About Us
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From our humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we’ve evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 40 minutes.
Our Chapter
Incorporated in 1984, The Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.
Fulfilling a child’s wish provides a joyful and meaningful experience that benefits both the child and the family.
It is our heartfelt hope that with the doctors providing medicine and the Make-A-Wish Foundation providing magic, together we can create a miracle!
The First Wish
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina got its start with the first wish on November 10, 1984. Louis, age 5, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His wish was to see “a big time football game”. He attended a home game at the Citadel in Charleston. He was presented with his own team uniform and was able to run out onto the field with the players. Louis watched the game not in the stands like the other fans, but on the benches with the players.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina has granted 2000 wishes since Louis’ wish and continues to grant over 130 wishes throughout the state each year.
Fast Facts
- We serve children 2½ to 18 years of age. Medical eligibility is determined by each child’s physician.
- Each year we grant more than 130 wishes in South Carolina. We have never turned down a medically qualified South Carolina child for a wish.
- The average cost of a wish is around $6,500. Approximately 87% of every dollar raised is used to grant wishes.
- The most popular wish is a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort. These wishes include all theme parks, accommodations, transportation and spending money.
- Other popular wishes are for computers, shopping sprees, celebrity meetings, and room redecoration. Each wish is as unique as the child making the request.
- The Make-A-Wish Foundation is completely funded from private donations. Most support comes from individuals, companies, and special events such as golf tournaments and auctions.
