Make-A-Wish Iowa Logo

Annual Report Video

Mission Statement

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Vision Statement

To grant the wish of every eligible child.

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Participate in our Alumni Program.

A child's journey with Make-A-Wish Iowa doesn't end when their wish is granted! After their wish has been delivered, they join a community of over 4,000 wish alumni and families across the state. Through this program, wish alumni can build relationships with other alumni and families, participate in unique experiences and express their gratitude by ensuring the next child receives their wish.

Get Involved
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Make-A-Wish Iowa Referral Sources

Our thanks to those who referred children between September 1, 2022–August 31, 2023.

  • UW Health American Family Children's Hospital

    • Joyce Kilgore-Carlin, Social Worker

  • Texas Children's Hospital

    • Gloria Martinez, Social Worker

  • Mercy Pediatric Inpatient Center, Cedar Rapids

    • Padget Skogman, MD

  • Children's Wisconsin

    • Stephanie Handler, MD

  • Broadlawns Medical Center

    • Olga Tenney, MD

  • Boys Town National Research Hospital

    • Isabella Herman, RN

  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    • Eleanor Sueing, Social Worker
    • Kaylee Raggio, Social Worker

  • Nebraska Medicine

    • Julia Haas, CCLS
    • Lisa Wallace-Spech, CCLS

  • Children's Hospital & Medical Center, Omaha

    • Christina Chesters, Social Worker
    • Megan Shaw, Social Worker
    • Valoree Stuhr, Social Worker

  • Blank Children's Hospital

    • Amy Scar, RN
    • Kami Gaddis, Social Worker
    • Karen Holmen, Social Worker
    • Melissa Lipovac, ARNP
    • Teri Hammond

  • Sanford Children's Hospital

    • Ashlee Blumhoff, ARNP
    • Brianna Murphy, MD
    • James Wallace, Social Worker
    • Kayla Van Wyk, CCLS
    • Theresa Stamato, RN
    • Wendy Jensen, CCLS
    • William Waltz, RN

  • University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital

    • Ashley A. Jackson, Social Worker
    • Benjamin Reinking, MD
    • Christina Trout, RN
    • Courtney Vassiliades, Social Worker
    • Elizabeth Faine, ARNP
    • Erica Gryp, Social Worker
    • Gary Beasley, MD
    • Leah Colsch, Social Worker
    • Lindsay Blaha, RN
    • Linda Boehmer, RN
    • Melissa Thompson, RN
    • Rebecca Weiner, MD

Volunteer

Have you ever thought about volunteering with us?

Make-A-Wish Iowa couldn't do the work we do without our incredible volunteers! We have 275 volunteers that grant wishes, help at events and support our mission. They are dedicated and passionate about the work we do, and we are so grateful for them.

If you would like to find out more information about volunteering, please reach out to Kacie Ballard, our Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, at kballard@iowa.wish.org. Kacie will provide you with the tools you need to assist a wish child on their full wish journey.

If you are already a volunteer and would like to jump back in to granting wishes, please reach out to Morgan Potzner, our Volunteer Wish Discovery & Relations Manager, at mpotzner@iowa.wish.org. We may need you to update paperwork and take an online refresher training. Depending on where you left off, we will have you go on a few wishes with a mentor volunteer who has experience to show you the ropes.

Wish granting is such a powerful way to be involved hands with our mission. These precious kids and families are the strongest people we know. We would absolutely love to have you join us in volunteering!

Regional Map

Volunteer chairs by location:

Riverbend and Sioux City

Do you live in the Riverbend or the Sioux City area and want to get more involved? Contact us today at 515-334-2636 to learn how!

Upcoming Events

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit wish.org/iowa/events.

  • Maxwell Meiborg Foundation Golf Events

    Friday, October 6, 2023

    Wildcat Golf Course | Shellsburg, IA

  • Wish Upon an Apple Tree

    Sunday, October 29, 2023

    Big Grove Brewery & Taproom | Iowa City, IA

  • Jolly Holiday Lights

    Thursday, November 17, 2023–Sunday, January 7, 2024

    Outlets of Des Moines | Altoona, IA

  • 29th Annual Clinton Benefit

    Saturday, April 13, 2024

    Vista Grande | Clinton, Iowa

  • 25th Annual Riverbend Gala

    Saturday, April 20, 2024

    Waterfront Convention Center | Bettendorf, IA

  • 31st Annual Des Moines Gala

    Saturday, May 4, 2024

    Iowa Events Center | Des Moines, IA

Make-A-Wish® Iowa Videos

Quick ways to help!

There are many ways to make an immediate impact; our Venmo, wish enhancement Amazon list and Jolly Holiday Lights Amazon list are wonderful ways to participate. Thank you for your support!

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