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