After attending Sunday’s Wish Jump fundraiser (sadly, I could not jump this year), and traveling north Wednesday for the 25th annual Naked Turtle Golf Tournament to benefit Make-A-Wish Northeast New York, I could not help but be struck by the familiar faces who year after year donate their time and treasure to the chapter’s efforts.
People like Mary Kenney with Wish Jump, and the Carpenters and Spiegels in Plattsburgh. (A special thanks also goes out to Diane Duquette Burl for all she does in the North Country, from fundraising to wish granting.) There are so many more we can count on every year.
That said, we are a chapter in transition. This week, Karla Famulare started as our new development manager. As you know, I will be stepping down as chief executive officer when a replacement is hired (but plan to remain involved), and there will be other changes. Yes, transition is the right word.
But it will a seamless transition. While there are new faces coming to Make-A-Wish, many others who are already devoting so much toward creating life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses will remain on board to greet them.
What cannot change, what will not change, is our steadfast commitment to our mission, and our vision: Granting the wish of every eligible child in the 15 counties we serve. Our professional staff and dedicated cadre of volunteers will always remain singularly focused on that goal.
Yes, things are changing here. But in the most important ways, they are staying the same.
With immense gratitude,
Bill Trigg
CEO
Make-A-Wish Northeast New York
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