Our Chapter
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Our Chapter
For over 35 years, Make-A-Wish® Eastern North Carolina has served all medically eligible children who reside in the 49 county chapter area east of the Orange/Alamance county line — serving the Triangle to the coast.
Our goal is to reach every eligible child in our chapter area and grant their wish.
Since our inception in 1986, the organization has granted more than 4,232 wishes*, at zero cost to the families we serve. We operate solely through generous donations of individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations and with the help of more than 250 volunteers, including our Board of Directors.
*as of the end of Fiscal Year 2022.
Our First Wish
Benny Strickland was an 8-year-old boy from Roanoke Rapids, N.C. suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he became the very first wish recipient for Make-A-Wish Eastern NC in 1986.
Benny wished to meet his favorite wrestlers — Magnum T.A. and tag team the Rock ‘N Roll Express. So, before a show, Magnum T.A. visited Benny in Duke University Medical Center, and the following weekend Benny and his family traveled to Atlanta for a taping of a wrestling show at WTBS where he met the Rock ‘N Roll Express! Benny’s wish came roughly six months after the chapter was founded, laying the groundwork for now more than 4,000 wishes for children in eastern North Carolina
Our Staff
Kristie Tagg
Chief Executive Officer
Mary Elizabeth Bennett
Vice President of Development
Jackie Jordan Welker
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
Our Board Executive Members
Melissa Dalton Weston
Board Chair
Jeff Donahoe
Board Vice Chair & Development Committee Chair
Sarah Joyce
Governance Co-Chair
Kristen Koch
Governance Co-Chair
Deb Waltz
Secretary & Mission Delivery Chair
Careers & Internships
At Make-A-Wish, we are more than a great place to work — our work is life-changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thought and experiences, are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values — values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the life-changing work we do, every day.
We are always on the lookout for great talent who share in our passion. If you are interested in a career or internship with Make-A-Wish, check out our current open positions.
Vice President Finance and Operations
Internship Opportunities
Internships provide college students with hands-on learning opportunities. Students interested in a career in the non-profit sector will find a wealth of experience by working with Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina. Please note that all internships are unpaid and can be formal or informal.
Candidates must complete a Volunteer Application, Conflict of Interest form, Background Check, and interview to be considered. If you are interested in learning more about internships with Make-A-Wish Eastern NC, please reach out with your interest to our general contact email: [email protected].
Managing Our Funds
Make-A-Wish® Eastern North Carolina finances endeavors through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. However, we do not solicit funds by telephone and receive no federal or state funding. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our financial statements are audited locally and annually by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
At Make-A-Wish, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously. For full financial details please review our most recent Audited Financial Statements and Form 990 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022.
Media Center
Take a look at our Annual Report and see how your support helps create life-changing wishes in eastern North Carolina!
Access news releases, background information and recent news about Make-A-Wish at the links below.
Connect with our Communications team directly:
Jackie Jordan Welker
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
919-635-8691
News Releases
View our latest news releases to learn about major wish-granting events, new sponsorships, campaigns and other news.
In the News & Blogs
Newspaper and magazine articles, blogs and other media often tell stories about wishes.
Media Requests
Fill out this short form and our Communications team will respond as soon as possible.
Media Kit
Access to information about Make-A-Wish - our history, accomplishments, creative assets, and more.
Social Platforms
Contact Us
Make-A-Wish® Eastern North Carolina
Suite 201
Raleigh, NC 27609