A Kids Helping Kids Philanthropy Program

Kids For Wish Kids® is a Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon program that enables students to discover philanthropy by selecting their own fundraising project and managing it from start to finish, with little or no help from their teachers. Students develop leadership skills, build self-esteem and learn about teamwork while working toward the final goal of making a difference in the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.  Check out what some of your peers are doing on our School Spotlight section.

For more information please contact Events Coordinator Catherine Spellman at 503-292-2280, ext.22 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), to discuss your project, ask questions and find out how the office can help.

Program Objectives

  * Increase awareness among children and teenagers about the mission of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon
  * Encourage young people to become actively involved in fulfilling wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon
  * Foster the value of community service, using this program as a hands-on learning experience for children
  * Create school spirit and help students learn how to work together for a common goal

Project Ideas

  * Organize a holiday party, a dance, a bowl-a-thon or walk-a-thon
  * Organize a bake sale or a carwash
  * Sell Make-A-Wish® paper stars
  * Event Ideas (PDF)

You can try one of these ideas or devise a project on your own!

Tips & Resources

  * Media Alert Tips (PDF)
  * Media Alert Sample (PDF
  * Press Release Tips (PDF)
  * Press Release Sample (PDF)
  * Letter to Parents Sample (PDF)
  * Letter to Businesses Sample (PDF)
  * Tips for Taking Photos

How to Start a Fundraiser

Step 1 - Get organized
Determine whether this will be an individual or group project, and form a committee if you need to. Then, brainstorm what fundraiser you are going to plan. You can use our list of Event Ideas (PDF) for inspiration.

Step 2 – Choose a date and location
Once you have decided what you want to do, work with your advisor to decide the best date and location for your fundraiser.

Step 3 – Look over the rules
Make sure you know all the guidelines about fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon by reading the Kids For Wish Kids Fundraising Rules (PDF).

Step 4 – Register your event
Fill out the Kids For Wish Kids form (PDF) and mail or fax it to the Make-A-Wish® office. Then, contact Events Coordinator Catherine Spellman at 503-292-2280, ext. 22 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), to discuss your project, develop a budget, ask questions, order supplies and find out how the office can help.

Step 5 – Get the word out!

  * Design posters and flyers that you can put up at your school and in the community to get as much support as possible for your event.
  * Challenge other homerooms, classes or schools. This is a great way to get more students involved in your fundraiser. The more students involved, the more fun it can be, and the more successful your fundraiser will be.
  * Request a letter from the Make-A-Wish office to send out to parents and businesses in your community to get support and donations. (Visit the links to the Letter to Parents Sample (PDF) and Letter to Businesses Sample (PDF) to see what you can expect.)
  * If you are interested, send out a media alert to see if you can get local news coverage.  (See the Media Alert Sample (PDF) and the Media Alert Tips (PDF))

Step 6 – Finish up!

  * Turn in your money to the Make-A-Wish office within 30 days of the event.
  * Send a check or money order to:
    Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon
    Attn: Catherine Spellman
    2000 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 410
    Portland, OR 97201

  * Plan a recognition assembly for the school. Work with Catherine Spellman if you’d like to request a chapter representative or volunteer to attend presentation.
  * Meet with your committee to discuss the success of the event and brainstorm any opportunities for future projects.
  * If you would like to, send out a press release about the success of your fundraise. (Follow the link to the Press Release Sample (PDF) and Press Release Tips (PDF))

For more information, please contact: Events Coordinator Catherine Spellman at 503-292-2280, ext. 22 or toll free at 800-934-9474, ext. 22 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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