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A Wish Come True (AWCT) is the oldest wish granting organization in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Since Inception in 1982, we have granted close to 1,800 magical wishes and the growth of the organization has been incredible! In 2020, AWCT expanded it’s mission to “granting wishes AND providing resources to families before, during and after the wish. These resources include the Meghan Duffy Hardship Fund, which has supported over 155 wish families and $160,000 to families as they face financial instability due primarily to a loss of employment of one of the caretakers. Support has been for rent, utilities, car repairs, grocery cards and gas cards. In addition, resources are provided to families that cannot afford to send their children to “normal childhood activities” such as camp, sports teams, theatre, cheerleading etc. In 2023, AWCT opened Nap’s Nook, a beautiful room at their office that allows families to bring their children to enjoy games and fun in a safe environment while the parents can take a needed break in the relaxation center.
AWCT’s 2024 budget is $1.5 million. There are five full-time staff positions that include the Executive Director, Director of Philanthropy, Director of Program Operations, Assistant Wish Coordinator and the Finance Manager. Located at 6 Jefferson Drive in Coventry, RI the office is rented at a significantly reduced cost thanks to the generosity of the Finnegan Family.
There are 15 Board of Director seats with active committees for Governance, Finance and Fundraising.
At the core of what we do is the granting of magical wishes to children that are struggling with a life-threatening illness. The average cost of the Wish is $5,000 and can vary depending on the type of wish and the size of the family. We have seen a steady increase in wishes granted, with increased wishes in Massachusetts. Additionally, we recently accepted our first Wish Child in Connecticut.
As we know, the magical wish is a highlight of a journey that started as a nightmare. To hear those words that your child has a life-threatening illness and will be in a battle of their life is truly life-altering. It is traumatic. A Wish Come True wanted to embrace these families before, during and after the magical wish. It is what helps A Wish Come True stand out from other wish granting organizations.
The Meghan Duffy Hardship Fund was started in 2020 by Colleen and Frank Duffy. Their beautiful daughter Meghan lost her battle with cancer at the age of 11. The Hardship Fund was established to assist families when they were in financial crisis. The Duffy’s witnessed many families struggling to make ends meet during this difficult time. 1 in 4 families will file bankruptcy due to being behind in medical bills as well as normal bills such as rent, utilities, car repairs etc.
If a family is unable to afford necessities, they certainly cannot afford birthday and Christmas presents. A Wish Come True hosts a toy drive for families, where they can come to the warehouse to “shop” for their children while our elves wrap presents for them. It helps bring back their dignity and self esteem as they are able to make their own children smile.