facts Established in 2005, the organization expanded in late 2007 Operates with a single paid employee, The Executive Director Managed by a 5-Member non-compensated board of Governors Registered with the State of Ohio IRC 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the IRS BBB Accredited Charity meeting all 20 standards for charity accountability 2

4 2016 Program Services WISHES GRANTED: 25 wishes were granted that enriched the lives of these children, young adults and their families. NFL, NBA and WWE Events. Amusement Parks and necessary items for illnesses prior to our mission change in June were among the wishes that were granted! (See Pages 4-5 for a few of our 2016 wishes) HOLIDAY ADOPT A FAMILY: Our local, annual Adopt-A Family brings tears of joy and happiness to the families that our organization is honored to help. Volunteers shop during the holidays to fill numerous shopping carts with household items, clothes, toys and groceries for those in need. Surprise visits are made to the families. In 2016, Granted Wish served a large family and also furnished three beds to a family who was sleeping on the floor. ROSALIE S HOUSE: Rosalie s House is a fully furnished and equipped house owned by the foundation that provides local, low income families the opportunity to live comfortably at a reduced rental cost. 3

5 Wishes Granted December s Dream December is a precious 5 year old who suffers from Spina Bifida, Clubbed Feet, Hip Dysplasia and Caudel Regression Syndrome. December is a daddy s girl and absolutely loves watching wrestling with him and wanted to see the wrestlers in person with her daddy. December s wish came true when she attended a WWE Event and received the VIP treatment when meeting the wrestlers (New Day) and spending time with them. A Touchdown For Brian Brian is a 25 year old young man suffering from the terminal illness, Pelizaeus-Mertzbacher Disease. He is wheelchair bound and recently lost his beloved brother to the same illness. He receives his daily living needs from his beloved mother. A huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Brian just wanted to see the famous Heinz Field. Granted Wish was able to arrange a private tour of Heinz Field and the Steelers Locker room as well as a weekend stay at Hyatt Place Pittsburgh-North Shore Hotel, where he and his mom were able to enjoy the city of Pittsburgh! 4

6 Wishes Granted An Adventure With Aric This lovable 22 year old suffers from Cerebral Palsy and a Brain Aneurysm. Aric is wheelchair bound and unable to care for himself. He absolutely loves the WWE and just wanted to see an event. Granted Wish provided Aric and his family with VIP Tickets to the Live Holiday tour and special Meet and Greet with this favorite wrestlers including Roman Reigns! First And Goal With D Andre D Andre is a 25 year old young man who suffers from Spina Bifida. He is wheelchair bound, has a trach and also suffers from seizures. D Andre is developmentally delayed and requires nursing support for his care. He enjoys watching sports on TV but his favorite is football and his beloved team, the Cleveland Browns. Granted Wish and the Browns provided D Andre and his family with the VIP Treatment and pre-game sideline experience as well as meeting his favorite players and coaches! 5

7 Holiday Adopt A Family Each Christmas, The Granted Wish Foundation makes dreams come true for local underprivileged families by providing food, clothing, toys and household products. Granted Wish volunteers spend the day shopping for well deserving families to make Christmas one of the happiest days of their lives! 7

8 Rosalie s House Rosalie s House Rosalie s House is a fully furnished and equipped house owned by the foundation that provides local low income families the opportunity to live comfortably. Volunteers worked countless hours cleaning every inch of the house inside and out in preparation for the Grand Opening. Special Thanks La-Z-Boy Perfect Power Wash Miracle Plumbing D&S Construction TJ Maxx, Canton Great River Lawn Care Greens & Things Nursery Lowes Home Depot Mr. Andy Kutscher Mount Union College, Sororities & Fraternities Akron University, Sororities & Fraternities Malone University, Sororities & Fraternities 8

9 Sponsors and Supporters The WWE America s Best Value Inn 9

10 Financials The Granted Wish Foundation Financial Statement Year Ended December 31, 2016 Total REVENUE AND OTHER SUPPORT Contributions $ 29,758 Other Revenue & Support 4,438 TOTAL REVENUE AND OTHER SUPPORT 34,196 EXPENSES Program Services 13,815 Management and General 63,446 Fundraising TOTAL EXPENSES 78,188 NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 152,556 NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR $ 108,564 10

11 2016 Annual Report CORPORATE OFFICES: 7749 Supreme Ave. NW North Canton, OH WISH (9474) 11