About Us

Our Wish journey began over two decades ago. As the sibling of a Wish Kid and as volunteers, we recognized the inherent power and magic of a Wish. We all witnessed firsthand how the Wish experience gave families a brief respite from the illnesses and medical challenges they encountered but, while the memories created would last a lifetime, each Wish Family’s journey didn’t end with the Wish itself.

Founded in 2009, Children’s Wishes goal is to provide Rhode Island children with amazing Wish experiences while assisting their families with continued support beyond the Wish. The organization was built on the commitment to serve our Wish children and their families with love, honor, dedication and respect.

Children’s Wishes extended network of Wish Families, past and present, strengthen our commitment to serve and we are humbled & privileged to share this journey together.

Mission

Children’s Wishes was formed in 2009 to grant Wishes to Rhode Island children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 years of age who are facing a life-threatening medical condition that is malignant, progressive or degenerative. We are a Rhode Island-based organization committed to providing life enhancing experiences to children facing significant medical challenges with a Wish Granting approach that involves the entire family to build lasting relationships along the way. Our Family Programming facilitates unique bonds among our families as they reach out to each other for the support & understanding only another Wish family could provide.

Board

MARY O’ROURKE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARY@CHILDRENS-WISHES.ORG

ADAM RAMSEY
BOARD CHAIR

NICHOLAS BRETON
VICE CHAIR

PETER JACAVONE
TREASURER

REBECCA LISA
SECRETARY

STEVEN CASCIONE

RICHARD DELPONTE

JACK HUTSON

CHRISTOPHER SABBAGH

DIANNE THIBEAULT

TED TRAFTON

Staff

MARY O’ROURKE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARY@CHILDRENS-WISHES.ORG
RUTH NAPOLITANO
VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR
RUTH@CHILDRENS-WISHES.ORG
TRACY WATERS
PROGRAM SERVICES DIRECTOR
KATE RICHARDSON
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
KATE@CHILDRENS-WISHES.ORG
MICHELE VIDMAR
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
MICHELE@CHILDRENS-WISHES.ORG
LORRAINE PELOQUIN
GOLF PROGRAM DIRECTOR
LORRAINE@CHILDRENS-WISHES.ORG
PAM FERRUCCI
DONOR MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
PAM@CHILDRENS-WISHES.ORG

Advisory Board

CO-CHAIRS: TRACY WATTERS & KAREN JIMENEZ

BOARD MEMBERS:

LISA COSTA

BETHANY BEAUREGARD

JESSICA TOBIN

GINA SABITONI-ARAKELIAN

AUSTIN PRARIO

DANIEL AYRIYAN

MEGHAN KIERNAN

SABINA PIORKOWSKI

ALYSSA WICK