Granting Wishes. Giving Hope.

Transcription

1 2014 Annual Report Granting Wishes. Giving Hope.

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? Our wish requests continue to grow substantially, But in 2014, obtaining donations to fulfill these wishes of those in need still remains an ongoing struggle. However, 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.; Granting Wishes. Giving Hope. We thank you for your generous and continued support of The Granted Wish Foundation. Sincerely, Rodney L. Napier Chairman Stefanie R. Coletti Executive Director 2014 Board of Governors Rodney L. Napier Stefanie R. Coletti Reverend Michael Balash Chairman Secretary Treasurer Douglas Waikem Governor Jay Spencer Governor 1

3 About Us OUR MISSION: Providing wishes to enrich the lives of physically challenged children and young adults Seeing so many children and young adults struggling on a day-to-day basis with a physical challenge and with so little help available, we realized there was a strong need and an opportunity to make a significant 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 up to the age of 25. We are here to enrich their lives through wishes.. Fast Facts Established in 2005, the organization expanded in late 2007 Registered with the State of Ohio IRC 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the IRS BBB Accredited Charity 2

4 2014 Program Services WISHES GRANTED: 15 Wishes were granted that enriched the lives of these children, young adults and their families. VIP Celebrity meetings, NFL Events, Amusement Parks and necessary items for illnesses were among the wishes that were granted! (See Pages 4-6 for a few of our 2014 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 ship 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 2014, Granted Wish helped two large families and also furnished seven 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 Erica s Swift Surprise Erica is a beautiful 18 year old young woman who suffers from a Brain Tumor that has also caused trouble with swallowing, walking, speech, stamina and hearing. Her dream was to meet her favorite celebrity, Taylor Swift, and learn firsthand how to overcome her struggles. Erica received the wish of a lifetime from Granted Wish by attending a VIP concert at Taylor s home and had the opportunity to spend some time talking with her and sharing her hopes and dreams! To show her gratitude to our foundation, Erica raised over $2,000 by selling Team Erica T-Shirts to show hope and awareness for a cure for her illness. What an extraordinary young woman! Steven Joins Cena Nation Steven is 18 years old and suffers from Cerebral Palsy and recently graduated from High School! Unfortunately, he has been wheelchair bound his entire life. A fun-loving young man, Steven has always dreamed of meeting his idol, WWE Wrestler, John Cena. His mother states that he is a faithful follower and sings his them song all day! Granted Wish arranged for Steven to attend a match and to have a special Meet and Greet Session with his idol! From the smile on his face, the word from his mother was that Steven had the time of his life! 4

6 Wishes Granted Milagros & The Prince This spunky wheelchair-bound 11 year old special girl suffers from Cerebral Palsy and is a Quadriplegic. Milagros is only able to move her right arm. She dreamed about meeting her favorite singer, Prince Royce. Granted Wish was able to make her wish come true when she was able to attend one of Prince Royce s concerts and spend some time with him during a very special VIP Meet & Greet! Extraordinary Experiences Rebekah And The King Rebekah is a 17 year old wheelchair bound young girl who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, limited speech and developmental delay. Her biggest dream became a reality when Granted Wish worked with the foundation of hometown hero, LeBron James, to give Rebekah A day in the Life of the King. A car service whisked her off to LeBron s Offices where she spent the day learning about what The King does at his offices when he is not playing basketball. She also enjoyed a catered lunch of her choice and was presented with one of his size 16 basketball shoes! Her mother reports she had the time of her life with an experience she will never forget! 5

7 Wishes Granted Lovable Lloyd Lloyd is a lovable 5 year old little boy with Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy. He is unable to walk, crawl or sit on his own. With the help of the Stark County Builders Association and Hake Custom Design and many volunteers, Granted Wish was able to make life easier for Lloyd and his family by building a wheelchair ramp in the back of their home! Now this special little bright boy with an enormous spirit will be able to move in and out of the house with ease! Finding Nemo With Briceida This special little 4 year old girl who suffers from Short Gut Syndrome has spent the first two years and nine months of her life in hospitals. Her bowels have been removed and she is developmentally delayed. She loves fishes and Finding Nemo! Granted Wish sent her to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago where she received a family experience and special VIP treatment and found Nemo! 6

8 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

9 Rosalie s House Granted Wish Programs 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. 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

10 Sponsors and Supporters The WWE BargMax Lil' Lambs Closet 9

11 Financials The Granted Wish Foundation Financial Statement Year Ended December 31, 2014 Total REVENUE AND OTHER SUPPORT Contributions $ 171,5703 Other Revenue & Support 11,474 TOTAL REVENUE AND OTHER SUPPORT 183,044 EXPENSES Program Services 106,722 Management and General 16,181 Fundraising 8,082 TOTAL EXPENSES 130,985 NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 159,312 NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR $ 211,371 10

12 2014 Annual Report CORPORATE OFFICES: 7749 Freedom Ave. NW North Canton, OH WISH (9474) 11