Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York

It’s #ThankYouThursday, and we’re celebrating Coldwell Banker Prime Properties! Under the leadership of our Vice Chair, RJ Long, this year's annual golf tournament raised more than $10,000 to help grant wishes for local kids across Vermont & Northeast New York. Since its inception, this tournament has raised tens of thousands of dollars to help grant wishes for children across Vermont and Northeast New York. Thank you to everyone who teed up for hope, strength, and joy. Read the full story and see how this event is making more wishes come true! https://lnkd.in/eFRiYhSV

We are proud to share that our very own Emily Malley, has been named one of Vermont Business Magazine's Rising Stars Class of 2025! From her start as a Make-A-Wish volunteer and professional figure skater to her current role as Director of Communications and Development for Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York, Emily has brought passion, creativity, and leadership to every part of our mission. Her work has helped strengthen partnerships and launch new initiatives. Earlier this year, she led our chapter in hosting the inaugural Whiskey, Wine & Wishes gala, which raised $250,000 to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses across our region. Please join us in congratulating Emily on this well-deserved recognition! 💙

We're excited to share that Shawna Wakeham-Smith has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York! Shawna has played vital role for our chapter for over a decade, beginning as Director of Wish Granting and most recently serving as Vice President following the merger of our Vermont and Northeast New York chapters earlier this year. Her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that every eligible child receives the hope, strength, and joy that a wish brings. In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Shawna will oversee the expansion of our chapter's referral efforts and strengthen our internal operations as we continue to serve families in crisis throughout our region. Her combination of operational excellence and deep compassion makes her uniquely suited to lead us forward in this next chapter. Please join us in congratulating Shawna on this well-deserved promotion! Read the full announcement here. https://lnkd.in/eemWsKNa

We recently announced some exciting staffing updates at Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York! Meet Maureen Sharkey, our new Medical Outreach & Intake Manager, and celebrate Scott Liloia's promotion to Director of Program. To learn more about these changes and how they’ll help us reach more kids with life-changing wishes, read our full announcement now! https://lnkd.in/egcJybnd

Relive the magic of the 16th Annual Tech Valley Charity Golf Tournament! Our highlight reel, created by Mason Mashtare, captures the spirit of the day: from footage on the course, to an exciting helicopter ball drop, plus inspiring messages from CEO Jamie Hathaway and Wish Mom Kate. You’ll also spot Wish Kids Julia & Colton, who made the day even more special. Check it out, and don’t forget to tag us in your own photos from the day. We love seeing your memories! https://lnkd.in/e2sgiX3r

We're excited to welcome Maureen Sharkey to our Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York team!💙⭐ Maureen has spent nearly a decade supporting families in the Capital Region facing serious childhood illness as a Certified Child Life Specialist at Albany Medical Center. Her experience will help ensure that we reach every eligible child who qualifies for a Wish in our region in her new role as Medical Outreach and Intake Manager. With Maureen, even more life-changing wishes will be granted. Please join us in welcoming her to the Make-A-Wish family!

What better way to start the week? For just $1 at your local Upstate NY Dunkin', you’ll receive a Make-A-Wish donut and help grant life-changing wishes for local kids.💙🍩 Together, we can make this campaign a success. Share your donut pictures with us at [email protected] and check out our feature on WTEN-TV! https://lnkd.in/e-fAsEMT

In Middlebury, VT, a community came together in the best way possible: to grant 11-year-old Will’s Wish for a sensory garden designed just for him. From a custom swing and bubbling fountain, to boulders, rivers stone, and soft turf, every detail was chosen to create a safe, therapeutic space where Will can explore the textures and natural elements he loves most. Thanks to the generosity of local contractors, businesses, and volunteers, this entire project came to life in just one day. So many people played a part in making this Wish come true, and we are so grateful: Thank you to Mark Bosner from the Phoenix Development Group, Rey Ritner, Sticks & Stuff, Henderson Carpentry & Property Maintenance, Dark Horse Construction, rk MILES, DeBisschop Excavating LLC, Livingston Farm, Matt Brusch, Ellis Fredella, and to Paul Wells. You all made this day possible. See the full story from WCAX here: https://lnkd.in/etDh-PBm

We’re excited to share that Scott Liloia has been promoted to Director of Program for Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York! 🎉 Scott has been part of our chapter for nearly 8 years, dedicating his time and expertise to supporting children with critical illnesses across our region. His career in the nonprofit sector spans 18 years. He began at The Painted Turtle, a camp for children with serious illnesses through Paul Newman's SeriousFun Children's Network, located in Lake Huges, California. At the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, New York, another camp within the network, Scott led the Hospital Outreach Program, where he brought the joy of camp directly to hospitalized children. After beginning as a volunteer with Make-A-Wish, Scott brought forward his experience in hospital outreach and quickly became a vital member of our Wish Granting team. Today, we celebrate his well-earned promotion and the passion he continues to bring to our mission. Please join us in congratulating Scott on his well-deserved achievement!

Big things are happening at Make‑A‑Wish Vermont & Northeast New York, and we’re proud to share two powerful stories of impact and community support: WRGB CBS6 featured our first-ever Wish Wednesday at the Saratoga Race Course, showcasing our Wish Families as they entered the winner’s circle during the Make‑A‑Wish sponsored race. NBC5 covered the long-standing Liquor, Wine & Warehouse Golf Tournament in Plattsburgh, NY, a community‑driven event that has raised over $300,000 to support local wishes. Thank you to our media partners and to everyone whose dedication helps amplify these meaningful moments. Take a moment to relive the events and see the impact we’re making together. https://lnkd.in/eYyKWHVv https://lnkd.in/e6dxNs_s