Our Chapter
On This Page
Mission
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana has granted more than 10,800 wishes since its inception in 1984. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness.
Our chapter serves 47 counties in the Texas Gulf Coast and all 64 parishes in Louisiana.
Our Staff
Shelly Millwee
President and CEO
Jessica Ansel
Vice President of Philanthropy
Breeze Acevedo
Vice President of Mission Delivery
Melissa Henderson
Vice President of Finance and Operations
Our Board of Directors & Advisors
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Thomas Hatfield
Chair
Jason Jennaro
Chair-Elect
Kristin Palmer
Immediate Past Chair
Ed Razim
Treasurer
Bonnie Houston
Secretary
Our Young Leaders Board
Chandler Williams
President
Katie Day
Ali Dhanji
VP of Finance
Jordan Jupe
VP of Operations
Helen Moninghoff
VP of Membership
Gabrielle Ruffeno
VP of Communications
Sydney Wright
VP of Internal Affairs
Builders of Hope Committee
Formed in 2022, the Builders of Hope is a collection of leading firms and individuals in the construction and design industry who help make wishes come true.
How Your Gift Transforms Lives
A wish isn't just a single moment in time but an entire experience created specifically for each wish child. Your gift will help share the power of a wish with local children battling critical illnesses.
Learn more about the different ways to give and where your donation goes HERE.
Managing Our Funds
Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana 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 by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.Â
At Make-A-Wish, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously and are pleased to confirm that according to the fiscal year 2022 audit results, Make-A-Wish Foundation Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana spent 79% of every dollar on wish granting and related program expenses. Only 10% of every dollar was spent on management and general costs and 11% was allocated to fundraising.Â
We are proud to be a BBB Accredited Charity Seal Holder, having met all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.Â
For full financial details, please review our most recent 990 form and FY2022 Audited Financial Statement. Â
To view archived financial documents (FY19-FY21), please click here.
View our most recent Annual ReportÂ
Media Center
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.
News Releases
View our latest news releases to learn about major wish-granting events, new sponsorships, campaigns, and other news.
Please Direct Media Inquiries to:
Careers &Â 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.Â
Employment
Administration:
Executive Assistant- Stafford, TX
Development Division:
Senior Director of Corporate Engagement- Stafford, TX
Program Division:
Wish Coordinator- Metairie, LA
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Please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
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Internships
Click HERE for internship opportunities.
Contact Us
Make-A-Wish® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana
Stafford, TX 77477
Make-A-Wish® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, Louisiana Office
Metairie, LA 70002