2011 annual report - Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County ...

from the chaIrman
Jon storbeck
Chairman of the Board
to our donors, Volunteers, wish families, staff, and my fellow Board Members:
Looking back on 2011, I like to think of this past year as a “Renaissance” period for the
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire. It was a year that
brought its fair share of changes, but also a year full of hard work, possibility, new beginnings
and from my viewpoint, renewed optimism and passion for the future of our Chapter.
After 10 years of dedication and service to others in his role as CEO, Mark Pilon left the
chapter for new opportunities. I would like to personally thank Mark for those years of
dedication and for his passionate stewardship of the organization through many years of
growth and change. As we began our search for a new CEO, the board was particularly
focused on finding the right person who could address the challenges of the present, and
have the vision to anticipate the challenges of the future ... and we found that person in Stephanie McCormick.
This marked the beginning of many leadership changes that would take place, but through it all there was one
aspect that never wavered, and that was our goal of granting wishes for children. I am so appreciative and so
proud of our staff who worked diligently to stay focused on this goal, even in the midst of the changes we were
facing, and the challenges that inevitably resulted.
I’ve learned something over the years. Although challenges may be filled with difficulty, many times there is also
a feeling of triumph once you’ve made it through. During the changes in leadership, we had the opportunity
to promote from within the Make-A-Wish Foundation family for many of our vital roles. In addition to selecting
a new CEO who is already providing vision and clear direction for our ever-expanding program, we increased
our presence by recruiting strong, dedicated and influential members of the Orange County and Inland Empire
communities for our Board of Directors. We are on a great path as we all cross the bridge between where we
were, and where we are headed in 2012.
To our donors and volunteers, I’m particularly glad you’re on this path with us. You are a crucial part of providing
wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families. Through your generous contributions,
you offer them the chance to focus on, and be motivated by, something beyond their current circumstances.
Make no mistake, the time and money you give are not only gifts, they are investments that you make in their lives
by keeping their future positive and allowing them to dream again. Without you, their “One True Wish” could very
well be out of reach.
The hope, strength and joy generated by our donors, volunteers and staff every time a wish is granted are gifts
that inspire everyone. Thank you for the role you play in giving these gifts, and for the many smiles you will help
create in 2012!
Best Wishes,
we invite you to join the wish society, our chapter’s new membership opportunity exclusively for annual donors who
are committed to fulfilling our vision of granting a wish to every eligible child. As a member of the Wish Society, you will
be essential to the continuation of our chapter’s mission of providing hope, strength and joy to children who need it
most – all while receiving exclusive benefits according to your membership level.
WIsh socIety
To find out more or to become a member of
the exclusive wish society, please contact:
christine gaxiola, donor care Manager at
cgaxiola@wishocie.org or 714.689.0983 x220
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