The 24-year partnership continues to transform lives by delivering hope to children with critical illnesses
PHOENIX, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Make-A-Wish® and Chi Omega are celebrating a significant milestone in their long-standing partnership: Chi Omega has raised over $40 million and helped grant thousands of life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since 2001, Chi Omega members have committed themselves to the mission of Make-A-Wish, contributing more than 1.5 million volunteer hours through fundraising, events, and chapter support.
With over 275,000 living Chi Omega members nationwide, the impact of this partnership continues to grow. From collegiate chapters to alumnae networks, Chi Omega members have rallied behind the power of a wish, bringing joy, strength, and hope to children and families across the country.
“For nearly 25 years, Chi Omega has stood with Make‑A‑Wish to bring hope to children with critical illnesses,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make‑A‑Wish America. “For every wish we grant, two more children are still waiting. Chi Omega’s unwavering commitment helps us reach more families faster so more wish kids can experience the joy and healing a wish can inspire.”
Chi Omega’s commitment shines through in stories like that of 14-year-old Luella, whose wish to visit a theme park in Orlando was made possible by the sorority’s efforts. As a heart transplant recipient, Luella, affectionately known as Lulu, found renewed joy through her wish experience. Her journey is one of thousands that reflect the life-changing impact of Chi Omega’s support for Make-A-Wish.
Research shows that a wish can play a meaningful role in a child’s emotional and physical well-being. Families and doctors often credit a wish with reducing stress, bringing comfort during treatment, and giving children a renewed sense of hope. The impact doesn’t end when the wish is granted; it stays with everyone involved, creating a lasting ripple effect of healing and resilience.
“Our partnership with Make-A-Wish has grown by leaps and bounds since the beginning of our alliance. Over the past 24 years, Chi Omega Sisters have helped make wishes come true in communities across the nation by raising over $40 million and donating more than 1.5 million volunteer hours,” said Missy Pask, Chi Omega Supreme Governing Council National Secretary. “The mission of Make-A-Wish resonates positively with our members since they have the unique opportunity to volunteer with Chi Omegas of all ages. We are grateful for all the hard work, dedication, and service that our members give to Make-A-Wish and look forward to our continued success and bright future together.”
Chi Omega is the largest women’s fraternal organization in the world, with 181 collegiate chapters, over 240 alumnae chapters, and more than 420,000 Initiates. Each year, over 9,000 women join Chi Omega, drawn by its commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. The organization continues to provide lifelong friendships and opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
For more information about the Make-A-Wish and the Chi Omega partnership, www.wish.org/chiomega.
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.
SOURCE MAKE-A-WISH AMERICA
