David Williams, president and CEO of Make-a-Wish Foundation, presented as the keynote speaker at the Husky Leadership Summit. As an alum, Williams was proud to meet the Bloomsburg University’s chapter of Make-a-Wish.
“The club was extremely excited to meet Mr. Williams as we have been trying to meet with him since the club was started in 2013 by Kalie Reichenbauch, a wish child herself,” said Brittany Kruchinsky, president of BU Wishmakers. “We had a great time and learned a lot more about Make-A-Wish then we previously knew! We also enjoyed hearing about all the different wishes that were granted over the years.”
BU Wishmakers set aside specific goals for their future, such as raising enough money to grant another child’s wish, much like in 2014 when they donated $1,000 that helped send a local wish child to Disney World. They also want to raise awareness for families to come out to campus and speak about their experience with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
According to Williams, the Make-a-Wish Foundation has some large dreams as well. The foundation granted about 15,000 wishes in the last year, which is only half of their overall goal of 27,000 wishes.
“If we want to double the amount of wishes we grant, we need to double the amount of donations and money we raise,” Williams said in his keynote address. “One hundred percent of kids in critical condition are eligible for a wish and have the opportunity to receive a wish. It just comes down to the process of reaching out to inform individuals that Make-a-Wish is here to help. It’s so much more than giving your kid a great day. You guys are awesome in so many ways for getting involved.”
— Megan Hawbecker, mass communications major
