"We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening
medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength,
and joy."
The Make-A-Wish Foundation began on April 29, 1980, when
officers of the Arizona Department of Public Safety granted the wish of
7-year-old Chris, who was living with leukemia, to be a police officer for
a short time. The power of that wish in his life provided the inspiration
for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Today, there are 75 chapters across the
US, and 27 international affiliates.
The Maine Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation opened in 1992. Founded by
Wayne and Caroline Morong, in Camden, the Maine chapter has grown to serve
children in each of Maine's 16 counties. As of May, 2008, we have granted
nearly 800 wishes. This year, the Foundation expects to grant the
greatest wish of over 75 seriously ill Maine children, which is an average
of one wish every five days.
The average cost of a wish is $6000. All wish expenses are fully covered,
including travel and spending money. Our objective is to provide the child
and family with a worry-free experience.
We raise funds through the generosity of individuals and businesses, and through
events conducted by us and by outside community groups. The Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Maine is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all
contributions are tax deductible.
The Maine chapter has over 500 volunteers statewide, and a staff of seven.
Our offices are located at 87 Elm Street, in Camden, and 477 Congress Street, 1st Floor
- Suite 7W, in Portland.
