A granted wish has the power to transform lives. It can restore hope and unite people. It can replace fear with confidence, despair with joy, and sadness with happiness. Wishes give us something to believe in, and when we work together to make someone else’s wish come true, we’re reminded that there’s magic inside all of us.
Each day, some of the most important wishes are made a reality at Make-A-Wish® Utah for children who are fighting critical illnesses—but it wouldn’t be possible without the staff, volunteers, medical professionals, and community members who wholeheartedly support the non-profit’s mission.
“On average, Make-A-Wish Utah receives over 3,000 donations a year,” says Daniel Dudley, president and CEO. “I’ve been with this organization for 12 years and have taken part in over 2,000 granted wishes. Not only is that amazing in itself, but it’s been so rewarding to work with the individuals and organizations that help us make dreams come true.”
In 2016, when Heather Kahlert, executive vice president of The Kahlert Foundation, visited Make-A-Wish Utah’s headquarters for a tour, she immediately recognized the influence of the organization and how it touches so many families’ lives. She knew she wanted to get involved, and she did—from serving on their board for over seven years to connecting the Foundation to the non-profit.
“The Kahlert Foundation’s support has been monumental for Make-A-Wish Utah,” shares Dudley. “They’ve helped us reach over 650 children and their families. For each child, the level of impact has been deep and will last their entire lives. We often hear from families that the wish stayed with them—it’s not fleeting, it’s not about a singular moment, the memories each wish provides stays with them forever.”
With the Foundation’s most recent unrestricted gift of $2.5 million, Make-A-Wish Utah has been able to put the contribution towards several aspects of their organization, one being The Kahlert Foundation Wishing Place. This facility serves as a beacon for Wish Kids, allowing them to step into a world of imagination and endless possibilities.
“It’s a unique building, designed by Wish Kids for Wish Kids,” explains Dudley. “It’s very interactive and encourages them to look towards a bright future—from the stain glass constellations made up of over 3,000 children’s stars, to a secret wishing room in a tower where a child can submit their wish to a Wishing Wizard. This incredible place is all due to the creative minds of Wish Kids and the commitment of organizations such as The Kahlert Foundation.”
In February 2024, The Kahlert Foundation Board of Directors attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Wishing Place and witnessed the delight it brought to so many children’s faces. “The ribbon cutting was an amazing opportunity to meet kids from every decade we have been involved,” shares Heather Kahlert, executive vice president. “Each child held up a poster with their wish on it—and the smiles on their faces were priceless.”
In addition to the enhancements of The Kahlert Foundation Wishing Place, giving helps cover wish costs, meaning the non-profit can continue to make more children’s wishes come true during a critical time in their medical journey.
“Our donors and volunteers are really the arms and legs of our organization,” says Dudley. “With each wish, they’re helping a child feel more resilient and find a renewed zest for life—it’s so impactful.”
Making Wishes Come True in Maryland Too
In addition to supporting Make-A-Wish Utah, The Kahlert Foundation has the privilege of partnering with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, Inc. With this partnership, the Foundation helps ensure kids in the Baltimore area have the opportunity to experience the transformative and life-changing abilities of a wish, as well as a community that rallies behind them.
