FAQs
How Did Children's Wish Foundation Begin?
In 1978, Linda Dozoretz lost her eldest daughter to bone cancer. After spending months caring for her daughter, she began volunteering with local organizations to raise money for cancer research. For her efforts, she was awarded a trip to Disneyland. Linda chose to give that trip to "a little girl who would never grow up," thus fulfilling the first of thousands of wishes to date. Since that time she has continued to fulfill wishes for children and in 1985, formed Children's Wish Foundation International. Linda now serves as CWFI's Executive Director, overseeing all wishes.
Are there age limitations for my child to have a wish fulfilled by CWFI?
CWFI fulfills wishes for children under the age of eighteen suffering from a life-threatening illness. Unlike other wish granting organizations, we do not have a minimum age, however, if the child's health allows it, we try to wait to fulfill the wish until the child is old enough to fully enjoy and remember the experience.
When should I apply for a wish for my child?
We encourage you to apply for your child's wish soon after their diagnosis to bring the excitement and anticipation of having a wish fulfilled to your family.
Where is CWFI located?
CWFI is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. An international foundation, we fulfill wishes for children all around the world, yet we keep our costs to a minimum by maintaining only one office and a small staff. We take pride in providing personal attention to each family, developing and maintaining relationships with them that last years after their child's wish has been fulfilled. To ensure that our families can reach us at anytime, each staff member carries a pager, resulting in availability 24 hours a day. Additionally, we have the help of volunteers worldwide, allowing us to bring happiness to children in communities across the globe.
How is Children's Wish Foundation funded?
All of our wishes are fulfilled through the loving support of corporations and individuals who care about the happiness of our Wish Children. Individuals also give annually, or may choose to donate in lieu of a gift honoring a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or in memory of a loved one who has passed away. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Can my company or family contribute?
Corporations often include contributions to us in their annual budget, or may choose to give through a special fundraising event or promotion with their product.
Do you have a list of wishes for my child to choose from?
CWFI has fulfilled thousands of wishes since our inception and each wish is as unique as the child who makes the request. We do not provide a list of wishes; working with certain guidelines, we fulfill whatever means the most to your child.
What are the most common types of wishes?
Whether your child wishes to visit a faraway location, wishes for a special toy or dreams of hugging a beloved celebrity, CWFI will do everything possible to make it come true.
My Child was just approved for a wish. How long will it take to be fulfilled, who participates, and what are our responsibilities in planning?
CWFI stands apart from other wish granting organizations in the rapid manner that we fulfill wishes and in the personal attention we provide each wish. We handle all arrangements for the wish, cover all expenses incurred, and arrange transportation, accommodations, medical needs and meals while traveling. We recognize the importance of sharing time as a family, therefore, your entire immediate family is included in the wish to create memories to cherish forever.
Is Children's Wish Foundation International a registered charity?
Yes, CWFI is registered as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that meticulously maintains current registration in each state that requires registration. Children's Wish Foundation follows the general accounting procedures set by the Association of Independent Certified Public Accountants. To keep our records accurate and current, an annual audit is conducted by an independent accounting firm that is one of the most highly respected firms in the field of nonprofit work.
Why doesn't Children's Wish Foundation International open franchise chapters in each city?
CWFI realizes that to use our funding in the most efficient way, opening chapters around the country is unnecessary. With modern communication tools, we are able to maintain only one office which eliminates the costly expenses of additional phone lines, rental fees for office space, additional staffing and the other costs which would be incurred in multiple offices.
There are so many organizations that are worthy of my attention. Why should I choose to support CWFI?
Children's Wish Foundation International doesn't claim to be the biggest wish granting organization, just to be the best. The services and personal attention that we provide our families are unsurpassed and our Wish Families praise us daily for our professionalism, attention to each detail of their child's wish, and the extra mile we always go for our families. We know, however, that all of these efforts would be impossible without the support of individuals and corporations that choose to contribute to CWFI. We make it easy for our donors to give in many ways, and can even restrict a contribution to be used in a particular city or state, or for an individual child the donor chooses from the Current Wish List.
Are contributions tax deductible?
Yes! CWFI is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and contributions of gifts or gifts in kind are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. We provide tax receipts for all donations made to Children's Wish Foundation International.
If you know of a child who may be eligible for a wish, please contact CWFI right away!
P.O. Box 28785, Atlanta, GA 30358
Phone: 800-323-9474 Fax: 770-393-0683
email: jacquen@childrenswish.org
