Associate Board
The Associate Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Illinois unites young professionals together to share the power of a wish® and support the Foundation's efforts by creating awareness through event-based fundraising, volunteerism and outreach among Generations X and Y. The Associate Board was formed in 2006 and since its inaugural year, has raised more than $500,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois!
The men and women serving on the Associate Board are considered "rising-stars" in their professions and have a passion for the Foundation with at least 6-8 years of business experience. The Associate Board is instrumental in raising funds for Make-A-Wish through events. Their signature events are Ride and Stride for WIshes, Bags to Wishes, and I Wish To Party.
A family friendly event, Ride and Stride for Wishes includes a 10-mile and 35-mile bicycle ride and a 3-mile walk through Chicago's North Shore as well as a Children's Pedal Parade. Learn more at www.rideandstrideforwishes.org.
Held in November, I Wish to Party is a event held at a popular nighclub in Chicago. Previous venues have included Rockit Bar and Grill and The Griffin Lounge. The event is targeted toward young professionals looking to support local philanthropy. Typically, the night draws several hundred people and includes appetizers, drink specials and giveaways. Last year's event was held at The Griffin Lounge (pictured right).
Bags to Wishes is a bags/cornhole tournament held in the spring in the Wrigleyville 
neighborhood of Chicago. A more casual gathering, participants can come to compete or simply buy a ticket to cheer on the teams and support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Bags to Wishes is a great way to bring friends together to support a worthy cause. The 2010 Bags to Wishes (pictured left) was held at The Cubby Bear.
For more information about the Associate Board contact Development Manager Anne Cressy or the Associate Board Nominating Chair.
Associate Board Roster 2009-2010
| Michael Bagdade Megan Burke Michael Clouse Scott Engel Boyd Falconer Joe Farinella David Flynn Valerie Gehard Brendan Green James Herbison Erika Inlow Nikki Kushner Dana Kuhman Kelley Lang Melissa Loeb Giacomo (Jack) Mauro Erin Vondra Matthew Mikula Kristi Nolan | Kelli O'Donnell Brian Paul Jose Ronchetta Bob Rossi Kristy Seidel Michael Shapiro Jeremy Smith Patricia Smith Sandra Smith Kim Svoboda Chad Thalheimer Colleen Van Ham Brennan Warren Craig Widby Erika Wingate
STAFF |
More than 70% of wishes granted are travel related. Frequent Flier Miles are always needed to help grant these wishes.
