FAQs

How much does a wish cost?

The average cost of granting A WISH is between $5,000 and $7,000. This varies depending on the wish, the size of the family, and any special medical needs that must be considered.

What is the most requested wish?

The most popular Wish is a trip to Florida, which includes a stay at Give Kids the World and visits to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Other popular Wishes include shopping sprees, sports-related experiences, and meeting celebrities. These are just a few examples of the over 1,800 wishes we have granted over the past 42 years.

How many staff do you have?

We have 7 full time positions. We rely heavily on volunteers, so fundraising efforts directly impact our programs.

What are your funding sources?

We depend on the goodness of our community. We are grateful to many individual & corporate donors. We also host & benefit from many fundraising events. You can also support us through United Way & other employer matching gift programs.

Are you associated with Make-A-Wish?

No, A Wish Come True is not associated with the national organization Make-A-Wish®. We are a local wish-granting agency, and all the money we raise goes directly to local children.

How does a child qualify?

• The child has a life threatening illness.
• The child's doctor will be contacted for authorization that the child medically qualifies.
• The age of the child is 3 - 18.
• The child must not have had a wish granted by another wish granting organization.
• The child lives in Rhode Island, Central and Southeastern Massachusetts or Eastern Connecticut

Are there income qualifications?

No, family income is not a consideration in determining whether a child is eligible to receive a wish.

Does the family pay for the wish?

No. All wish expenses are fully covered by A Wish Come True, including travel accommodations & spending money.

What is the referral process?

One of the most important parts of helping A Wish Come True to fulfill its mission is to receive referrals of potential wish children. The wish process starts when a caring person refers a child to us. Learn about who is eligible for a wish to be granted and how AWCT accepts referrals, you could be that caring person. Remember "Dreams are only A WISH away."

refer a child

Does the prognosis have to be terminal?

No, any child with a life-threatening illness, as determined by the child’s physician, is medically qualified. The AWCT staff follows guidelines and works closely with the wish child’s physician to determine the safest and most appropriate way to grant the child’s wish.

faqs

Kelly Bolton, Director of Operations

Adriana Aiken, Wish Support Specialist