The Hawaii chapter is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Volunteer committees assist in all phases of the chapter's work. Make-A-Wish relies solely upon individual, group, and corporate donations for its financial support. Major funding comes from contributors to the Combined Federal Campaign. We are not an Aloha United Way agency, but are eligible to receive funds through the Donor Choice Plan. We also rely heavily upon the donation of goods and services to meet the needs of specific wishes. Administrative/fund raising expenses are kept below ten per cent (10%). Make A Wish, Hawaii, Inc., dba the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Hawaii is certified by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization and is tax-exempt under Tax I.D. #99-0220777. Financial records are available to all responsible parties upon proper notice to and approval by the Board of Directors. Grant Thornton LLP conducted a full audit for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2008, finding no material weaknesses. The Hawaii chapter territory encompasses the entire State of Hawaii and any children being treated at hospitals in Hawaii. Although most of our funding comes from individuals. Other funding sources include corporations, foundations, community organizations, schools and churches. More than 96% of all money raised is used to grant wishes. The average cost of a wish is $5,500. The chapter has an endowment that it hopes one day can pay for all administration and fund raising costs. Make-A-Wish® does not engage in any telemarketing in order to raise funds. If you are called by someone purporting to be from the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, please call us at 537-3118 or toll free at 866-537-WISH. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® is in no way connected to an unauthorized chain letter encouraging people to send business cards to an Atlanta address on behalf of Craig Shergold, a seriously-ill boy or for emails regarding Amy Bruce and a ten cent donation to the Foundation. Both of these are considered hoaxes. If you receive such a chain letter, please call the sender and discourage their participation. For further information on the Craig Shergold or Amy Bruce urban legend, please call 1-800-215-1333, ext. 184 or visit http://www.wish.org/home/chainletters.htm. 2008 Audit Final
990 FYE 2008
Conflict of Interest Statement (pdf)
Ileiana had great difficulty choosing a wish, but finally decided she would like to visit Universal Studios in Hollywood. Because Ileiana does not have any siblings, she asked if she could invite her best friend along. Her wish was granted and the girls enjoyed long, fun-filled days at Universal Studios and nearby Hollywood. They also went "gangbusters" at Magic Mountain where they rode thrilling roller coasters and numerous other frightening rides. Ileiana and her family had the "time of their lives" and Ileiana wishes she was still in California. Many thanks to Jewelers for Children for sponsoring Ileiana's wish.