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Mandy Baker
Nurse Practitioner
During my time working at Batson
Children’s Hospital, I was able to see,
first-hand, how much Make-A-Wish
impacted the children of Mississippi.
These families were given an amazing
experience, making happy memories
during such a devastating time. I’m honored to have such
a small part in helping grant wishes!
Katie Banks
Tax Accountant/Grantham Poole CPA
I am honored to accept the position as
honoree for Women Inspiring Strength
& Hope to further the mission of Make-
A-Wish MS. I look forward to raising
funds to assist children in our state
who have been presented with difficult
diagnoses and medical conditions. All children deserve hope,
strength, and joy, especially as they navigate medical treatments.
Natalie Baten
Mocha Mugs, Owner
I am honored to have been selected as a
Make-A-Wish Foundation honoree. I look
forward to helping raise money to fulfill a
child’s wish. It is a privilege to be able to
help these families and children in need
and to bring awareness to Make-A-Wish
Mississippi. Make-A-Wish makes a huge impact on so many
lives and it is an incredible honor to be part of it.
Beth Brantley
After Five Designs
As a mother of four children, and soon to
be grandmother, I know it takes a village
when caring for children. When this opportunity
presented itself, I knew I had to get
involved. If the love, compassion, and
experience as a parent or the skills I’ve
acquired through work and various volunteer
positions I’ve held over the years can make a difference in a
single child’s life, then I’m all in! I’m looking forward to what we
can do together.
Ashley Dukes
Pre-School Teacher,
First Presbyterian Day School
When my daughter, Charlotte, was a patient
at St. Jude, Make-A-Wish asked if they could
meet with us. I realized how much hope they
were offering to Charlotte and our whole
family. For our whole family, knowing
Charlotte’s wish would be granted was a God-given rainbow
in our darkest and hardest days. I will always do what I can for
MAW because what they gave us was simply immeasurable.
Jamie Foster
Event/Wedding Planner,
Kendall Poole Event Planning
I have long desired to work with children in
need, and to make a difference in just one
life would be a blessing. There is nothing
more important than bringing joy and hope
to a child and to families dealing with the
fear associated with a life-threating illness. I would also like the
opportunity to highlight the need for supporting this amazing
organization.
Beth Hennington
The Vanillan, Owner
I have a special place in my heart for all
God’s children and especially those that
need a little extra help. I accepted the honoree
position and wanted to fundraise in
order to help some of these kids’ dreams
become a reality.
Rae Ann Lawrence
Having four children of my own, I am
keenly aware to never take the health
of my family or those I love for granted.
I can’t imagine anything more rewarding
than helping a child and their family forget
their hard and heartbreaking circumstances
—even if only temporarily—by allowing
them to simply live in the moment and make memories with
one another.
Hometown RANKIN • 103