Grandparents Create Lasting Impact with $1 Million Gift Following Granddaughter's Wish

This Grandparents Day, Make-A-Wish Shines a Light on the Power of Grandparents' Support 

PHOENIX, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When Jim and Colleen Clark saw the joy on their granddaughter Olivia's face during her wish to go to Walt Disney World^® Resort, they experienced something profound and healing. They watched as Olivia, a then-4-year-old who had recently overcome a tumor, got a piece of her childhood back. The hope, strength and inspiration that the Clarks felt during the trip provided the catalyst for a $1 million gift to Make-A-Wish to support the recently created Starblazer Awards that recognize wish alumni – i.e., previous wish recipients – who are making outstanding contributions to society inspired by the impact of their wish. Make-A-Wish is sharing the Clarks' story in honor of Grandparents Day on Sept. 7 to underscore the vital role grandparents play in making wishes possible and to rally other grandparents to make life-changing wishes come true.

The Clarks represent a growing movement of grandparents whose personal connection to a wish has transformed them into passionate advocates for Make-A-Wish. They've endured the traumatic stress of a grandchild fighting a critical illness, and they've seen firsthand how a wish can be a game-changer, returning a sense of normalcy to the family and leading to better health outcomes. These grandparents are joined by tens of thousands of other grandparents across the country who champion the mission without having a direct connection. They understand that a wish provides a child, their family and their entire community with hope when it's needed most.

In honor of Grandparents Day, Make-A-Wish recognizes all of the grandparents who have stepped up to help grant wishes. Whether as donors, volunteers, advocates or supporters, grandparents play a critical role in the Make-A-Wish mission.

"Grandparents are some of the most dedicated and passionate supporters of wish kids nationwide," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. "Grandparents Day presents us with the perfect opportunity to say 'thank you' to all the grandparents who have chosen to channel their time, treasure and talent into helping make life-changing wishes come true."

Grandparents Day is a nationally recognized awareness day dedicated to honoring the important role grandparents play in society. It takes place on the Sunday after Labor Day every year.

To learn more about Make-A-Wish and get involved, visit wish.org.

About Make-A-Wish^®
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the #1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally in all 50 states throughout the U.S. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes worldwide; more than 390,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.

Make-A-Wish, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Make-A-Wish swirl-and-star logo are marks of Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

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SOURCE Make-A-Wish America